Clean Up the World 2019 |26 September 2019
SNPA and Air Seychelles staff in a souvenir photograph marking the event
Air Seychelles and SNPA team up to clean Cassedent area
To support this year’s Clean Up the World campaign themed ‘Yes, we can beat plastic pollution’, Air Seychelles joined the Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA) to clear the Cassedent water catchment area last Saturday.
Located in Sans Soucis, popular among the local residents as well as visitors for its fresh water source, Cassedent falls within the Morne Seychellois National Park which is managed by the SNPA.
Air Seychelles’ head of corporate affairs, Sheryl Barra said: “Part of Air Seychelles corporate social responsibility is focused on working with key partners to support the protection of the Seychelles environment.
“As the airline maintains an excellent partnership with the SNPA, it was a good opportunity to get our staff involved in the clearing of the area, in support of this year’s Clean Up the World campaign.
“The area chosen is mostly frequented by the locals who collect and consume the fresh water from the spring and also seen by visitors as an attraction which was noticeable during the activity.”
Commenting on behalf of the SNPA Eric Sophola, senior parks officer, said: “It is disheartening to see an area that is frequented by so many to be filled with a lot of plastic waste such as empty water bottles, plastic bags, straws and others, even now that more emphasis is being placed on the potential dangers caused by plastic items and the fact that it takes so long to degrade.
“It is imperative that the general public understands that the road opposite the Cassedent water source should not be used as a dumping site and the importance of safeguarding the Seychelles environment for ourselves as well as for the future generation.
“We are very appreciative for the partnership maintained with Air Seychelles, for its continuous support and willingness in assisting us with the up-keeping of the different sites under the protection of the SNPA including this area in Sans Soucis.”
The SNPA and Air Seychelles are jointly appealing to all those accessing the location to refrain from throwing all kinds of waste on the opposite roadside including in the water source, as the waste will potentially contaminate the area, be hazardous to the water catchment and those consuming the water.