Indian HC Suhag, SNPA chief Cedras lead tree-planting in Morne Seychellois National Park |31 July 2021

Messrs Suhag and Cedras planting the first two endemic palms in the Morne Seychellois National Park at Grand Anse

To mark World Nature Conservation Day on July 28, Indian High Commissioner to Seychelles, General Dalbir Singh Suhag and Seychelles National Parks Authority chief executive, Allen Cedras planted the first two of 75 endemic palms in the Morne Seychellois National Park at Grand Anse.

The remaining palm trees were planted by the Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA) staff and members of the Indian community in Seychelles.

The endemic palms Deckenianobilis are locally known as palmis.

The 75 trees also symbolise 75 years of India’s independence.

The SNPA has in the past collaborated with the Indian community on numerous tree-planting drives,but to take part in one that coincides with celebrationsof one of the world’s greatest nations, India, is a truly great honour.

World Nature Conservation Day is celebrated each year to acknowledge that a healthy environment is the foundation for a stable and healthy society.

The planting of the 75 endemic plants would bring varied benefits to nature and the country. It would help with conservation of the islands’ unique biodiversity as the palms would provide habitats for animalsand shade for the land, prevent soil erosion and help in combating climate change.

Addressing everyone present for the event, HC Suhag spoke about the importance of nature conservation.

“Both India and Seychelles share a love and reverence for the natural world i.e. forests, rivers, wildlife and seas, and there is a common feeling against all sorts of exploitation of nature. Indian philosophy and lifestyle have long been rooted in the concept of co-existence with nature. Conservation is ingrained in the Indian ethos, not just in tradition-bound villages, but even in urban areas,” he said.

HC Suhag mentioned the massive tree-planting programme that India is undertaking. He explained how Indians are nature-loving people and also talked about the various contributions that India is making towards Seychelles’ environment, such as the large investment they have made in solar panels for government buildings.

During the ceremony, HC Suhag donated a Covid-19 relief supply of masks, gloves, and hand sanitisers to SNPA staff.

The Indian Association of Seychelles also donated pressure washer and an extendable ladder.

“At the SNPA we welcome all the support we can get. Let me reassure the Indian High Commission and members ofthe Indian association that the supply of much-needed items donated today would be put to great use by our staff,”chief executive Cedras highlighted, while also expressing his support for future collaborations.

The activity was organised as per the Public Health Authority current guidelines vis-à-vis the Covid-19 pandemic.

Contributed