Seychelles’ flag flies in Antarctica |14 March 2009

Belgian explorer Allain Hubert – founder of the International Polar Foundation (IPF) – and Philippe de Baets, Seychelles’ honorary consul in Belgium, planted the flag on February 15 to coincide with the opening of the Princess Elizabeth Station, the first zero-emission research station.

Apart from showing support for IPF activities, the gesture is a sign that Seychelles, as a small island state, is aware of the changes in Antarctica caused by global warming.

It also shows the country is aware that global warming and climate change have a knock-on effect, and that whatever is happening in the polar regions can have a direct impact on faraway countries like ours.

The Antarctic mission was set up last year after Seychelles’ ambassador in Brussels, Barry Faure, asked for a meeting with Mr Hubert.

Following their talks, which were also attended by Mr de Baets, Mr Hubert agreed to fly the Seychellois flag in Antarctica as symbol of cooperation.

Recently here on holiday, Mr Hubert said the very powerful gesture indicates we are all working for the same thing. And we should all join forces to try to come up with ideas on research to help minimise the impact of pollution.

He said without research it will not be possible to make the necessary links between the problems we are facing and their sources.

“We have to do things together to show the world that we are sharing the same planet and that we should have the spirit of solidarity,” added Mr Hubert.

The IPF was created to provide a new link between science and society. It seeks to bring about a keener appreciation of the role of science, and in particular scientific research in the polar regions, by re-examining the impact of human action on the environment and the evolution of millennial climate cycles.

The foundation develops its projects within the context of sustainable development, following its threefold mission of information, education and demonstration to the wider public.

It informs the public about the importance of polar research in understanding how the earth’s climate functions and publishes the results of research on the polar regions and on climate change.

It also educates by offering new tools and resources that will allow the educational community to communicate complex ideas to the younger generation.
Finally, it shows that action can be taken today to adapt our lifestyles in the face of current climate change. To this end, it offers its support to exemplary sustainable development initiatives.