Seychellois Angelique Pouponneau among 100 most influential Africans of 2021 |31 January 2022
Angelique Pouponneau as featured on the http://100.newafricanmagazine.com/ website
Another feather in the cap of our young Seychellois Angelique Pouponneau! She now features among the ‘100 Most Influential Africans of 2021’ for her efforts in “cleaning up the seas”.
This list has been published by New African Magazine.
“The people who appear on the list are recognised for doing something to change the world – regardless of the consequences of their actions. The final list of influencers is chosen by the editors of the Time after consultations with their international staff as well as alumni of the list. The listing continues to have a powerful impact across the world,” states the magazine.
Seychelles NATION contacted Ms Pouponneau once we learned about this achievement and she herself was surprised. “I found out recently that New African Magazine had included me in their list of 100 most influential Africans as one of the new faces of tenacious African climate negotiators. I was surprised! They had not informed me, so I only learned about it when it was shared on Twitter.”
How does she feel about it? “I feel very proud and appreciate the recognition of my hard work and efforts. The fact that the recognition relates to my work in climate change and as a climate negotiator is heartening. Climate negotiations are tough – they are mentally and physically exhausting, working 20-hour days during the intersessions and COPs and at the end of the day getting the best you can for your country and people based on international politics. I have to say it is always rewarding fighting for small island developing states, so I always go back! Of course, in my opinion, Africa holds the highest human potential to harness with the continent with the youngest population. To be identified among all the many outstanding innovators and changemakers is an honour.”
To introduce our young Seychellois, New African Magazine states: “Angelique Pouponneau is a young environmental lawyer specialising in natural resources and the law of the sea. She is the new face of tenacious African climate negotiators. She co-founded the small islands developing states (Sids) Youth AIMS Hub Seychelles, dedicated to preserving the environment and promoting sustainable development.”
“It led the campaign ‘Seychelles Free From Plastic Bags’ to draw attention to the harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment and instil a sense of environmental responsibility in young people. The publicity drawn by this campaign contributed to the Seychelles government banning plastic bags altogether.”
“She has worked in different countries in the Caribbean, Pacific and the Indian Ocean on a wide range of projects relating to sustainable fisheries, sustainable management of marine biodiversity within and beyond national jurisdiction, and climate change, in particular, climate adaptation and climate finance.”
“Her dedication to the environment inspired thousands of young people across not only Africa, but the world, to demand better deals and action from global governments during COP26.”
Seychelles NATION congratulates Ms Pouponneau on another outstanding achievement.
Vidya Gappy