HSH Theodora Von Leichtenstein meets with Ceps’ CEO and environmental NGOs |19 May 2022

HSH Theodora in a souvenir photograph with representatives of the NGOs (Photo: Contributed)

As part of her visit to the country, HSH Theodora Von Leichtenstein met with ten NGO representatives who are involved in different types of environment projects such as filming and advertising as a method to educate the younger generations on the importance of protecting the environment, sustainable tourism, organic food production, conservation and protection of different species in the environment ecosystem and the group working with vulnerable children.

Princess Theodora was accompanied by Camillo Sandri DVM, PhD Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist and Caterina Spiezio, the head of Research and Conservation Department both from the Parco Natura Viva, a safari park and zoo in Bussolengo, Veneto, northern Italy and

Filippo Sandri.

In her introduction Princess Theodora briefed her audience on the aim of the Green Teen Team which she founded in 2014. She also declared that she is an active participant in running the foundation’s objectives that is to help save endangered species of plants and animals to conserve our planet’s biodiversity. This is done, in part, by empowering children to be able to make changes to their lives, consequently the lives of others and the life of the planet.

HSH Theodora, the NGO representatives together with the chief executive of Ceps, Alvin Laurence, of the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles were engaged in a fruitful discussion. They elaborated on the various sustainable activities they are undertaking at the moment, and the different challenges they encounter along the way. It is important to note that these NGOs work with various age groups in the society and abroad, and most of them declared that the amount of effort they put in their engagement reflects the tremendous passion they have for the environment.

The delegates from Parco Natura Viva, Caterina Spiezio and Camillo Sandri, highlighted the potential of exchanging students and youth from Seychelles to assist scientists with the research project which they are currently undertaking on the Aldabra Giant Tortoises, in addition to involving the vulnerable children to help participate in this exchange programme to help expert in the collection of data during school holidays.

Camillo Sandri also highlighted that this will develop their knowledge and benefit them in the near future.

HSH Theodora declared that she will connect with each representatives present and select a youth to represent the Green Teen Team in Seychelles.

She then mentioned that the Green Teen Team will invite each representative from the ten NGOs present to attend the youth forum which the Green Teen Team usually organises as a way to explore a wider collaboration with international NGOs.

Contributed