DRMD Exhibition   |14 October 2023

‘Fighting inequalities for a resilient future’

An exhibition showcasing past and ongoing efforts towards disaster risk reduction in Seychelles took place at Camion Hall yesterday on the occasion of International Day for Disaster and Risk Reduction, held under the theme ‘Fighting Inequalities for a resilient future’.

Organised by the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) and its different partners, the exhibition brought together ministries, departments, agencies and non-profit organisations. 

These included the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change & Environment, Ministry of Local Government & Community Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Employment, the Red Cross Society of Seychelles, Seychelles Meteorological Authority and WASO.

The exhibition was launched during a short ceremony by the Minister for Internal Affairs, Errol Fonseka, who stated that Seychelles must understand the seriousness and urgency of disaster risk reduction in a world where things continuously change.

He highlighted that risk reduction is vital and preparedness must be done while considering all possible angles.

Minister Fonseka also conceded that there is a limit to how far we can pre-empt disaster, as however much we may prepare for all eventualities, sometimes there are unknowns that do happen unexpectedly.  One such example is Covid-19, an epidemic which threatened food security given the country’s dependence on importation, illustrating Seychelles’vulnerability.  He also thanked DRMD and all its associative partners for the work they do to safeguard the country.

The Minister for Local Government & Community Affairs, Rose-Marie Hoareau, also addressed the audience highlighting the theme underscored the vital importance of preventing and reducing loss despite one’s status, wealth, religion, colour or political affiliation. 

She stated that her ministry takes immense pride in their unwavering commitment to serving Seychelles’ communities on the principle of equity and inclusivity, and ensures that they provide support and resources to all, irrespective of one’s background and circumstances. 

Minister Hoareau reiterated that the heart of her ministry’s endeavour lies in their district brigades, a group of dedicated volunteers who, without a second thought, step in during incidents and disasters within their respective districts.  Also, she stated that the exhibition sparks constructive inter-ministerial and inter-agency dialogues and inspire greater collaborations.

Following her address, Minister Hoareau received a donation from the Red Cross Society of Seychelles.

The International Day for Disaster and Risk Reduction is an opportunity to acknowledge global progress in preventing and reducing disaster risk and losses, and this year’s theme aligns with the Sendai Framework.  That is, the international agreement to prevent and reduce loss of lives and livelihoods, economies and basic infrastructure.  This was deeply explored by Daniel Cetoupe, the chief risk management officer for DRMD.  He stated that inequality in all its forms creates the condition that exposes individuals to the perils of disasters, and these disasters impact the poorest and most vulnerable.

Mr Cetoupe cited that according to the United Nations, by 2030, the impact of climate change and disasters are estimated to push an additional 37.6 million people into the depths of extreme poverty.

He reminded us that Seychelles will not be spared, because with growth and development, we expect the associated risk to increase as Seychelles is a small island state, dependent on the globalised world.

Mr Cetoupe said that the solution lies in the country’s ability to prevent the destructive power of hazards from escalating into full fledge disasters. This will require careful coordinated planning designed to reduce people’s exposure and vulnerability to harm.

He further added that DRDM strives to be a centre of excellence for disaster risk reduction among small island developing states, and it aims at achieving a resilient Seychelles.

This is not possible alone and Mr Cetoupe took the opportunity to thank all their partners and stakeholders for the continued dedication and support in delivering DRMD’s mandate.

Sheryl Kilindo

Photos by Louis Toussaint