BHC awards female leaders for contribution to environmental work |14 February 2025

The awardees in a souvenir photograph

Women leading the way on climate action

The British High Commission (BHC) honoured nine outstanding women for their excellence in environmental leadership at the Women in Environment and Climate Finance forum held yesterday at Hilton DoubleTree.

The event, which brought together national and international experts, aimed to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing on gender-responsive climate finance and environmental action.

The awardees – Helena Sims, Marie-May Jeremie, Frauke Fleischer-Dogley, Caroline Abel, Alvania Lawen, Marie-Therese Purvis, Axelle Bodwell, Preethi Sushil Nair and Indira Gamatis – were recognised for their exceptional contributions to climate action, sustainable finance, biodiversity conservation, and environmental policy development.

A platform for women’s leadership in climate action

In his opening remarks the British High Commissioner to Seychelles, Jeff Glekin, emphasised the crucial role of women in leading climate action, and the significance of recognising their contributions.

“Women are at the heart of the fight against climate change. In Seychelles, we see incredible female leaders driving environmental policy, shaping sustainable finance, and ensuring that conservation efforts are backed by science and strong governance. These awards celebrate their dedication and leadership, reinforcing the message that women’s voices and expertise are vital in tackling the climate crisis. The UK remains committed to supporting gender-inclusive climate solutions and strengthening partnerships to build a sustainable future.”

The event featured expert presentations, panel discussions, and roundtable debates, providing a comprehensive overview of Seychelles’ climate finance landscape and opportunities to mobilise sustainable funding. The recognition ceremony marked a significant step in acknowledging the vital role of women in driving environmental change and strengthening Seychelles’ climate resilience.

Honourees and their contributions

Helena Sims, regional program manager, Oceans & Marine Spatial Planning, The Nature Conservancy Africa, has played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan, a landmark initiative in marine conservation and sustainable ocean governance.

Dr Marie-May Jeremie, chief executive of the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT), has been instrumental in financing and supporting climate resilience and biodiversity projects through innovative financial mechanisms such as the Seychelles Blue Bond and Debt-for-Nature Swap.

Dr Frauke Fleischer-Dogley, chief executive of the Seychelles Islands Foundation, has led efforts in the protection and sustainable management of Seychelles’ Unesco World Heritage Sites, including the Aldabra Atoll, ensuring long-term conservation strategies.

Caroline Abel, Governor, Central Bank of Seychelles, has championed sustainable finance policies and initiatives to integrate climate risk management into national economic planning and financial stability frameworks.

Alvania Lawen, representative, Parley for the Oceans, has been a leading advocate for blue carbon initiatives and ocean conservation, working on restoration projects and advancing policies that enhance Seychelles’ role in global marine ecosystem protection.

Marie-Therese Purvis, board member, Sustainability for Seychelles (NGO), has focused on the intersection of environmental sustainability and governance, pushing for stronger accountability measures in climate finance and advocating for policy reforms to criminalise ecological damage.

Axelle Bodwell, finance analyst, Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade, has been a key figure in integrating climate considerations into national investment projects, ensuring sustainability remains at the forefront of government spending decisions.

Preethi Sushil Nair, programme analyst, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Seychelles, has played a crucial role in integrating climate action with financial inclusion strategies, ensuring that vulnerable communities benefit from climate adaptation initiatives and funding opportunities.

Indira Gamatis, senior project coordinator, Biodiversity Finance Unit, Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, has been at the forefront of securing biodiversity finance and fostering synergies between climate adaptation and conservation efforts.

Contributed