SIF AGM highlights progress and community commitment on Praslin Island |01 April 2025
Bernard Georges, chairperson of the SIF board
The Seychelles Islands Foundation successfully held its Annual General Meeting from March 28 to 31, 2025, on Praslin.
This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) served as a vital opportunity to reaffirm the foundation’s commitment to engaging with the local community and promoting sustainable development on the island.
On the opening day, the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) proudly launched its ‘Giveback Programme’ in the presence of two ministers: the Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs and the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment. This initiative underscores the Foundation's ongoing dedication to fostering strong relationships with the local community. It includes an annual budget specifically designated for community engagement projects, ensuring that SIF’s activities positively impact the livelihoods of the community.
The second day focused on the Aldabra House, emphasising the importance of creating an engaging experience for visitors. Further discussions highlighted the progress achieved under the Rat and Cat eradication feasibility studies, which are crucial for understanding whether the project can be successfully planned for the atoll in the years to come, thereby enhancing the resilience of the unique biodiversity of Seychelles’ exceptional natural heritage
Additionally, on the third day, SIF’s Patron, President Wavel Ramkalawan, joined the board to listen to the challenges and progress SIF has made. He reinforced the importance of the Foundation's involvement in the Assumption Development project, underlining that active engagement by SIF is critical for the effective conservation management of Aldabra.
In response to these discussions, the SIF Board has resolved to facilitate meetings between SIF management, the Department of Environment, the Islands Development Company (IDC), Island Conservation Society (ICS), and other potential stakeholders. These collaborative meetings will aim to clearly delineate roles and identify pathways for enhanced engagement in conservation efforts including biosecurity.
On the final day, the board discussed progress made on Aldabra science, SIF’s strategic priorities and its human services and support structure. The SIF AGM successfully showcased the Foundation's unwavering commitment to environmental protection and community involvement, setting an ambitious agenda for the future.
Contributed