SPGA and Club Med unite for Sainte Anne Marine Park |15 May 2025

(L to r) Minister Flavien Joubert; SPGA CEO Allen Cedras; Lionel Kupper, VP Operation Club Med Indian Ocean and SPGA vice-chairperson Bernadette Willemin

SPGA and Club Med unite for Sainte Anne Marine Park

The Seychelles Gardens and Parks Authority and Club Med Seychelles have formalised a new partnership to strengthen collaboration on marine conservation and corporate initiatives within the Sainte Anne Marine National Park.

The agreement, signed at the resort, was witnessed by theMinister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Flavien Joubert, along with vice-chairperson of the Seychelles Gardens and Parks Authority (SPGA) Bernadette Willemin, chief executive Allen Cedras, and Lionel Kupper, Club Med's director of operations for Seychelles, Mauritius and South Africa.

Mr Cedras praised the longstanding cooperation between the two organisations, emphasising the significance of unified efforts in achieving shared environmental goals. “We have a clear vision of fostering a sustainable relationship where conservation efforts and partnerships flourish hand in hand. SPGA’s unwavering commitment to protecting the Sainte Anne Marine Park is also reaffirmed, along with the importance of deepening stakeholder engagement, promoting sustainable practices, and creating lasting legacies of environmental stewardship,” Mr Cedras stated.

For his part, Mr Kupper expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, noting its alignment with Club Med’s global sustainability mission. “We are so blessed to be part of the marine park of Sainte Anne, and this imposes a huge responsibility on us,” he said.

“Club Med follows a strictly green concept in all its resorts worldwide. We are eliminating plastic in daily operations and prioritise recycling as much waste as possible. We are well aware of how precious the Sainte Anne Marine Park is for Seychelles, and we are pleased to be part of this protection programme. We also brief our guests on the importance of this highly valued surrounding,” said Mr Kupper.

Minister Joubert reflected on his experience in conserving the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, dating back over two decades. He expressed pride in the park’s continued health and vitality, underscoring the success of conservation efforts.

“The strong collaboration between the SPGA and Club Med is a prime example of effective public-private sector cooperation, as they bring together resources, expertise, and shared commitment. Such a collaboration is essential for reaching shared objectives related to environmental preservation and sustainability,” he remarked, stressing the importance of engaging visitors not just as tourists, but as active participants in protecting the environment.

Through this agreement, SPGA will contribute expertise and personnel for marine conservation initiatives, including the Ranger for a Day programme and Turtle Nesting Experiences. Meanwhile, Club Med Seychelles will promote these activities, facilitate conservation-related events, provide space for educational materials and donations, and support the daily needs of on-duty SPGA Rangers working within the Sainte Anne Marine Park.

Contributed