HSI and SNPA collaborate to re-open Morne Seychellois trail |24 April 2021

(L to r) Mr Remy, Minister Joubert and Mr Woodcock after the signing (Photo: Louis Toussaint)

In keeping with the theme of this year’s Earth Day, which is ‘Restore Our Earth’, the Seychelles National Park Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with H. Savy Insurance (HIS) to restore the Morne Seychellois trail.

The agreement was signed on Thursday by the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Flavien Joubert; the chief executive of SNPA, Selby Remy; and the general manager of HIS, Lambert Woodcock and it guarantees a donation of R250,000 from HSI that will go towards the Morne Seychellois park.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr Woodcock said that this donation was supposed to be made last year to coincide with its 25th anniversary, but due to the pandemic the plan was halted.

He noted that this donation is part of the company’s social responsibility.

“It has been a long while since the Morne Seychellois trail has been accessible to the public and visitors, and with the donation the trail will be able to reopen so that it can be used once again,” said Mr Woodcock.

He also stressed the importance of respecting the environment that surrounds the trail as it plays an important role in our ecosystem.

Marie-Paule Samson, manager corporate affairs & compliance added that HSI was looking for a project to donate to when it turned 25 so they agreed to re establish the trail at Morne Seychellois when SNPA brought the project to their attention.

On his part the minister expressed his gratitude to HSI for its donation.

He noted that this is part of the sustainability plan by SNPA and the R250,000 will help them kick-start this plan, adding that SNPA cannot do what it does alone so it needs the help and cooperation of partners like HSI.

“Generally the private sector has assisted a lot when it comes to environment projects and I think it's important that we keep up this relationship and encourage other donors to come together and help in any way they can as it is not only about conservation but also getting our people outdoors to enjoy the environment,” he added.

Referring to the many instances of vandalism and littering at various nature parks and trails in the country of late, the minister implored the public to stop these destructive practices and work together in keeping our environment clean.

“When such acts are committed it creates an insecure environment for people who are trying to enjoy the trail and nature,” said Minister Joubert.

Eric Sophola, park officer for SNPA, said that this donation will be used to clear the trail as there are many debris that are blocking it as well as build a staircase to make it more accessible to visitors.

Christophe Zialor