Fifty-two endemic trees representing each of the 52 small islands developing states (Sids) have been planted at the Biodiversity Centre at Barbarons.

The activity is an initiative of the Ministry of Environment and Energy and has been sponsored by Cable & Wireless Seychelles.

“Having planted a tree for each island, we are grouping all the islands here in Seychelles. And planting a tree is not for today but it is for our future,” said the Minister for Environment and Energy, Professor Rolph Payet, during the activity.

Also present were the chief executive of the National Botanical Gardens Foundation Raymond Brioche, chief executive of Cable & Wireless Charles Hammond, students and other guests.

“The main aim of this activity was to get the pupils to go and do research on each of the 52 Sids as we want the school to know more about them. And we also want to have a symbolic way of remembering all the islands. I think it will be interesting for tourists and everyone who come to visit the centre,” Prof. Payet added.
Next to each tree is a plaque with the name of the island on it but Prof. Payet said later these will be replaced with plaques containing information about each of the islands.
 
The area where the endemic trees have been planted at the centre is called the “Ally of Sids”.

During the ceremony the song ‘We are beautiful’ composed and sung by Joe Samy was officially launched as the campaign for the Sids. 

“Being a company with a long existence here in Seychelles, we find it justified to be contributing to such activity. And what is most important is that we are bringing an environmental benefit to the country. Talking with the Ministry of Environment and Energy and seeing its calendar of activities, we at Cable & Wireless are going to support the activities where we can,” said Terry Servina, Cable & Wireless’ public relations manager.

Forrás: www.nation.sc