Climate change tops agenda

The future projections of climate change and sea-level rise in Seychelles and the impact on the coastal areas of the islands in the medium to long-term was the focus of the first Cabinet of Ministers meeting for this year.

The meeting, chaired by President James Michel, was held on Wednesday at State House.

The Cabinet reviewed reports of studies conducted in Seychelles between 2011-2013, and the implications they have for planning and mitigation efforts.
The Cabinet also discussed the integration of sea-level rise projections in national planning exercises.

“We must prepare ourselves for the eventualities of our coastlines being heavily impacted by climate change, and reinforce our mitigation and protection efforts. At the same time, now more than ever, we must ensure the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) talks in Paris this year produce a legally binding agreement that will slow down climate change, and prevent the significant sea-level rise that threatens the survival of our islands,” said President Michel, who currently holds the portfolio for environment and energy.

The Cabinet also discussed an imminent project for the creation of a climate change training centre of excellence, in partnership between the Division of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM), Souther African Development Community (SADC), the University of Seychelles and other partners, to be able to train and educate Seychellois experts in climate change mitigation.

Forrás: www.nation.sc