Motion to set up green zones approved
16.10.2009
The National Assembly has approved a motion to set up green zones and help protect coastal regions that are most threatened by erosion.
The motion, tabled by elected member for Bel Ombre Nicholas Prea, was passed unanimously by the assembly on Tuesday after he explained that we are vulnerable to coastal erosion that can affect our tourism and fishing industries.
He added that erosion is most common on our granitic islands, where our coastal areas are very narrow and the reclaimed zones can be seriously affected by a rise in the sea level.
Mr Prea said both government and the private sector have a role to play to ensure these zones are protected and that developments are more environmentally friendly.
“Some of these areas can become beach or environment parks in many districts, and the people can develop their own coastal zone by planting coconut trees, takamaka and other vegetation,” he added.
In his district he has identified the Anse Diri, Anse Major and Marie-Laure areas that can become green zones.
He said these developments can be an attraction for tourists and at the same time help to protect our coastline.
The flooding of our agricultural and coastal land, as well as the fact that our seawalls and roads are being destroyed by waves, are signs that we need to step up our efforts to address these problems.
Presenting his motion, Mr Prea said the green zone projects can be carried out by the people. They should not rely on the government but instead take responsibility themselves.
Seychelles and other small island states have spoken a lot about sea-level rise and its consequences for coastal areas, and we also have the Sea Level Rise Foundation here, he added.
But we need to carry out projects to show the rest of the world that we are serious about this issue of climate change and can initiate measures to ensure our coasts are protected.