National parks mark 35th anniversary
Today marks 35 years since Seychelles’ two largest terrestrial national parks – Morne Seychellois and Praslin National Park – along with three marine national parks – Curieuse, Baie Ternay and Port Launay – were declared protected areas.
To celebrate this milestone, an exhibition was held yesterday in the lobby of Independence House.
Present at the event were Minister for Environment and Energy, Professor Rolph Payet; director general for climate affairs, adaptation and information Alain Decommarmond; and chief executive of the Seychelles National Park Authority Denis Matatiken, among other distinguished guests.
In his speech to officially open the exhibition, Prof. Payet described islands as living laboratories.
“Contributing to only 5% of the Earth’s landmass, they provide critical habitats to more than 20% of all birds, reptiles and plant species. Islands also harbour 50% of the world’s known marine biodiversity and consist of almost half of the 34 global conservation hotspots,” he noted.
Minister Payet also pointed out the many advantages of having protected areas, such as their contribution to unpolluted natural air, freshwater, the maintenance of artisanal fisheries despite fish being caught on a daily basis.
During the ceremony awards were given to past chief executives of the parks – Jean-Claude Michel, Lindsay Chang Sam, Mary Stravens, Nirmal Shah, Ronny Renaud, Louis Denousse and Barry Adrienne.
Winners of a photography competition were also rewarded. In the first category under the theme ‘Landscape’ the first prize went to Vidura Fonseka, second to Patrick Valmont and third to Abinaya Pillay.
The first place winner for the ‘Flora and Fauna’ category was Bettina Hortence, followed in second place by Talia Dupont and Marcus Ultsch in third place. A special mention went to George Rosette.
The third category under the theme ‘Human Activity’ was won by Lymiah Bibi in first place, Hamsaleela Senthilkumar in second place and Talia Dupont third. Veronique Dupont received a special mention.
A short story competition was also held and the 6-11 years old category was won by Santina Moumou in first place, Talia Dupont in second place and Sunjai Kannan third.
In the 12-17 years old category Isaac Jean-Louis came out first followed by Hamiela Marie in second place. Damien Ernesta and Jill Florine came out joint third.
The last category which was for the 18 years old and above was won by Bettina François in first place. Christel Jacques came out second while third place went to Hamsaleela Senthilkumar.
To celebrate this milestone, an exhibition was held yesterday in the lobby of Independence House.
Present at the event were Minister for Environment and Energy, Professor Rolph Payet; director general for climate affairs, adaptation and information Alain Decommarmond; and chief executive of the Seychelles National Park Authority Denis Matatiken, among other distinguished guests.
In his speech to officially open the exhibition, Prof. Payet described islands as living laboratories.
“Contributing to only 5% of the Earth’s landmass, they provide critical habitats to more than 20% of all birds, reptiles and plant species. Islands also harbour 50% of the world’s known marine biodiversity and consist of almost half of the 34 global conservation hotspots,” he noted.
Minister Payet also pointed out the many advantages of having protected areas, such as their contribution to unpolluted natural air, freshwater, the maintenance of artisanal fisheries despite fish being caught on a daily basis.
During the ceremony awards were given to past chief executives of the parks – Jean-Claude Michel, Lindsay Chang Sam, Mary Stravens, Nirmal Shah, Ronny Renaud, Louis Denousse and Barry Adrienne.
Winners of a photography competition were also rewarded. In the first category under the theme ‘Landscape’ the first prize went to Vidura Fonseka, second to Patrick Valmont and third to Abinaya Pillay.
The first place winner for the ‘Flora and Fauna’ category was Bettina Hortence, followed in second place by Talia Dupont and Marcus Ultsch in third place. A special mention went to George Rosette.
The third category under the theme ‘Human Activity’ was won by Lymiah Bibi in first place, Hamsaleela Senthilkumar in second place and Talia Dupont third. Veronique Dupont received a special mention.
A short story competition was also held and the 6-11 years old category was won by Santina Moumou in first place, Talia Dupont in second place and Sunjai Kannan third.
In the 12-17 years old category Isaac Jean-Louis came out first followed by Hamiela Marie in second place. Damien Ernesta and Jill Florine came out joint third.
The last category which was for the 18 years old and above was won by Bettina François in first place. Christel Jacques came out second while third place went to Hamsaleela Senthilkumar.
Forrás: www.nation.sc