He was speaking at the weekend at the preparatory commission for the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he was representing Joel Morgan, Minister for Home Affairs, Environment and Transport.

Also in the Seychelles delegation were Didier Dogley, principal secretary for environment, and Philip Morin, chief executive of the Seychelles Energy Commission.

In his speech during the high-level segment of the meeting, Dr Payet said: ‘Small Island Developing States such as Seychelles are facing an unprecedented task in ensuring long-term security of energy supply. The link between use of fossil fuels and climate change – which threatens our very existence – is undeniable, and our goal towards a low-carbon economy should be relentless.”

The conference, on October 23 and 24, adopted its 2011 work programme and budget, and made preparations for its first assembly, also next year.

The government of the UAE is the host of Irena and has announced a fund to finance renewable energy projects in developing countries to the tune of 183 million dirhams (about R200 million) a year.

During the visit to Abu Dhabi, the Seychelles delegation also met officials of Masdar, the UAE renewable energy company.

In January 2009, an agreement to develop a windfarm in Seychelles was signed with the UAE government after talks there by President Michel.

The windfarm is one more project funded through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to benefit the Seychellois people. The 7MW farm is already in its advanced planning stages and construction is expected to start late next year.