DUBAI – The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, has spoken of his country’s ambitious climate-change targets and urged other countries to follow his example at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Seychelles is one of the world’s smallest countries – an archipelago that comprises 115 islands and home to beaches, coral reefs and natural reserves, as well as rare animals.
Speaking just days before the COP 26 conference gets under way in the UK next week, President Ramkalawan revealed why such targets were important: “Small as we are, 32 per cent of our ocean is under protection, as well as 48 per cent of our land mass. We want to show other countries that we are leading by example.”
The President was speaking as part of Seychelles’ Expo 2020 National Day, accompanied by Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism,who earlier attended the country’s Expo 2020 National Day celebrations .
President Ramkalawan cited the importance of Expo 2020 Dubai in encouraging further collaborations between countries on everything from environmental goals to tourism. “We’ve had successful meetings with many tour operators, and Emirates has announced that it will now offer two daily flights to the Seychelles,” he said, adding that the airline’s decision was based on the country’s increasing popularity.
Tourism in Seychelles has been on the rebound since the pandemic, according to Radegonde. “Already this year, we have surpassed the number of visitors last year,” he said.
The only requirement for a visit to the Seychelles currently is a 72-hour negative PCR test result. Initiatives helping to attract visitors include the ‘workcation’ programme, allowing up to a year’s stay.