Representing the Seychelles Defence Forces, Major Ivel Ernesta
Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr. David Bianchi
Principal Secretary for the Department for Land Transport, Mr. Patrick Andre
Principal Secretary for Energy and Climate Change, Mr. Tony Imaduwa
Crew Manager at Seypec (Seychelles Petroleum Company), Mr. Alain Asba
Harbour Master, Seychelles Ports Authority, Captain Jean-Paul Fanchette
Department of DICT, Mr. Hendrick Andre
Members of the Media
Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,
Good morning,
As we mark this important milestone, in that we are handing over and sharing critical data consisting of hydrographic maps, to major stakeholders, I wish to take a moment to speak on this matter which is central to the long-term value of this initiative: the importance of data sharing within government.
The hydrographic and geospatial data we have received—from both the United Kingdom and the Republic of India—represents far more than lines and coordinates on a map. The hydrographic data received from the the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) consist mostly of data obtained during the recent Praslin/Mahe Surveys undertaken by the British Survey team and some data of areas falling outside of the Praslin/Mahe area. The data received from the Indian Navy consist of data from previous surveys done in different parts of our waters. As I speak, the Seychelles National Hydrographic Committee is in preparation to travel to India for further corporation in the field of hydrography. This Committee, is chaired by the CEO of SMSA, with the Chief of Seychelles Defence Forces as the Vice Chair, and includes pertinent stakeholders.
When data is shared across ministries and agencies, it empowers us to make better decisions—together. Whether we are planning sea lanes, ports, roads, coastal defences, or utility networks, we must rely on the same accurate information. This ensures coordination, avoids duplication, and strengthens our collective ability to serve the public. It is a strategic resource, and like all strategic resources, it must be used wisely and shared effectively.
This data also plays a vital role in safety and security—on land and at sea. With detailed knowledge of underwater wrecks, cable routes, and shoals, we can safeguard navigation, protect national assets, and prevent accidents. The Seychelles Petroleum Company, for example, relies on such data to operate safely and plan its infrastructure investments with precision.
Furthermore, data sharing is essential for our efforts to adapt to climate change. The tide gauges installed on Mahé and Praslin will help monitor sea-level rise. Their data must reach not only the Ministry of Transport, but also the Department of Climate Change, the Ministry of Environment, and our disaster risk units—because resilience is a shared responsibility.
As a government, our duty is to ensure that public data serves the public good. That means fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and coordination. It means breaking down silos and building bridges between institutions.
Let us not view this data as belonging to any one entity—but rather as a shared national asset, critical to our sustainable development goals, and the prosperity of future generations.
Thank you.
Distinguished colleagues, esteemed panelists,
I am honoured to join this crucial discussion on climate action for inland transport, hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). As a Small Island Developing State, Seychelles faces immediate challenges from climate change, which also impacts our inland transportation systems. As we are aware, SIDS have concentrated economies which render them especially vulnerable to external shocks. These economies, like tourism, can be irreversibly damaged by adverse weather events like cyclones and tropical storms, such as that which recently devastated the Mayotte islands in the Indian Ocean.
Seychelles’ inland transport network is vital for connecting our people, communities, and industries. However, we face unique challenges due to our island geography. One of our main challenges is sea level rise and serious erosion of our coastline. As an island state, most of our roads are coastal roads, constantly battered by intense waves and abnormally high tides. We also suffer from unpredictable weather and storms which recently battered and flooded our coastal areas, and road infrastructure, and further caused various landslides cutting off communities. To protect our critical road network, it is imperative that we implement both soft and hard engineering measures to minimize these high risks.
Recognising the need for change, we are focused on transitioning to sustainable inland transport systems to reduce our carbon footprint and build resilience. One of our key actions is the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce emissions. We are incentivising their adoption by both private individuals and the public sector. Alongside this, we are working to expand and modernize our public transportation system. This includes the implementation of more energy-efficient buses and the development of infrastructure to support greener mobility options. Furthermore, Seychelles is actively exploring alternative public transport solutions to mitigate congestion and ensure sustainable mobility for its citizens. One such option is the consideration of the establishment of a light railway system. We are hopeful that this railway system will provide a crucial link between the northern and southern areas, thereby enhancing connectivity while reducing reliance on private vehicles which is one of the contributors to carbon emissions. We have pledged with the UNDP and UNFCCC and will partner, to achieve the following two NDC goals, first, to reduce carbon emissions by 26.4% from the normal by 2030; secondly, to reduce carbon emissions to 0% by 2050.
We are focused on sustainable road maintenance, upgrading existing roads, and constructing new ones. In addition, we are adopting sustainable road maintenance practices to minimize environmental impacts while ensuring that our inland transport system remains resilient to climate change. This includes the use of more eco-friendly materials and designs that can withstand the challenges of rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
By improving our roads, we aim to reduce congestion, which will lower emissions, improve air quality, reduce travel time, and enhance road safety—helping us meet our 2021–2030 Road Safety Targets.
Seychelles is also committed to enhancing climate-resilient road infrastructure. Our goal is to create a sustainable, interconnected transport network that supports economic growth while protecting our natural environment. This requires not only national commitment but also continued support and partnerships with international organizations and stakeholders.
I am thus here today to collaborate and seek assistance to achieve 5 strategic goals for Seychelles:
I remind you that climate change poses an existential threat to Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean, the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. We have small populations with minimal resources. I leave you with the same thought that I posed to the International Court of Justice in December 2024: will our people have to disappear and be displaced from our islands, our would it be better if we have the necessary assistance and collaboration to protect our islands and people, and maintain a sustainable economy?
With this, I thank the UNECE for organising this important platform, which enables us to share ideas and work towards solutions that benefit us all. Together, we can ensure that inland transport systems are part of the solution to climate change, rather than a contributor to the problem.
Thank you.