AGP Executive Report

SBC Independence Under Fire: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill has sparked serious concerns from the SBC board, warning the proposed governance and funding setup could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence and editorial autonomy. Nature-Based Resilience Skills: Youths completed a five-day gabion construction training in Baie Lazare, aiming to boost watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience, with support from local agencies and conservation funding. Climate Cost Warning for Islands: UNCTAD warns that rising risks around the Strait of Hormuz could push oil prices up sharply, adding over US$20 billion a year to the fuel import bills of vulnerable economies—especially small island developing states. Conservation Through Plants: Eden Project Seychelles is selling the “Seychelles busy lizzie” from June 8, with profits directed to conservation projects protecting endangered endemic plants. Wildlife Mystery Solved: Scientists say the crocodiles once wiped out in the Seychelles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by DNA matching from living animals and historical museum specimens. World Environment Day Lens on Travel: A World Environment Day piece argues travel is shifting from “green choices” to destinations treating nature as essential infrastructure for resilience in a changing climate. Education Tech Boost: A Dubai digital education project has expanded in Seychelles, launching a new phase to train 100 teachers across 11 schools to better integrate digital tools in classrooms.

World Environment Day & Travel: A new push is reframing eco-tourism as destination-wide protection of beaches, reefs, mangroves and wildlife—not just “green choices” by individual hotels—highlighting regenerative tourism models and community resilience. Seychelles Conservation & Nature: Eden Project Seychelles is selling the “Seychelles busy lizzie” (bred to protect endangered endemic plants), with profits going to local conservation projects. Local Skills for Resilience: Youths completed a five-day gabion construction training in Baie Lazare to support watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience. SBC Independence Under Threat: Seychelles’ Public Media Alliance warns a new SBC bill could weaken editorial and financial independence, including through appointment and funding controls. Nature Science Spotlight: Scientists say vanished Seychelles crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified via DNA matching with museum specimens. Climate Cost Warning for Islands: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz tensions could drive oil prices up, hitting vulnerable economies and small island developing states with higher fuel bills. Tourism Pressure Measures: Major destinations are adding caps and booking systems as visitor numbers surge, pushing the “travel green” debate toward crowd management and fragile-site protection.

World Environment Day & Travel: A new push is reframing eco-tourism as destination-wide protection of beaches, reefs, mangroves and wildlife—not just “green” hotel tweaks—highlighting regenerative and community-led models as climate resilience tools. Seychelles Conservation & Skills: Young people in Seychelles completed a five-day gabion construction training to boost watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience, supported by local committees and partners. Seychelles Nature Spotlight: Eden Project Seychelles is offering the “Seychelles busy lizzie” from June 8, with profits aimed at conservation of endangered endemic plants. SBC Independence Under Threat: Seychelles’ public broadcaster board says a new SBC bill could weaken editorial and financial independence, raising concerns over governance and funding control. Marine Science Breakthrough: Scientists report that crocodiles once thought vanished in Seychelles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified through DNA work linking living animals and museum specimens. Climate Cost Warning for SIDS: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could push oil prices higher, adding over US$20bn a year to vulnerable economies’ import bills—an issue that hits small island states hard.

World Environment Day & Travel: A new push is emerging beyond “green escapes”: destinations are treating beaches, reefs, mangroves and wildlife reserves as essential infrastructure for community resilience in a changing climate. Seychelles Conservation & Nature Tourism: Eden Project Seychelles is selling the Seychelles busy lizzie (Impatiens “Ray of Hope”) from 8 June, with profits supporting local conservation of endangered endemic plants. Coastal Protection & Skills for Resilience: Youths completed a five-day gabion construction training to boost watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience, supported by local committees and partners. Seychelles Biodiversity Research: Scientists say vanished Seychelles crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by DNA matching from living animals and museum specimens. Media Independence Watch: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill has drawn serious concerns from the SBC board over governance and funding risks that could weaken editorial independence. Heat Adaptation: A climate-linked heatwave study highlights that reflective roof paint can cool homes and improve sleep for vulnerable families. Ocean & Wildlife Tourism: A guide spotlights where to swim with hawksbill turtles and parrotfish, tying memorable experiences to reef health.

Seychelles Governance & Media Freedom: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill has sparked alarm from the SBC board, warning it could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence—especially through changes to how board members, the chair and vice-chair are selected, plus funding controls that could be used to pressure services. Coastal Conservation & Nature: A new Seychelles conservation push is underway with Eden Project’s “Seychelles busy lizzie” (Impatiens ‘Ray of Hope’) for sale from June 8, with proceeds supporting local endangered plant protection. Local Climate Resilience Skills: Youths completed a five-day gabion construction training in Baie Lazare, building practical skills for watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience, supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. Wildlife Mystery Solved: Scientists say they’ve identified the vanished Seychelles crocodiles as the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, using DNA links between living animals and historical museum specimens. Heat Adaptation: A report highlights how reflective roof paint can cut indoor temperatures by about 3–4°C during the hottest hours, helping families sleep better in climate-stressed areas.

Watershed Skills for Resilience: Young people in Baie Lazare have just finished a five-day gabion construction training to boost watershed restoration, erosion control, and climate resilience, with support from the Seychelles Institute of Technology and the Risk and Disaster Management Division. Marine Conservation Spotlight: Eden Seychelles is selling the “Seychelles busy lizzie” (Impatiens) from June 8, with proceeds going straight to conservation projects that protect endangered endemic plants. Coastal Nature Recognition: Ahead of World Oceans Day, the world’s 100 best beaches list was announced, with two iconic UK beaches making the cut—good news for anyone planning ocean-focused travel. Heat Adaptation in the Region: A study on “cool roofs” shows painted roofs can cut peak indoor temperatures by about 3–4°C and improve sleep, offering a practical climate adaptation lesson for vulnerable communities. Seychelles Wildlife Mystery Solved: Scientists say the crocodiles once thought vanished from the Seychelles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by DNA matching from living animals and museum specimens. Tourism Pressure Response: Major holiday hotspots are adding caps and booking systems as visitor numbers surge, pushing destinations to manage crowding and protect fragile sites.

Tourism Pressure & Crowd Controls: European holiday hotspots are adding caps, booking systems and cruise limits as international travel rebounds, with Amsterdam capping overnight stays and sea-cruise calls to ease strain on residents and fragile sites. Energy Costs for Islands: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add about US$20.4bn a year to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, including small island states, as fuel prices surge. Seychelles Conservation Push: Eden Seychelles is selling the “Seychelles busy lizzie” (bred to protect endangered endemic plants), with profits going to local conservation projects. Wildlife Mystery Solved: Scientists say Seychelles crocodiles wiped out around 200 years ago were the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by DNA matching from museum specimens. Climate Heat Adaptation: A study on “cool roofs” reports painted roofs can cut peak temperatures by 3–4°C in monitored homes, helping people sleep better during heatwaves. Seychelles Governance Watch: The SBC board raises serious concerns that a new Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation bill could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence. Marine Life Tourism: A guide highlights where to swim with hawksbill turtles and parrotfish, pointing travellers toward reef-rich destinations.

Seychelles Conservation & Nature Tourism: Eden Seychelles is selling the “Seychelles busy lizzie” (Impatiens ‘Ray of Hope’) from June 8, with profits going to conservation of endangered endemic plants and pollinator-friendly habitat. Wildlife Science: Scientists say the crocodiles once wiped out on a remote Seychelles island were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by DNA matching between living animals and old museum specimens. Climate Adaptation: A study on heat adaptation in Africa reports homes with reflective roof paint can be 3–4°C cooler at peak heat, improving sleep for vulnerable families. Marine & Coastal Finance: India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation plans its first “blue bond” to fund ocean and coastal projects, with Seychelles noted as one of the island nations that has used similar debt tools. Local Governance & Media: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill has drawn serious concerns from the SBC board, warning it could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence through changes to appointments. Tourism Leadership: Seychelles reinstated its tourism board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO, signalling a new push for island tourism strategy. Marine Safety Standards: ICAO and SADC aviation bodies held a regional workshop in Seychelles on aircraft and pavement classification ratings to strengthen harmonised runway and apron maintenance.

Aviation & Infrastructure: ICAO and SADC aviation partners held a regional workshop in Seychelles on new Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating standards, stressing that modern, well-maintained runways and harmonised rules are vital for safer growth in Africa’s air connectivity. Wildlife & Science: A new study links Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles to the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, using DNA from living animals and rare museum specimens—revealing an extraordinary ocean-linked history. Public Broadcasting Governance: Seychelles’ SBC board says a new Broadcasting Corporation Bill could weaken the broadcaster’s independence, warning that proposed appointment changes may give the Executive greater influence. Climate Adaptation & Health: “Cool roofs” research highlights how reflective roofing can cut extreme heat indoors and improve sleep—an approach relevant to climate-vulnerable communities. Tourism Governance: Seychelles reinstated the Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO, with a renewed mandate to market Seychelles as a sustainable destination. Marine & Nature Tourism: A guide spotlights top places to swim with hawksbill turtles and parrotfish—useful for conservation-minded visitors. Heat & Vulnerable Economies: UNCTAD warns that Strait of Hormuz tensions could push up oil prices, hitting small island developing states and other vulnerable economies with higher living costs.

Wildlife Science: Scientists have identified the “vanished” Seychelles crocodiles as the westernmost saltwater crocodile population (Crocodylus porosus), matching DNA from living reptiles with genetic material from rare museum specimens. Local Governance: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill is drawing serious concern from the SBC board, which warns proposed changes could weaken the broadcaster’s independence by shifting appointment influence toward the Executive. Sustainable Tourism: Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO, with a renewed mandate to market the islands as a leading sustainable tourism destination. Climate & Health: A new “cool roofs” push is highlighted as a practical way to cut deadly heat impacts, improving sleep and health during extreme temperatures. Marine Tourism: A guide spotlights top places to swim with hawksbill turtles and parrotfish, feeding demand for reef-friendly, wildlife-focused travel. Heat & Adaptation: Research and pilots point to painted roofs helping households stay cooler and sleep better during heatwaves—an urgent issue for vulnerable communities.

Energy Prices & Vulnerable Economies: UNCTAD warns that escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are pushing oil and gasoline prices sharply higher, threatening nearly one billion people in the world’s most vulnerable economies—especially small island states and other fuel importers—by raising living costs and squeezing budgets. Seychelles Tourism Leadership: Seychelles reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO, with a renewed mandate to market Seychelles as a sustainable tourism destination. Heat Adaptation for Health: A study on “cool roofs” shows painted reflective roofs can cut peak indoor temperatures by about 3–4°C in Africa, improving sleep and health for vulnerable households. Marine Conservation Spotlight: A guide highlights top places to swim with hawksbill turtles and parrotfish, while Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi is praised for conservation efforts protecting nesting hawksbill turtles. Blue Economy Finance: India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation plans to issue the country’s first “blue bond” to fund ocean- and water-related projects, echoing how island nations like Seychelles have used similar financing.

Marine Life & Tourism: A new guide highlights top places to swim with hawksbill turtles and parrotfish, from Sipadan’s year-round turtle chances to Seychelles-relevant Indian Ocean reef experiences. Heat Adaptation & Health: Research on “cool roofs” shows painted reflective roofs can cut peak indoor temperatures by about 3–4°C in hot homes, improving sleep for vulnerable families—an urgent climate-health lesson for islands like ours. Seychelles Tourism Governance: Seychelles reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO, with a renewed mandate to market Seychelles as a leading sustainable tourism destination. Marine Protection Spotlight: Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi made global “best beaches” lists, with conservation of endangered hawksbill turtles and a nearby marine national park cited as key reasons. Conservation Partnerships: The Eden Project relaunched its Seychelles Environment Ministry partnership, with Impatiens “Ray of Hope” sales funding conservation projects for endangered endemic plants. Blue Economy Finance: India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation plans the country’s first “blue bond” to fund ocean and coastal infrastructure, echoing how island states can finance marine resilience. Marine Governance: Monaco’s Explorations de Monaco presented recommendations for better marine ecosystem protection, fisheries management, and regional cooperation across the Indian Ocean.

Heat adaptation for homes: A new study highlights how “cool roofs” can cut indoor temperatures by about 3–4°C during the hottest hours, helping families sleep better as climate-driven heatwaves intensify across Africa. Seychelles tourism governance: Seychelles reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO, with a renewed mandate to market the islands as a sustainable destination. Marine conservation push: Eden Project relaunched its Seychelles partnership, with Impatiens “Ray of Hope” sales funding conservation for endangered endemic plants. Indian Ocean marine policy: Monaco’s Blue Initiative presented 25 recommendations for better marine ecosystem protection, fisheries management, and regional cooperation across waters shared by Seychelles and neighbours. Seychelles wildlife science: Research on Seychelles warblers links cooperative nesting to more similar gut bacteria between interacting birds, pointing to how social behaviour can shape health. Blue bond for ocean projects: India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation plans the country’s first “blue bond” to fund maritime and coastal infrastructure—an approach that could interest island states like Seychelles. Tourism spotlight beyond Seychelles: Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi made the World’s 50 Best Beaches list, praised for conservation efforts including hawksbill turtle protection.

Seychelles Tourism Board Reinstated: The Government of Seychelles has brought back the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO (effective 15 May 2026), with a renewed mandate to market Seychelles as a leading sustainable tourism destination. World Environment Day Reflection: Israel’s UNEP/UN-Habitat representative H.E. Gideon Behar marks World Environment Day with a message that nature’s systems—forests, wetlands, mangroves—offer practical lessons for climate action and human behaviour. Seychelles Conservation at Eden: The Eden Project has relaunched its partnership with the Seychelles Environment Ministry, with Impatiens “Ray of Hope” plants returning for sale from 8 June and profits supporting conservation of endangered endemic plants. Marine Governance in the Indian Ocean: Explorations de Monaco presented its final report on a 2022 Indian Ocean mission, delivering 25 recommendations focused on marine ecosystem protection, fisheries sustainability, and stronger regional cooperation. Climate Heat Warning: An IPS opinion piece highlights record heat across Europe and beyond, arguing the climate crisis is now a present reality, not a distant forecast. Seychelles Warbler Study: New research links cooperative breeding in Seychelles warblers to more shared anaerobic gut bacteria among nest partners, pointing to how social behaviour can shape wildlife health.

Seychelles Tourism Governance: The Government of Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO effective 15 May 2026, with a renewed legal mandate to market Seychelles as a leading sustainable destination. Climate Reckoning: A new climate opinion piece warns that record heat across Europe and beyond shows the crisis is now “present,” not a future threat. Marine Conservation & Policy: Monaco’s Blue Initiative released a final report from its 2022 Indian Ocean mission, presenting 25 recommendations focused on protecting marine ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, reducing human pressures, and strengthening regional cooperation. Biodiversity in Action: Eden Project relaunches its partnership with Seychelles’ Environment Ministry, with Impatiens “Ray of Hope” plants available from 8 June and profits supporting conservation projects. Local Food Security: A Seychelles agriculture feature highlights the growing pressure of food and nutrition security, climate change, and rising import costs for island nations. Regional Spotlight: PRAGATI 2026 concluded in Meghalaya with over 400 troops from 13 countries, including Seychelles, training on counter-insurgency and interoperability.

Seychelles Tourism Board Reinstated: The Government of Seychelles has officially brought back the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO (effective 15 May 2026), with a renewed legal mandate to market Seychelles as a leading sustainable tourism destination. Marine Governance in the Indian Ocean: Monaco’s Explorations de Monaco presented a final report from its 2022 Indian Ocean mission, delivering 25 recommendations focused on protecting marine ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, cutting human pressures, and strengthening regional cooperation. Biodiversity & Conservation at Home: Eden Project relaunched its partnership with the Seychelles Environment Ministry, with Impatiens ‘Ray of Hope’ plants available from 8 June and profits supporting conservation projects for endangered endemic plants. Local Food Security: A Seychelles agriculture feature highlights the growing pressure of food and nutrition security as climate change and import costs strain small island resilience. Blue Finance Watch: India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation plans to issue the country’s first “blue bond” to fund ocean and coastal infrastructure, echoing how island states like Seychelles have used similar debt tools. Wildlife Science: A study on Seychelles warblers links cooperative nesting to increased sharing of anaerobic gut bacteria among interacting birds. Tourism & Nature Experiences: A guide rounds up top scuba diving spots in Seychelles, spotlighting Aldabra, Sainte Anne Marine National Park, and Curieuse Island.