LocationsThe GEF Early Action Support project has laid a robust groundwork for preparing the NBSAP
Nationwide Consultation Launched to Shape Seychelles’ National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
December 4, 2025
Participants to the Nationwide Consultation aimed at developing the new Seychelles' National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
Nancy Ng / UNDP Seychelles
Seychelles has begun consultations to develop its new National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), the guiding framework that will help the country achieve its national biodiversity targets to protect ecosystems, safeguard threatened species and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources across the islands.
The consultation process was officially launched on Tuesday 2 December 2025 by the Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, Marie-May Jeremie. In her opening remarks, Minister Jeremie underscored the urgency of the task ahead. “Biodiversity is being threatened by our own actions and because we’ve lost a sense of connection and understanding of nature,” she said, calling for renewed commitment and collective responsibility.
She reminded participants that Seychelles has already established its national biodiversity targets, aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGB), and that the next step is designing a strategy and action plan capable of delivering on those targets. “These targets reflect our collective ambition to safeguard our biodiversity now and for future generations,” she added.
Building on Foundational Work
While public consultations have now officially begun, the broader process has been progressing for some time. Key preparatory initiatives include:
- a national biodiversity assessment detailing the status of threatened species;
- a feasibility study on a cruise-ship levy to support biodiversity conservation initatives;
- a biodiversity-financing landscape study; and
- the development and submission of 23 national biodiversity targets to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The initiatives undertaken with the contribution of the United Nations Development Programme, through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Early Action Support project, have laid a robust groundwork for preparing the NBSAP
Dr Jude Bijoux, the consultant leading the NBSAP process, emphasised the importance of building on this existing work. “From the biodiversity assessment, we know the status of different animal and plant groups. We have recommendations from the studies, and we have the biodiversity targets. The NBSAP will align with these and integrate all existing reference points as much as possible,” he said.
A Collective Reflection on Seychelles' Biodiversity Future
The interactive session that followed became the highlight of the day, with participants enthusiastically embracing the group-based, hands-on approach. Representatives from government, civil society, academia, and partner institutions collaborated in small groups to share insights on Seychelles’ biodiversity future and discuss key themes and focus areas that will shape the national vision.
Through dynamic discussions, participants began outlining priority goals for the new NBSAP, ranging from strengthening ecosystem resilience, reversing biodiversity loss, and protecting endemic species to expanding biodiversity financing and empowering communities across the islands. Dr Bijoux urged participants to think boldly. “I want everyone to remember that their vision for biodiversity matters. Vision dictates action, so we must get the vision right in order to take the right actions,” he said.
Andrea Chiappe, representing the British High Commission in Seychelles, praised the inclusive format. “This approach brings together perspectives and ideas from different sectors. It is a holistic method that can yield positive results for developing the NBSAP,” she remarked.
Next Steps in the Consultation Process
The consultation process will continue in the coming months, with an interactive field session planned on La Digue, roundtable discussions on Praslin, a private-sector engagement forum, and a dedicated youth consultation, ensuring that voices from across the nation help shape Seychelles’ next biodiversity strategy and action plan.