Assessing progress, challenges, and priorities for action

“As a party to the Convention, one of our obligations is to report on how we are implementing the CBD at the national level,” said Indira Gamatis, Senior Project Coordinator and CBD Focal Point from the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources. “It focuses on how we are implementing our own national targets in alignment with the global framework.” Feedback from the workshop will inform a revised draft of the report, to be reviewed in a second consultation in December. Once validated, the findings will also guide updates to the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). “This will translate into concrete recommendations for our NBSAP, so that we can develop projects tailored to address those specific challenges,” added Ms Gamatis.

The updated national biodiversity targets, validated earlier this year, build on Seychelles’ long-standing commitment to sustainably manage its natural resources. The upcoming report will document both progresses made and the barriers that continue to affect implementation. Consultant Dr. John Nevill, who is leading the reporting process, noted that the review is not only about fulfilling reporting obligations but also about reinforcing the foundation for effective biodiversity management. “We have made notable progress, but there are areas where we still need to improve. Accurate reporting can help attract the financial support required to meet our conservation goals,” he said.

Collaboration across sectors

Among the participants was Mathilde Le Gressus, Conservation Coordinator for North Island, who highlighted the value of including different partners in the process. “It’s very important to involve stakeholders from the private sector in such discussions,” she said. “It helps ensure that our development and conservation work are aligned with Seychelles’ national targets, and that we can contribute meaningfully to achieving them.”