LocationsFirst Lady of the Republic of Seychelles Engages UNDP in Mauritius to Advance Regional Collaboration on Invasive Alien Species Management
March 11, 2026
The First Lady of the Republic of Seychelles, Ms Véronique Herminie, paid a courtesy visit to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on 11 March 2026, as part of the State Visit of the President of the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Dr Patrick Herminie, to the Republic of Mauritius for the country’s 58th Independence Anniversary.
The visit formed part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between Seychelles and Mauritius on sustainable development and environmental resilience, building on earlier exchanges between the First Lady and UNDP leadership in Seychelles earlier in 2026. Those discussions focused on common challenges faced by Small Island Developing States, including the growing threat of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and their impact on biodiversity, livelihoods and ecosystem resilience.
A distinguished professional and accomplished leader in her own right, Ms Véronique Herminie brings to her role as First Lady a strong commitment to community service, sustainable development, and the empowerment of women and youth. With extensive experience across both the public and private sectors, she has consistently championed initiatives that promote inclusive development, environmental stewardship, and social well‑being, priorities that closely align with the objectives of the discussions held with UNDP in Mauritius.
During her visit to UNDP Mauritius, the First Lady met with the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Alka Bhatia, and members of the United Nations Country Team based in Mauritius. The exchange brought together representatives of sister United Nations agencies present in the country, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Honourable Marie Navare, Minister of Gender Equality of the Republic of Mauritius, also joined the discussions during the visit.
The meeting provided an opportunity to explore avenues for strengthened regional collaboration between Mauritius and Seychelles on the management of invasive alien species. Discussions highlighted the importance of sustainable approaches to green waste management as a means of preventing the spread of invasive species while supporting circular economy solutions.
Participants also underscored the value of knowledge exchange and South–South cooperation between island states facing similar ecological pressures. Ms Herminie emphasized the importance of inclusive approaches that ensure women’s participation in environmental solutions, including through community-based initiatives and income-generating opportunities linked to green waste valorisation.
The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of Seychelles, Mauritius and the United Nations system to advancing regional collaboration and practical solutions that support people, ecosystems and sustainable development across the region.
