AGP Executive Report

Aldabra biodiversity: Satellite imagery from WorldView-2 is giving new insights into Aldabra’s wildlife, after a Seychelles Islands Foundation and Ponant collaboration. Marine protection: A study warns that abandoned drifting tuna fish aggregating devices (FADs) can smash corals and harm wildlife even inside marine protected areas. Conservation education in Seychelles: The Save Our Seas Foundation’s Lekol Zil Sesel marked five years of the D’Arros Experience, using field learning and lab sessions to build long-term protection habits. Local environment & community: The Local Food Fest returns June 26–29 for Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee, spotlighting locally sourced food and culture. Wildlife spotlight: Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise has been reaffirmed by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living land animal at 194 years. Tourism cooperation: Seychelles reinforced regional tourism ties at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar.

Marine Education in Action: Save Our Seas Foundation’s Lekol Zil Sesel film screening marked five years of the D’Arros Experience, using field learning and lab sessions to deepen students’ connection to Seychelles’ natural environment. Biodiversity Monitoring: New WorldView-2 satellite imagery is helping researchers and partners gain fresh insights into Aldabra’s biodiversity after a Seychelles Islands Foundation and Ponant collaboration. Marine Pollution Warning: A study reports abandoned tuna fish aggregating devices (FADs) are smashing into coral reefs and harming wildlife, even inside marine protected areas—highlighting the need for better gear management. Coral Reef Hope: New research presented at Our Ocean Conference points to reefs that may be more climate-resilient, offering targets for conservation as heat stress continues. Local Clean Trails: The Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association ran a clean-up across five popular Mahé nature trails to cut down litter and protect outdoor spaces. Aldabra Under Pressure: Friends of Aldabra is urging UNESCO to act over a Qatari-funded ultra-luxury hotel development on nearby Assomption Island, citing environmental risk and oversight concerns. Community Food Celebrations: The Local Food Fest 2026 expands to four days (June 26–29) for Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee, spotlighting locally sourced Creole-inspired food and culture. Heat & Pets: A practical Q&A offers guidance for keeping older dogs cool during hot weather, including safer exercise timing and cooling strategies. Tourism Cooperation: Seychelles reinforced regional tourism ties at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar, focusing on connectivity and sustainable growth. Conservation Icon: Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise was reaffirmed as Guinness World Records Icon at 194 years old, renewing attention on long-term wildlife protection.

Marine Protection Under Pressure: A new study warns that abandoned drifting tuna fish aggregating devices (FADs) are smashing into coral reefs and endangering wildlife, even inside marine protected areas. Conservation Spotlight: Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise remains the world’s oldest living land animal at 194 years, now also named a Guinness World Records Icon. Local Nature & Waste: The Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association ran a clean-up across five Mahé nature trails, removing trail-user waste to keep routes welcoming. Coral Resilience Hope: Research presented at Our Ocean Conference maps reefs that may better withstand heat stress, offering targets for conservation. Climate Displacement Support: The EU is funding a €100m regional programme for climate displacement resilience, with Seychelles among the beneficiaries. Tourism Cooperation: Seychelles strengthened regional tourism ties at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026, focusing on sustainable growth and connectivity. Hazardous Development Alert: Friends of Aldabra is urging UNESCO to address concerns over a Qatari-funded luxury hotel project near Aldabra’s ecosystem. Seychelles Skills for Trade: Seychelles strengthens capacity to manage trade in hazardous chemicals.

Heat Safety for Pets: A vet answers a reader’s concern about an older husky overheating, urging cooler early walks, no peak-heat exertion, and extra watch for panting, lethargy, or wobbliness. Independence-Era Motorsport: Autosport Seychelles will run a three-day Motorsport Festival (June 27–29) at Champions Park Raceway, with public karting and FIA “Motorsport in a Box” kart slalom. Local Food Fest Grows: The Local Food Fest 2026 expands to four days (June 26–29) at Roche Caiman for Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee, spotlighting Creole-inspired, locally sourced food and culture. Agriculture & Food Security: A new push for high-value greenhouse vegetable farming highlights greenhouses, shade houses, hydroponics, and vertical farming as a path to resilience and profit. Conservation Spotlight: Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise is reaffirmed as the world’s oldest living land animal at 194 years and named a Guinness World Records Icon. Clean Trails on Mahé: The Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association runs a clean-up across five popular nature trails to cut litter and protect outdoor spaces. Regional Tourism Cooperation: Seychelles strengthens Indian Ocean tourism links at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar. Coral Reef Resilience: New research presented at Our Ocean Conference maps potentially climate-resilient reefs, offering hope for targeted protection as warming continues. Aldabra/Assomption Alarm: Friends of Aldabra urges UNESCO action over a proposed Qatari luxury hotel development on Assomption Island near Aldabra, citing environmental oversight concerns.

Seychelles Independence celebrations: Local Food Fest 2026 is set to run June 26–29 at Roche Caiman, expanding to four days for the Golden Jubilee, with Creole-inspired food, culture, music and community activities. Conservation & wildlife: Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise has been reaffirmed by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living land animal at 194 years, now also named a Guinness World Records Icon. Nature on Praslin: A new look at Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve highlights Seychelles’ rare, island-only species—like the black parrot, bronze-eyed gecko and chameleons—showing why protection matters. Green economy & farming: High-value greenhouse vegetable farming is being promoted as a climate-resilient growth path for Seychelles, moving beyond open-field production. Clean-up action: Scoba’s Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association ran a clean-up across five Mahé nature trails, tackling waste left by trail users. Regional tourism: Seychelles strengthened Indian Ocean tourism cooperation at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar. Environmental risk alert: Friends of Aldabra is urging UNESCO to address concerns over a Qatari-funded luxury hotel development on Assomption Island near Aldabra.

Seychelles Independence celebrations: The Local Food Fest 2026 is set to run June 26–29 at Roche Caiman, expanding to four days with Creole-inspired food, culture and community activities. Nature & conservation: Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association (Scoba) led a clean-up across five Mahé nature trails, tackling waste left by trail users to keep outdoor routes welcoming. Food security & farming: A new push for high-value greenhouse vegetable farming highlights greenhouses, shade houses and hydroponics as a climate-resilient path for local entrepreneurs. Wildlife spotlight: Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise continues to draw global attention, reaffirmed as the world’s oldest living land animal at 194 years and now named a Guinness World Records Icon. Coastal protection & biodiversity: China’s Yancheng wetlands recovery is being cited as a model for wetland restoration, species protection and eco-tourism—relevant to island conservation thinking. Regional tourism cooperation: Seychelles strengthened Indian Ocean trade and connectivity links at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar. Environment risk warning: A report urges UNESCO to address concerns over a Qatari-funded ultra-luxury development on Assomption Island near Aldabra, warning of environmental oversight failures.

Wildlife & Conservation: Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise has been reaffirmed by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living land animal at 194 years, living on St Helena and now also named a Guinness World Records Icon—an unlikely global spotlight on island biodiversity and long-term protection. Biodiversity in Seychelles: A new feature highlights Praslin’s Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve as a living web of rare species found nowhere else, including the black parrot and endemic reptiles—reminding visitors why World Heritage status must mean real protection. Local Environment Action: The Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association ran clean-ups across five of Mahé’s popular nature trails, removing waste and helping keep key outdoor routes welcoming and safer for wildlife. Climate & Resilience Support: The EU announced a climate displacement resilience programme that includes Seychelles, alongside Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros and Mozambique, with early warning and preparedness ahead of El Niño impacts. Marine Health Research: Scientists at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference mapped potentially climate-resilient coral reefs worldwide, offering hope for targeted reef protection as heat stress continues. Hazardous Chemicals Capacity: Seychelles strengthened national ability to identify and manage trade in hazardous chemicals through UNDP-supported training under a GEF-funded regional project. Environmental Risk Watch: A report urges UNESCO to address concerns over a Qatari-funded ultra-luxury hotel development on Assomption Island near Aldabra, warning of institutional failure and threats to a UNESCO World Heritage ecosystem.

Food Security & Farming: Seychelles is seeing fresh momentum in high-value greenhouse vegetable farming, with protected cultivation like greenhouses, shade houses, hydroponics and vertical farming pitched as a climate-resilient path to better yields and stronger national food security. Conservation & Clean Coasts: The Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association ran a clean-up across five popular Mahé nature trails, removing waste left by trail users to help restore safer, cleaner routes for locals and visitors. Marine Life & Climate Resilience: New research presented at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference highlights “tough” coral reefs that may better withstand heat stress, offering a practical focus for conservation where reefs have the best chance to survive. Chemicals & Public Health: Seychelles strengthened its ability to manage trade in hazardous chemicals through a two-day training workshop supported by UNDP under a GEF-funded regional project. Biodiversity & Wetlands: China pointed to restored Yancheng wetlands as a model for biodiversity recovery and climate resilience, stressing the value of coastal protection and wetland restoration. Local Environment Governance: Seychelles also reinforced regional tourism cooperation at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026, with an emphasis on sustainable growth and connectivity. Wildlife Spotlight: The Seychelles giant tortoise Jonathan continued to draw global attention as he marked his 194th birthday and received a Guinness World Records Icon honour.

Seychelles Environment Watch: A new clean-up by the Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association tackled litter on five popular Mahé nature trails, helping restore Anse Major, Cap Ternay, Dan Bernard, Mare aux Cochons and Tomasin. Biodiversity & Heritage: Friends of Aldabra is urging UNESCO to act over a Qatari-funded ultra-luxury hotel project on nearby Assomption Island, warning it could threaten turtle breeding habitat and destabilise one of the world’s most important UNESCO sites. Wildlife Spotlight: Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise, long thought dead, is still alive and has been named a Guinness World Records Icon, extending his record to at least 194 years. Climate Resilience: New research presented at Our Ocean Conference points to around 166,000 sq km of coral reefs that may be more climate-resilient, offering hope for targeted protection as heat stress continues. Chemicals & Health: Seychelles held a two-day training workshop to strengthen how it identifies and manages trade in hazardous chemicals, supported by UNDP under a GEF-funded regional project.

Seychelles Environment & Wildlife: Friends of Aldabra are urging UNESCO to act over a Qatari-funded ultra-luxury hotel project on Assomption Island, warning it could trigger environmental collapse near Aldabra Atoll, while a Seychelles Commission of Inquiry report reportedly backs concerns about environmental risk and institutional failure. Marine & Climate Resilience: New research shared at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference points to about 166,000 sq km of potentially climate-resilient reefs, offering hope for targeted protection even after recent mass bleaching. Coastal Protection & Biodiversity: China highlights restored Yancheng wetlands as a model for coastal protection and climate resilience, citing thriving birdlife and wetland recovery benefits. Hazardous Chemicals Capacity: Seychelles ran a two-day training workshop to strengthen how the country identifies and manages trade in hazardous chemicals, supported by UNDP under a GEF-funded regional project. Local Action on Waste: The Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association held a clean-up across five Mahé nature trails, removing waste and helping restore popular routes. Climate Displacement Funding: The EU announced a €100m, four-year programme to help six African countries, including Seychelles, build resilience against climate-induced displacement, with early warning and response support.

Biodiversity & Wildlife: Seychelles-linked giant tortoise Jonathan has been named a Guinness World Records Icon, extending his record to 194 years and highlighting the long arc of conservation. Marine Conservation: New research presented at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference points to about 166,000 sq km of reefs that may be more climate-resilient, offering hope for targeted protection as El Niño looms. Local Action: The Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association ran clean-ups across five Mahé nature trails, removing waste and helping keep popular routes welcoming. Chemicals & Health: Seychelles strengthened its ability to manage trade in hazardous chemicals through a UNDP-supported training workshop under the GEF-funded ISLANDS project. Tourism Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, with sustainability and capacity building front and centre. Environment Watch: A report warns that a Qatari-funded luxury hotel development on Assomption Island could threaten nearby Aldabra, urging UNESCO to act.

Seychelles Environment Watch: Seychelles is strengthening its ability to manage hazardous chemicals, with a two-day training workshop (Ministry of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources with UNDP) under the GEF-funded ISLANDS project, covering Comoros, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles. Marine Life & Climate Resilience: New research shared at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference points to coral reefs that may better withstand heat stress, mapping around 166,000 sq km of potentially climate-resilient reefs—good news for reef protection planning as El Niño conditions loom. Blue Economy Finance: Kenya is pushing ahead with its first blue bond before end-2026, aiming to fund coastal and marine resilience projects—an approach Seychelles can watch closely as ocean-focused financing grows. Local Conservation Action: The Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association ran a clean-up across five Mahé nature trails, tackling waste left by trail users to keep popular routes welcoming. UN Tourism & Sustainability: Seychelles backed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, stressing sustainability, capacity building and resilience for island destinations. Aldabra at Risk: Friends of Aldabra is urging UNESCO to act over a Qatari-funded ultra-luxury hotel development on nearby Assomption Island, warning of threats to the Aldabra ecosystem.

Coral Resilience: New research presented at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference maps about 166,000 sq km of reefs that may better withstand heat stress, offering a practical target for conservation as El Niño raises risks. Ocean Funding Gap: A separate piece flags that ocean conservation gets only around 14% of needed international funding, calling for faster action to close the shortfall ahead of Our Ocean in Mombasa. Seychelles Environment Capacity: Seychelles is building skills to identify and manage trade in hazardous chemicals through a two-day training workshop with UNDP under the GEF-funded ISLANDS Project. Local Nature Care: The Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association ran clean-ups on five Mahé nature trails, removing waste and helping restore popular walking routes. Biodiversity Success Story: Curieuse Island’s Aldabra giant tortoise translocation is highlighted as a real conservation win—helping create a secure, free-roaming population and reducing extinction risks. Blue Economy Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, with sustainability and capacity building front and centre. Climate Action Theme: World Desertification and Drought Day spotlights rangelands as a key front in climate action, with Kenya hosting the international commemoration.

Coral Resilience Research: New findings shared at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa point to about 166,000 sq km of reefs that may be more climate-resilient, offering hope for targeted protection as El Niño threatens warmer seas. Local Nature Stewardship: The Seychelles Challenge and Outward Bounds Association ran a clean-up across five popular Mahé nature trails, removing waste and helping keep these routes welcoming for hikers. Heat Adaptation in the Spotlight: A viral “hut on a bike” idea shows how people are coping with intense heat, underscoring how climate stress is shaping everyday life. Ocean Funding Gap: A new push urges leaders to close the ocean conservation funding shortfall, warning that only a small share of global conservation money reaches the sea. Seychelles Chemicals Control: Seychelles strengthened its capacity to manage trade in hazardous chemicals through a two-day training workshop with UNDP support under a GEF-funded regional project. Curieuse Giant Tortoise Story: On Curieuse Island, giant tortoises are highlighted as a conservation success, with translocation helping build a safer, free-roaming population. UN Tourism Direction: Seychelles backed the UN Tourism Management Vision 2026–2029, stressing sustainability, capacity building, and resilience for island destinations. Our Ocean Conference Call: Global leaders issued a letter urging COP31 hosts to put the ocean at the heart of climate action. World Oceans Day Coral Tech: Canon South Africa spotlighted coral restoration using advanced imaging tools, partnering with regional conservation groups including Nature Seychelles. Ocean Governance for Growth: Ocean organisations in Nigeria called for more inclusive, sustainable ocean governance to protect ecosystems while supporting development.

Ocean & Climate Diplomacy: Seychelles-linked voices are backing the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, with leaders stressing that protecting the ocean is tied to climate stability, food security and the future of island economies. Nuclear Safety & Environment: A wide coalition of countries, including Seychelles, issued a joint statement condemning a drone attack near the Barakah nuclear plant, warning of risks to civilian life and potential transboundary environmental and health impacts. Maritime Security & Pollution Risk: The UK says it intercepted a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in the English Channel; the vessel is reported to have been registered in Seychelles, raising questions about sanctions enforcement and environmental safeguards. Chemicals Control: Seychelles is running training to strengthen national capacity to identify and manage trade in hazardous chemicals, supported by UNDP under a GEF-funded regional project. Coral Conservation Tech: World Oceans Day coverage highlights coral restoration work in the Western Indian Ocean, using imaging tools to help conservationists spot and respond to bleaching impacts. Wildlife Recovery: Curieuse Island features a conservation success story as giant tortoises continue to thrive following translocation efforts.

Chemicals & public health: Seychelles ran a two-day training workshop with UNDP to boost national capacity to identify and manage trade in hazardous chemicals under the GEF-funded ISLANDS project. Wildlife conservation: On Curieuse Island, a tortoise translocation programme is helping establish a secure, free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoise population—reducing extinction risks from disease and climate events. Ocean protection & funding: With the Our Ocean conference in Mombasa (16–18 June), leaders are pushing to close a major ocean conservation funding gap, arguing marine protection needs long-term, well-managed financing. Coral restoration tech: Canon South Africa marked World Oceans Day by backing coral restoration in the Western Indian Ocean, using imaging tools to help front-line conservationists spot and respond to bleaching. Tourism policy & sustainability: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, stressing institutional strengthening, capacity building, and sustainability for island destinations. Trade & regional cooperation: The EU and ESA states (including Seychelles) concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at predictable, sustainable development and deeper regional integration.