AGP Executive Report

Ocean Conservation Funding: With leaders meeting for Our Ocean (16–18 June) in Mombasa, a new push is spotlighting a widening ocean protection funding gap—only about 14% of international conservation money reaches the sea—while urging action to deliver “30 by 30” marine protection targets. World Oceans Day & Coral Tech: On World Oceans Day, Canon South Africa highlighted coral restoration in the Western Indian Ocean, backing front-line conservation with advanced imaging to spot bleaching impacts earlier and better. Seychelles Tourism Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, backing stronger foundations, collaboration, capacity building and sustainability—plus connectivity and resilience for island destinations. Curieuse Giant Tortoises: Curieuse Island’s free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises are being used as a living conservation success story, showing how translocation can reduce extinction risks from disease and climate events. Local Climate Resilience Skills: A five-day gabion construction training in Baie Lazare built youth capacity for watershed restoration and erosion control, supporting climate resilience and Golden Jubilee activities. Education & Digital Skills: The UAE’s Digital School expanded teacher training in Seychelles, aiming to boost digital skills across 11 schools and strengthen classroom technology use.

UN Tourism & Sustainability: Seychelles endorsed the UN Tourism Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, with Minister Amanda Bernstein backing stronger foundations, collaboration, capacity building and sustainability—plus priorities like connectivity, workforce development and resilience for island destinations. Ocean at the Heart of Climate Action: Global leaders issued a letter ahead of COP31 urging that the ocean be central to climate plans, with Seychelles among the governments backing the push for “Blue COP” ocean-climate solutions. Coral Conservation Spotlight: Canon South Africa marked World Oceans Day by highlighting coral restoration in the Western Indian Ocean, partnering with imaging-focused tools and regional groups including Nature Seychelles to help conservationists see and respond to bleaching. Local Conservation Success: On Curieuse Island, giant tortoises are showcased as a living conservation win—translocation helping build a secure, free-roaming population and reducing extinction risks from disease and climate threats. Skills for Climate Resilience: A five-day gabion construction training in Baie Lazare built local capacity for watershed restoration and erosion control, supporting climate resilience and Golden Jubilee activities. Eco-tourism Recognition: Seychelles was named the world’s top eco-tourism destination in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, scoring strongly on protected areas, air quality and species richness.

Ocean science & action: Ahead of the Our Ocean conference in Kenya, a new push highlights how better ocean science—from satellite mapping of seagrass to tracking fish movements—can guide practical solutions on pollution and overfishing. Biodiversity on Curieuse: Curieuse Island’s giant tortoise translocation programme is spotlighted as a real conservation win, helping build a secure, free-roaming population and reducing extinction risks. Coral restoration tech: Canon South Africa points to coral restoration in the Western Indian Ocean, using imaging tools to help front-line groups “see” bleaching impacts and act faster. Seychelles eco-tourism ranking: Seychelles is named the world’s top eco-tourism destination in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, with strengths in protected areas and species richness—alongside concerns like carbon emissions and water stress. Skills for climate resilience: Youth training in gabion construction supports watershed restoration and erosion control, funded through the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. Ocean at COP31: Global leaders urge COP31 hosts to put the ocean at the heart of climate action, including support for ocean-climate solutions.

EU-Africa Trade Deal: The EU and Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles have concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for clearer rules, more services and digitalisation opportunities, and support for sustainable development. Ocean at the Heart of Climate Action: Global leaders have issued a letter urging COP31 to put the ocean at the centre of climate plans, with Seychelles among the governments backing the push. Coral Conservation Tech: Canon South Africa is highlighting coral restoration in the Western Indian Ocean, partnering with Nature Seychelles and others to use imaging tools to spot the slow, silent impacts of bleaching. Seychelles Eco-Tourism Spotlight: U.S. News & World Report ranks Seychelles top for eco-tourism, praising protected areas, air quality and species richness—while also flagging carbon emissions and water stress. Local Climate Skills: Youths in Seychelles completed gabion construction training to boost watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience. Marine Protection Funding Focus: A piece on Africa’s ocean conservation points to Seychelles’ marine protection progress and its conservation trust work, as the world shifts from pledges to delivery. Tourism Pressure Measures: Several global hotspots are adding caps, booking systems and cruise limits as visitor numbers surge, raising questions about how destinations manage crowds and fragile sites.

Ocean at the Heart of Climate Action: A new open letter from 150+ global ocean experts and leaders urges COP31 hosts Türkiye and Australia to put the ocean at the center of climate action, with Seychelles among the governments backing the call. Seychelles Conservation Finance: As the world shifts from pledges to delivery, Seychelles is highlighted for already protecting over 30% of its waters, supported by innovative marine protection funding tools. Eco-tourism Spotlight: Seychelles is named the world’s top eco-tourism destination in U.S. News rankings, praised for protected areas, air quality and species richness—while carbon emissions and water stress remain key gaps. Local Climate Action Skills: Youths complete a gabion construction training aimed at watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience, supported by local committees and partners. Nature & Biodiversity Update: Scientists report Seychelles’ “vanished” crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by matching DNA from living animals and museum specimens. SBC Independence Concern: A new bill raises alarms about threats to the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s independence, with critics pointing to governance and funding risks. World Environment Day Push: Nature Seychelles promotes #NowForClimate ahead of World Environment Day, calling for faster climate action.

Sustainable Ocean Governance: Nigeria’s ocean institutes marked World Ocean Day (June 8) by calling for more inclusive, sustainable ocean governance that balances conservation with fair ocean-based development, warning that pollution, habitat loss, overuse of resources and climate change are already undermining livelihoods. Eco-Tourism Spotlight (Seychelles): Seychelles is again in the spotlight after U.S. News & World Report named it the world’s top eco-tourism destination in 2026, citing strong protected areas, air quality and species richness—while also flagging carbon emissions and water stress as key gaps. Marine Conservation Finance: A new push to deliver on the 2030 goal to protect 30% of the ocean highlights Seychelles as a standout, pointing to its marine protection progress and innovative debt conversion and bond funding via the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust. Climate Action in Seychelles: World Environment Day’s #NowForClimate message urges faster, real climate solutions—echoing the need for action that goes beyond slogans. Local Nature Skills: Youth in Seychelles completed a five-day gabion construction training to support watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience, funded through the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. Biodiversity Research: A new study says Seychelles’ “vanished” crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by matching DNA from living animals and historical museum specimens. Media Independence Concern: A new bill in Seychelles is raising alarms about threats to the independence of the SBC, with critics pointing to governance and funding risks.

Ocean Conservation & Finance: Seychelles is highlighted as a delivery leader on the 2030 goal to protect 30% of the ocean, citing its debt conversion and the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust’s work to strengthen marine protection governance and funding. Eco-Tourism Spotlight: Seychelles is named the world’s top eco-tourism destination in U.S. News rankings, praised for protected areas, air quality and species richness, while carbon emissions and water stress remain key pressure points. Climate Action on the Ground: Nature Seychelles pushes the #NowForClimate message for World Environment Day, urging faster climate solutions. Biodiversity Research: Scientists say the “vanished” Seychelles crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by DNA matching from living animals and museum specimens. Local Capacity for Resilience: Youths complete gabion construction training to support watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience. Media Independence: Seychelles’ SBC board warns a new broadcasting bill could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence through governance and funding concerns. Energy Costs Risk for SIDS: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz tensions could drive up oil prices, hitting vulnerable economies and small island states with higher fuel import bills. Tourism Pressure Management: A “Travel Green List” notes rising visitor numbers are pushing destinations to cap stays, restrict cruises and use booking systems to protect fragile sites.

Ocean Conservation Funding: Seychelles is highlighted as a marine protection leader, already protecting over 30% of its waters through a 2015 debt conversion and ocean-dedicated bond issuance, with new governance work underway via the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust. Eco-Tourism Spotlight: U.S. News ranks Seychelles top for eco-tourism, citing strong natural environment scores like protected areas, air quality and species richness—while also flagging carbon emissions and water stress as key gaps. Climate Action Push: World Environment Day’s #NowForClimate message calls for faster delivery of climate solutions, with Seychelles urged to move from targets to real action. Youth & Resilience Skills: A five-day gabion construction training in Baie Lazare builds local capacity for watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience, supporting Golden Jubilee activities. Media Independence at Risk: Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s new bill draws serious concern from the SBC board, warning governance and funding changes could weaken editorial independence. Wildlife Research Breakthrough: Scientists say the “vanished” Seychelles crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by DNA matching from living animals and museum specimens. Energy Shock Warning: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could raise oil prices sharply, hitting small island states and vulnerable economies with higher fuel import bills.

Ocean Conservation: A new push to deliver on the 2030 goal to protect 30% of the world’s ocean is spotlighting Seychelles, which has already protected over 30% of its waters through marine-focused debt swaps and ocean-dedicated bonds, with governance and financing now the focus. Eco-Tourism & Accountability: Seychelles has been named the world’s top eco-tourism destination in a 2026 ranking, but the story also flags the trade-offs behind the label—especially carbon emissions and water stress—important for a tourism economy. World Environment Day: Nature Seychelles is urging action under #NowForClimate, echoing the UN Environment Programme’s call to move from targets to real solutions. Youth & Resilience Skills: A five-day gabion construction training for young people is building local capacity for watershed restoration and erosion control, supporting climate resilience. Biodiversity Science: Researchers say the “lost” Seychelles crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by matching DNA from living animals and museum specimens. Media Independence: Seychelles’ SBC board warns a new broadcasting bill could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence, especially around appointments and funding control.

Climate Action: World Environment Day in Seychelles is being marked with a push for real climate action under the #NowForClimate message, urging people to move beyond delays and toward practical solutions. Local Resilience Skills: Youths in Baie Lazare completed a five-day gabion construction training to support watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience, funded through the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. Nature & Wildlife Science: Researchers say Seychelles’ long-lost crocodiles were identified as the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, using DNA links between living animals and old museum specimens. Public Media Independence: Seychelles’ SBC board says a new broadcasting bill could weaken the corporation’s independence, raising concerns about how board appointments and funding could be controlled. Energy Costs Warning: UNCTAD warns that rising oil prices tied to Strait of Hormuz tensions could hit small island developing states and other vulnerable economies with an extra US$20.4 billion annual fuel bill. Education & Digital Skills: A Dubai-backed Digital School programme expanded in Seychelles, training 100 teachers across 11 schools to better integrate digital tools in classrooms.

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.