World Environment Day message from Minister for Environment, Energy & Climate Change |05 June 2018

‘Let’s join our efforts to beat plastic pollution’

“Let us all come together and join the quest to eliminate plastics and beat plastic pollution.”

The appeal comes in a message from the Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Wallace Cosgrow on the occasion of the World Environment Day today.

The full text of Minister Cosgrow’s message reads:

“On June 5 we celebrate World Environment Day. We join with the rest of the world in the quest to eliminate plastics and contribute towards a plastic free planet.

“Since 1974 when the first World Environment Day was celebrated, countries around the world, including Seychelles, have been actively engaged in activities and campaigns to raise awareness on the importance of environmental protection and this year, more than ever, I reaffirm our commitment towards this important cause.

“This year’s celebration is centered around the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. Who would have thought that plastics would have been chosen as one of the themes to commemorate the World Environment Day?  Yet, it is sad to note that plastics have become one of the most used products around the world.  The global production of plastics has increased in recent years because they are cheap to produce, durable and versatile. Most of the plastics are used once and are then discarded into the environment. Only 9% are recycled, others are incinerated and the rest are usually taken to the landfill.  Most of the time, they find their way in the water bodies and the oceans where they can be detrimental to marine animals. It is estimated that over 1 million sea birds and other species die annually for ingesting or getting entangled in plastics.

“Since the last United Nations Environment Assembly in Kenya last year, countries, including Seychelles, have committed themselves to a number of pledges and resolutions in order to help reduce plastic pollution. I therefore, appeal to each and everyone of us to come and join this global movement into overcoming the barriers preventing us from beating plastic pollution.

“Last year, we took a bold step to impose restrictions on single use plastic bags and other utensils including styrofoam take away boxes.  Such bold actions and strategies illustrate the fact that we are indeed heading in the right direction in eliminating plastics in the environment and eventually in the ocean. Government is also giving due consideration to impose restrictions on single use plastic straws as of next year.

“As world environmental leaders gather in India to celebrate this day, here in Seychelles let us all come together and join the quest to eliminate plastics and beat plastic pollution.  Let us continue to translate this global movement into local actions.

“I wish to acknowledge and commend the good work being done by the different government institutions, NGOs and the civil society to help protect and conserve our environment.

“The earth is our home.  Let us take positive action to be part of the change. 

 “Help us to protect our planet.

“Happy World Environment Day everyone.”