Environmental action here can have global impact |07 June 2010

This was the theme of Minister Joel Morgan’s message for World Environment Day on Saturday, part of the United Nations’ International Year of Biodiversity.

The full text of the Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Transport’s message reads:

“The theme chosen for this day is Many Species, One Planet, One Future, and with the year 2010 being declared International Year for Biodiversity it is only fitting that the theme echoes the need for conservation and sustainable use of our planet’s biodiversity.

“Here I invite you to reflect on ‘biodiversity’ and how we in Seychelles can achieve global impacts through local actions.
“Biodiversity is the variety of plants, animals and other life forms that exist in our environment.

This year’s theme for Environment Day draws our attention to the fact that all living species inhabit the same planet.
“Living organisms depend on each other and complex interactions exist between different species and ecosystems which scientists are still unravelling.
 
“Through our actions we have the possibility to change significantly the planet that we inhabit, be it the weather, the landscape or the number and type of different species it supports. We are also in a privileged position to intervene with the environment and prevent species becoming extinct.

Extinction results in whole species dying out before they have a chance to reproduce.

“Today nearly all of our food and medicines are derived from substances produced by living organisms, which produce a vast array of chemicals, and these interactions between each other have created our natural environment.

 When species become extinct, we lose this valuable resource and the potential for its benefits to nature and, of course, mankind.

“We have seen the catastrophic effect of the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This is an environmental disaster which we in the Indian Ocean cannot afford to have.

“Our natural environment is especially fragile and unique. The main threat to our organisms today is loss of habitat due to human activity and the threat from ‘invasive alien species’.
 
“These species are exotic organisms not found naturally in our environment and which are introduced by man. Here I urge everyone to help prevent the entry of foreign plants or animals into Seychelles.
 
“The Department of Environment has been putting emphasis on planting trees to curb loss of habitats. The recently launched national environment theme Plant a Tree – Conserve Biodiversity resulted in tree-planting activities at Ile Perseverance and at Plaisance primary school. This highlights Seychelles’ commitment to conservation of our fragile biodiversity.

“We in Seychelles have a good track record in carrying out environmental projects. I call on all parties, including NGOs, the private sector and government agencies to continue working together towards this end. Let us remember why we do what we do to protect our unique environment.

“The preservation of all things living is crucial to our own survival. Let us work together to maintain our unique biodiversity, not only for us but also for future generations.
 
Remember, we are Many Species, One Planet, One Future.”

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