On November 18, 2024, Seychelles and the World Bank discussed a coastal erosion project, with highlights from a site visit conducted by the World Bank’s regional vice president. The project aims to combat climate change effects on the coastline, essential for the tourism-based economy, with ongoing support commitments from the World Bank.
On November 18, 2024, Seychelles engaged in discussions with the World Bank regarding a coastal erosion project aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change on its vulnerable coastline. The meeting involved Victoria Kwakwa, the World Bank’s regional vice president for Eastern and Southern Africa, and Naadir Hassan, the Minister for Finance, National Planning, and Trade. Kwakwa’s recent site visit to various locations on the East coast of Mahe highlighted the ongoing efforts to mitigate erosion, with the first project phase already completed at a cost of SCR2.1 million ($152,000). Kwakwa emphasized the importance of understanding the impacts of climate change from the perspective of small island states and reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Seychelles. Hassan acknowledged the necessity of collaborating with development partners like the World Bank to effectively utilize scarce resources. Kwakwa’s visit, expected to conclude on November 19, aims to strengthen Seychelles’ response to climate-related challenges, particularly in the tourism-dependent economy.
Seychelles, an archipelago located in the western Indian Ocean, is acutely susceptible to the repercussions of climate change, particularly coastal erosion due to extensive infrastructural development along its coastlines. As a nation where tourism is the primary economic driver, the sustainability of such developments is vital. The discussions with the World Bank reflect a broader effort to align financial support with Seychelles’ environmental and economic needs, addressing pressing issues such as climate resilience and public service efficiency.
The collaboration between Seychelles and the World Bank represents a significant step in combating climate change-related challenges, particularly coastal erosion. With ongoing projects and discussions highlighting key areas such as climate finance and the need for efficient resource utilization, Seychelles seeks to enhance its resilience against environmental threats while sustaining its tourism-dependent economy.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
