Seychelles Ocean Festival 2024 Kicks Off with a Splash of Conservation and Community Spirit
The eagerly awaited Seychelles Ocean Festival (SOF) officially commenced for 2024 on the evening of November 27 at the National Museum of Seychelles. Previously known as SUBIOS (Sub Indian Ocean Seychelles), this festival has evolved into a significant event in Seychelles’ annual calendar, encompassing various sectors such as sailing, water sports, sustainable seafood, and diving. This year’s festival will celebrate the diverse aspects of Seychelles’ marine ecosystem, placing a strong focus on sustainability and community involvement. Running from November 28 to 30, the SOF features an array of activities that promote sustainability, education, and community engagement, highlighting both the beauty and vulnerability of Seychelles’ marine environment.
The opening ceremony transformed the museum into a vibrant underwater paradise, filled with eye-catching decorations that emphasized the theme of ocean conservation. Attendees enjoyed captivating performances by local students, who delivered heartfelt renditions of “Dan Lanmer” and “I Am the Earth” from Children’s House, underscoring the importance of protecting the natural world. Additionally, Kaela from English River Secondary School shared a poignant poem that reinforced the festival's commitment to environmental stewardship. Mrs. Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for the Tourism Department, officially inaugurated the event, stressing the significance of celebrating and conserving the oceans. She pointed out how integral the ocean is to the islands’ communities, economy, and identity, stating, “Our oceans are at the heart of the Seychelles experience.” Mrs. Francis also unveiled a special exhibition for the festival, describing it as a fresh take on traditional displays, focusing on digital elements and sustainability.
Created in partnership with the Save Our Seas Foundation and the National History Museum, this exhibition not only features stunning underwater photography but also serves as a rallying cry for ocean conservation efforts. Echoing these sentiments, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Destination Marketing, reaffirmed the collective responsibility to safeguard the oceans. “Our oceans are essential to our livelihood; they are the foundation of our tourism, our culture, and our future,” she emphasized. Mrs. Willemin called for a renewed commitment to ocean conservation, expressing her hopes for an inspiring and impactful festival. She encouraged all attendees to remain dedicated to ensuring the oceans flourish for generations to come. The success of this Seychelles Ocean Festival 2024: Celebrating the Heart of Island Life The highly anticipated Seychelles Ocean Festival (SOF) officially opened its 2024 edition on the evening of November 27th at the National Museum of Seychelles. Formerly known as SUBIOS (Sub Indian Ocean Seychelles), the festival has evolved into a key annual event in the Seychelles calendar, encompassing a diverse range of sectors, from sailing and water sports to sustainable seafood gastronomy and diving. This year's SOF is set to highlight the multifaceted marine ecosystem of Seychelles, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community involvement. Running from November 28th to 30th, the festival brings together a variety of activities centered on sustainability, education, and community engagement, showcasing both the beauty and fragility of Seychelles' marine environment.
The opening ceremony was a vibrant affair, transforming the museum into an underwater wonderland adorned with striking decorations that underscored the theme of ocean conservation. Guests were treated to engaging performances by local students, including heartfelt renditions of songs celebrating the natural world and the importance of its protection. Additionally, a student from English River Secondary School presented a thought-provoking poem, reinforcing the festival's message of environmental stewardship. Mrs. Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for the Tourism Department, officially opened the event, emphasizing the crucial role the ocean plays in the islands' communities, economy, and identity. "Our oceans are at the heart of the Seychelles experience," she noted, introducing the festival's special exhibition, which takes a digital and sustainability-focused approach in collaboration with the Save Our Seas Foundation and the National History Museum. Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Destination Marketing, echoed the sentiment, reaffirming the shared responsibility to protect the oceans. "Our oceans are not only vital to our livelihood but are the heart of our tourism, our culture, and our future," she stated, calling for renewed commitment to ocean conservation and expressing hope for an inspiring and impactful celebration. The success of the Seychelles Ocean Festival 2024 is the result of the hard work and dedication of numerous organizations, including Save Our Seas, the Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF), the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), the Ministry of Education, the Seychelles Coast Guard, and the Seychelles Defence Forces. As the festival continues throughout the week, visitors and locals alike are encouraged to participate in a range of activities that not only showcase the island's natural beauty but also promote sustainability and environmental awareness, celebrating the heart of Seychelles' island life.
