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Seychelles Validates USD 5 Million iCOAST Project, Paving Way for Sustainable Tourism Leadership Seychelles Validates USD 5 Million iCOAST Project, Paving Way for Sustainable Tourism Leadership

Seychelles has taken a decisive step toward redefining its tourism sector’s environmental footprint, hosting the iCOAST Seychelles Project Preparation Validation Workshop on 3 December 2025 at Laila, a Tribute Portfolio Resort. This milestone event, organised by the Tourism Department in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Commonwealth Secretariat, marks a critical phase in the country’s bid to secure up to USD 5 million in funding under the Global Environment Facility’s eighth programming cycle (GEF-8).

The Integrated Collaborative Approaches for Sustainable Tourism (iCOAST) Programme, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and spanning 14 countries, is designed to help Seychelles reduce the environmental impact of its tourism sector. The initiative focuses on circular economy models, climate resilience strategies, and nature-based solutions—key pillars for safeguarding the archipelago’s unique natural assets and ensuring the long-term viability of its tourism industry.

This workshop builds on the momentum generated by the Inception Meeting held in July 2025, where the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) phase was officially launched.

The December session brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, tourism industry leaders, civil society representatives, academics, and international partners. The gathering was led by Mr Paul Lebon, Director General for Destination Planning & Development, and attended by key figures such as Mr Tony Imaduwa, Principal Secretary for Energy and Climate Affairs; Mrs Nannette Laure, Principal Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources; Ms Yolanda Cachu and Mr Jiasheng Liu, UNEP Task Managers; Mr Aurelius Nkonde, Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser; and Mr Errol Renaud, PPG Project Coordinator.

During the workshop, participants reviewed and validated the draft full proposal for the iCOAST Seychelles project, marking a major milestone before its submission to the GEF. The session provided a platform for in-depth discussion on project components, expected outputs, budget structure, and implementation arrangements. UNEP representatives offered guidance on GEF co-financing requirements and encouraged the identification of complementary initiatives to enhance the project’s sustainability and impact.

Mr Imaduwa highlighted the urgency of coordinated action in the face of mounting environmental pressures and climate change impacts on Seychelles’ tourism sector. The proposed project aims to embed circular economy practices, strengthen ecosystem protection, support local supply chains, and expand access to green finance for SMEs and community actors. These efforts are closely aligned with the newly endorsed Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (SSTPF) 2025–2035, which sets a clear direction for a value-driven, inclusive, and environmentally responsible tourism sector.

UNEP Task Manager Ms Yolanda Cachu provided an overview of the broader iCOAST Programme, while Mr Aurelius Nkonde outlined how the Seychelles project aligns with national climate priorities. Mr Errol Renaud detailed the project’s structure, outputs, and implementation strategy, ensuring all stakeholders understood the roadmap ahead. The workshop also reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration, with UNEP urging continued stakeholder engagement to maximise the project’s long-term benefits.

In his closing remarks, Mr Paul Lebon thanked participants for their active involvement and constructive feedback, stressing that the project’s success over the next five years will depend on sustained partnership and shared responsibility. He reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to remaining a global leader in sustainable tourism and serving as a model for other island and coastal states.

With the validation workshop complete, the Tourism Department will continue to work closely with UNEP, the Commonwealth Secretariat, national stakeholders, and the PPG coordination team to refine the project document ahead of its submission to the GEF Secretariat for CEO endorsement. For Africa’s travel industry, Seychelles’ progress with the iCOAST project offers a compelling example of how targeted investment, policy innovation, and international collaboration can drive sustainable tourism and climate resilience—setting a benchmark for destinations across the continent.