The Tourism Department, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), alongside technical support from the Commonwealth Secretariat, officially launched the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) phase of the Integrated Collaborative Approaches for Sustainable Tourism (iCOAST) Programme in Seychelles during an Inception Workshop held on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, at the Savoy Resort & Spa.
Funded under the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF-8) programming cycle, the iCOAST Programme represents a transformative step in Seychelles’ ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism development. Providing Seychelles with access of up to USD 5 million in funding, the project focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of the tourism sector through circular economy models, climate resilience strategies, and nature-based solutions.
Present at the opening were Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs Sherin Francis along with Paul Lebon, Director General for destination Planning and Development; Principal Secretary for Climate Change and Energy, Tony Imaduwa, CEO Ports Authority, Sony Payet, CEO National Brueau of statistics Kevin Bistoquet, UNEP Task Manager Ms Yolanda Cachu; Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser, Mr Aurelius Nkonde; chairperson of the Seychelles hospitality and Tourism Association; representatives from the Seychelles Hospitality & Tourism Association (SHTA); and Seychelles Small Hotels & Establishments Association (SSHEA);various tourism and government stakeholders and other partners as well as officials from the Tourism Department.
“This is an exciting and critical moment for Seychelles,” said Mrs Sherin Francis. “If we do this right, we will not just preserve what makes our islands special—we will build a tourism industry that thrives by protecting our environment and supporting our communities.”
She stressed the urgency of this initiative as the country faces growing environmental pressures and the intensifying impacts of climate change. Key areas of focus include reducing waste, protecting coastal ecosystems, and improving policy frameworks that support low-impact tourism.
She also called on tourism and hospitality stakeholders to contribute to the Project Preparation Grant phase through co-financing and collaboration, underscoring that the success of this phase will define the future impact of the initiative.
Adding to the event, Mr Paul Lebon outlined the Seychelles government’s newly endorsed Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (SSTPF), which marks a significant shift from traditional growth-based tourism to a value-based model that prioritises sustainability, community inclusion, and cultural preservation.
The framework, developed over a year with the support of international partners and consultants, sets out five strategic goals aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include strong governance, resilient and productive tourism businesses, protection of cultural and natural assets, climate resilience, and enhanced data systems to guide policy and measure impact. Mr Lebon emphasised that the policy aims to “disperse our tourism benefits right across all our communities,” ensuring local employment and inclusive economic growth.
He further highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, updated tourism policies, and a national commitment to sustainability, with Cabinet giving full endorsement to the STPF. “At the end of the day, it is about the development of Seychelles,” he said, referring to the broader national vision embedded in the framework.
Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser, Mr Aurelius Nkonde, explained that the iCOAST Programme addresses the environmental challenges posed by tourism—such as waste generation and climate risks—while promoting sustainable practices across policy, finance, technology, and global collaboration. “This project is designed to catalyse transformational change in the tourism sector,” he said, emphasising its role in advancing Seychelles’ Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework and updated climate goals.
As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Seychelles faces heightened vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Through this programme, the country is reaffirming its leadership in the Indian Ocean region and globally by advancing innovative, inclusive, and environmentally conscious tourism models.
The Inception Meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries, tourism operators, civil society and international organisations. Participants were invited to share feedback and explore opportunities for partnership as the project enters its preparatory phase.
The Tourism Department extends its appreciation to all stakeholders for their presence and valuable insights,and looks forward to continued collaboration in shaping a more sustainable future for Seychelles’ tourism industry.
