Seychelles, a Shining World Leadership Award for Noble Governance laureate, legalizes protection of its marine areas.
Seychelles President His Excellency Danny Faure announced that the island nation has legally declared 30% of its territorial waters, or 410,000 square kilometers, as Marine Protection Areas, with the legislation for 13 new safeguarded areas to be implemented in 2021. Half of these locations will be designated as Marine National Parks and will only allow eco-tourism. This major accomplishment, which is 10 years ahead of international goals, was planned by the government of Seychelles and United States-based nonprofit The Nature Conservancy. Our gratitude, Your Excellency Danny Faure, Seychelles, The Nature Conservancy, and all supporters of this fantastic endeavor. May your bold actions inspire many other countries to strongly protect our treasured oceans, in Heaven’s mercy.