Seychelles has officially validated the iCOAST Seychelles Project, a crucial step towards securing USD 5 million in funding under the Global Environment Facility's eighth programming cycle (GEF-8). The announcement came during the iCOAST Seychelles Project Preparation Validation Workshop on December 3, 2025, held at Laila, a Tribute Portfolio Resort. This milestone event, organized by the Tourism Department in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Commonwealth Secretariat, marks an important phase in Seychelles' ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its tourism sector and align it with global sustainability practices.
The Integrated Collaborative Approaches for Sustainable Tourism (iCOAST) program, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to implement circular economy models, nature-based solutions, and climate resilience strategies across 14 countries, with Seychelles being a key focus. By integrating these sustainable practices, the initiative seeks to ensure that Seychelles, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant ecosystems, can maintain its natural assets while expanding its tourism sector.
Impact on Seychelles Tourism and Sustainability Goals
Seychelles' tourism industry is a significant driver of the national economy, attracting hundreds of thousands of international tourists each year to its unique natural environments. The iCOAST project aims to address the growing environmental pressures and climate challenges that could threaten the sustainability of the country's tourism sector. These challenges include rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns, and the degradation of ecosystems such as coral reefs, all of which could undermine the island's appeal to travelers seeking eco-friendly and nature-based experiences.
The project aims to integrate circular economy practices in the tourism sector, promoting sustainable waste management, resource efficiency, and eco-friendly infrastructure. Through the iCOAST initiative, Seychelles hopes to reduce the carbon footprint of the tourism industry while maintaining its reputation as an environmentally responsible destination.
The project also seeks to bolster the resilience of local ecosystems, enhancing the protection of biodiversity and natural resources, which are vital to the country's tourism offerings. Seychelles' focus on sustainable tourism is aligned with the newly endorsed Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (SSTPF) 2025-2035, which aims to create a tourism industry that balances growth with environmental responsibility.
Key Focus Areas of the iCOAST Seychelles Project
The iCOAST Seychelles project is designed to tackle the specific challenges faced by the tourism industry, focusing on key areas such as:
Regional Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
During the December workshop, key stakeholders, including government officials, tourism leaders, civil society representatives, and international partners, discussed the draft proposal for the iCOAST Seychelles project. The session focused on refining the project's structure, implementation strategies, and financial planning, ensuring that the project aligns with both national priorities and international sustainability standards.
One of the critical aspects of the project is its emphasis on stakeholder engagement. The Seychelles government, along with UNEP, has called for continued collaboration with local businesses, communities, and tourism operators to ensure that the project's goals are achieved and that the benefits of sustainable tourism are widely distributed across the country.
The project also aligns with Seychelles' national climate priorities, as highlighted by Mr. Aurelius Nkonde, Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser, who emphasized the role of sustainable tourism in enhancing the country's overall climate strategy.
Long-Term Benefits for Tourism Professionals
For tourism professionals in Seychelles, the iCOAST project offers significant long-term benefits. By promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices, tourism businesses in Seychelles can attract the growing number of environmentally-conscious travelers. This shift towards responsible travel will help position Seychelles as a leading destination for eco-tourism in the Indian Ocean region.
The development of green tourism practices will also benefit local businesses, from hotel operators and tour guides to local restaurants and transport services, encouraging a shift towards practices that reduce environmental harm while providing guests with unique, nature-focused experiences.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and Investment in Sustainable Tourism
The iCOAST Seychelles project is only the beginning of a broader commitment to sustainable tourism in the region. The project's continued development will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the tourism industry in Seychelles, creating a balance between environmental protection and economic growth.
By engaging with local communities, international investors, and key tourism stakeholders, Seychelles is setting a positive example for other island nations looking to incorporate sustainable practices into their tourism sectors. The success of the project could provide a blueprint for other African and Indian Ocean destinations to develop and implement similar initiatives.
Conclusion
The launch of the iCOAST Seychelles project represents a critical step in the country's pursuit of sustainable tourism. With a focus on circular economy models, ecosystem protection, and climate resilience, the initiative will help safeguard Seychelles' natural assets while supporting the growth of its tourism sector. As the project progresses, it will create new opportunities for tourism businesses, improve local infrastructure, and enhance the island's appeal to eco-conscious travelers. The iCOAST Seychelles project not only signifies a milestone in the country's commitment to sustainability but also paves the way for a brighter, greener future for Seychelles' tourism industry.