This year marks 25 years of conservation work in Seychelles by the Island Conservation Society (ICS).
A group from the organisation, led by its chairman Adrian Skerrett, met with President Patrick Herminie at State House on Tuesday, 6 December 2026.
The Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, Marie-May Jérémie, also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, ICS reflected on its work since its establishment in 2001. ICS was founded to address the lack of structured conservation work on the outer islands.
Mr Skerrett said early exposure to the outer islands highlighted the need for protection.
“The inspiration for ICS was the absence of any organisation working in conservation on the outer islands,” he said.
“Having seen these islands in their raw state, we recognised the need to preserve them.”
He said the organisation later established conservation centres on several islands. These centres monitor ecosystems, turtles, and bird populations.
Mr Skerrett said conservation efforts are producing results.
“At most of these locations, we are seeing nature recover because of the conservation work being done,” he said.
ICS currently operates programmes on eight islands. Its work includes invasive species eradication, species reintroductions, and long-term environmental monitoring. The organisation also supports national conservation policies through research and education.
Mr Skerrett said investors, tourism operators, and government agencies support the organisation’s conservation work through partnerships. He said funding models vary by island, depending on available income streams.
He explained that on islands with tourism activity, conservation levies paid by hotels help fund operations. These funds are managed through island-specific foundations. Each includes representatives from government, investors, and other stakeholders.
ICS currently employs 40 staff members. Most work in conservation and monitoring on the outer islands. A significant number are expatriates. The organisation is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.
Despite its progress, ICS continues to face challenges. These include securing sustainable funding and attracting qualified conservation professionals for long-term research.
The meeting also covered Assomption Island. The delegation briefed the President on the Environmental Impact Assessment conducted for the island.
Participants noted the recent establishment of an Inter-Sectoral Environmental Task Force by the Ministry of Environment. The task force will coordinate urgent environmental actions for Assomption Island and address related matters concerning Aldabra.
Minister Jérémie will chair the body, with Dr. Nirmal Shah, Special Advisor in the President’s Office, serving as Deputy Chair. Its mandate includes biodiversity assessments and strengthened biosecurity planning.
President Herminie congratulated ICS on its contribution to environmental protection in Seychelles. He praised the organisation’s professionalism and long-standing work in safeguarding the country’s natural heritage. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with civil society organisations on conservation.