Seychelles Roundup: Air quality, educational loan, money laundering and terrorist financing

Expansion of air quality

Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S) is expanding its air quality monitoring project, installing sensors across Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. The organization aims to gain a clearer picture of the nation's air quality and plans to apply for funding to install more sensors in high-activity areas. The project manager noted a decline in air quality over the past eight years and attributed it to increased combustion activities, according to Seychelles News Agency. The organization believes that improving air quality will lead to increased economic productivity and growth.

Educational loan scheme for university students

Seychelles' Minister for Education, Justin Valentin, has announced the discontinuation of the government's Part-Financing Scheme, allowing students who cannot qualify for fully-funded university scholarships to pursue higher education through a student loan under the new Educational Loan Scheme. According to Seychelles News Agency, the scheme, supported by five commercial banks, the Seychelles Credit Union, the Central Bank of Seychelles, and the Seychelles Bankers Association, is aimed at supporting a priority field in Seychelles. The government will subsidise 4% of the interest rate based on the respective banks' interest rates. The scheme also covers students wishing to study in another university not chosen by the Ministry of Education. The final decision for loan approval remains with the banks, Seychelles News Agency reported.

Money laundering and terrorist financing manual

Seychelles has unveiled a judicial manual in collaboration with the EU Global Facility on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF). The manual, a product of over a year of collaboration, aims to provide practical support in financial investigations related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing cases. The manual, tailored specifically for Seychelles, is the first of its kind in the country and is a response to the enactment of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act in 2020, Seychelles News Agency reports.

Young activists to gather at environmental camp

Sixteen young local environmental activists will participate in a week-long environmental camp on D'Arros, one of the Seychelles' Outer Islands, in April. The camp, run by the Save Our Seas Foundation D'Arros Research Centre (SOSF-DRC), offers a unique experience for young people aged 10-15 to visit the protected waters of D'Arros Island. The camp combines education, adventure, exploration, and discovery, featuring games, presentations, and camping. Participants will become youth ambassadors for the environment, empowered with the knowledge to share with their communities upon their return home. The camp also provides students with front-row seats to some of the SOSF-DRC's work on D'Arros, according to Seychelles News Agency. The waters surrounding D'Arros Island and St Joseph Atoll have been declared marine protected areas since March 2020.

Attorney General’s strategic plan

The Seychelles Attorney General's Office launched its strategic plan 2024-2029 to elevate the office into a centre of excellence for legal services. Attorney General Frank Ally presented a copy of the plan on a pen drive to President Wavel Ramkalawan at the launch ceremony, Seychelles News Agency reports. Ally stated that the new strategic plan will guide the Attorney General’s office's transformation into a more efficient, effective, and transparent institution that embodies the principles of public service.