Activities in Seychelles

JICA carried out a Study on Coastal Erosion and Flood Management in Seychelles

The final Steering Committee meeting for the Study for Coastal Erosion and Flood Management in the Republic of Seychelles was held on 11 February 2014 heralding the winding up of the Study that commenced early 2011. The objectives of this Study which came to an end in March 2014 were;

1. To formulate a coastal conservation plan with regard to disasters to enhance coastal management
2. To formulate a flood management plan to reduce flood risks
3. To implement pilot projects for coastal conservation and flood management. This is in order to confirm the effectiveness of the measures to be taken and to enhance the capacity of relevant personnel engaged in coastal conservation and flood control management
4. To undertake technology transfer to relevant personnel through joint activities of the Study as well as trainings and workshops

The team of Japanese experts led by the highly experienced Dr. Hiroshi Hashimoto worked very closely with the Seychelles Ministry of Environment and Energy's Department of Environment staff. Technical transfer was enriched through implementation of joint activities, seminars, workshops and training of the experts' counterparts on-the-job and in Japan. This enhanced the counterparts' understanding of engineering concepts and techniques. Consequently, they were able to work hand-in hand with the Japanese experts to improve technical guidelines for EIA, storm water drainage design and develop new guidelines for aerial and bathymetric surveys.

Four pilot projects were also implemented to confirm the effectiveness of the measures proposed in the Study and to enhance the capacity of relevant personnel. Two of the projects were at North East Point and La Passe in line with the Coastal Conservation Plan, and two at Pointe Larue and Aux Cap under the Flood Control Management Plan.

However, even as this Study winds up, the Government of Seychelles has already requested for a new project to support Seychelles' renewable energy sector through technology used in Japan's small island areas (photovoltaic power generation). The objective of this project is to improve stable energy supply and enhance partnerships in both public and private sectors between Seychelles and Japan's islands. At the same time, there is also another proposal forwarded to the Government of Japan for the Project for the Construction of Fisheries Facilities at Province Zone 6. If approved, this Project will serve to further strengthen the long standing cooperation between Seychelles and Japan in the fisheries sector.