Seychelles, the smallest African archipelago, faces challenges in waste management due to its limited land area and vulnerability to environmental impacts. The country has been committed to environmental conservation since 2002, regularly contributing to United Nations Environment Programmes (UNEP) core Environment Fund.

"The programmes that UNEP has been operating over the past years have really contributed to the success of Seychelles that we see today," said Flavien Joubert, Seychelles’ Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment. "We expect that with time, we will continue to evolve in our relationship with UNEP and cover all areas, even those that traditionally we haven’t."

Recently, Seychelles partnered with UNEP to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in its transportation sector, collaborating with 29 other low- and middle-income countries and leveraging UNEP's expertise on heavy-duty vehicles. This has led to the achievement of Seychelles' renewable energy targets, aiming to reach 15 per cent by 2030.

Seychelles faces difficulties in waste management due to its limited land area and vulnerability to environmental impacts, exacerbated by rapid population growth and increasing tourism. The Solid Waste Management Plan of Seychelles 2020-2035 focuses on efficient waste collection, recycling initiatives, and reducing landfill dependence to mitigate land and marine pollution.

At a systemic level, Seychelles recognises the need to transition to sustainable consumption and production. UNEP has supported the island in developing its circular economy roadmap and action plan, initiating a Circular Economy Challenge fund worth $150,000 in March 2024 to further catalyse investment in circular economy ventures and businesses.

Looking ahead, Joubert believes in Seychelles’ ability to lead by example. "As we convene at international forums such as the United Nations Environment Assembly and COP meetings, our aim is to produce the best results in our own country so that it contributes to global goals."