On Friday 6th February 2026, the Environmental Policy Implementation Committee (EPIC) of the Secretariat of the National Assembly, in collaboration with Parley Seychelles and the Deaf Centre Seychelles, organised a clean-up in the Parliamentary Mangrove Sanctuary just behind the parliamentary building.
The EPIC-led clean-up initiative saw a collaborative effort between Speaker Hon. Azarel Ernesta, children and teachers from the Deaf Centre under the guidance of Mrs. Anita Gardner, and Parley Seychelles volunteers led by Jessica Lawen. The team’s dedication resulted in the removal of 126.7kgs of debris from a concentrated mangrove area surrounding the parliamentary precinct. Notable finds included fishing buoys, a fridge door, and significant quantities of plastic bottles and household waste. This substantial accumulation suggests a dual challenge: continuous and localized littering and a persistent lack of awareness to the importance of the environment, especially mangrove ecosystems. Thanks to the mangrove roots’ "trapping" effect, the trash does not make it out to the ocean where tidal cycles continuously deposit and however this multiplies trash within the mangroves, making it a must to regularly clean up such areas. This signals a need for intensified land waste management and enhanced mangrove awareness and conservation in the districts.
Since adopting the mangrove area in 2022, the National Assembly through the EPIC, has remained steadfast in its commitment to environmental stewardship. Central to these efforts is the SeyCCAT Blue Grants Fund project, “A Climate Resilient Parliament: Raising Awareness and Advocating for the Protection of Mangrove Ecosystems”. The EPIC is deeply grateful for its ongoing partnership with Parley Seychelles. Together, both partners ensure that vital mangrove areas, such as the one surrounding the parliamentary precinct, remain protected as essential biodiversity hotspots. By actively involving children and students from the Deaf Centre, the National Assembly ensures that its environmental initiatives are truly inclusive and the institution remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that diverse community groups are represented and engaged in its parliamentary activities.
