Seychellois scientists join Ramkalawan and Prince Albert in Monaco doc launch

Two young Seychellois female scientists and Eco warriors joined President Ramkalawan and Prince Albert II of Monaco at the launch of a milestone Monaco film on the Indian Ocean recently in Barcelona, Spain.

The scientists – Sheena Talma and Nathalia Lawen - were also attending the 2024 UN Ocean Decade Conference.

The event was a private screening of documentary movie “Mission Saving Paradise: Expedition to the last treasures of the Indian Ocean” in which Seychelles, along with other sister islands Reunion and Mauritius are featured.

The documentary is a product of the Monaco Explorations, spearheaded by Prince Albert II alongside key partners such as the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustained development.

This scientific expedition was significantly dedicated to the multidisciplinary investigation of the Aldabra atoll and the Saya de Malha bank.

President Ramkalawan had highlighted in his opening speech at the conference: “During this research mission many specimens were studied, lost species were re-discovered and new species were also potentially discovered.

“I must note that 18 Seychellois scientists had the opportunity to be part of this expedition, underlying our commitment to ensure that our very own scientists, especially young early career scientists also benefit from the research opportunities happening in our ocean space.”.

• L to R: UN Special Envoy Peter Thompson, Albert II, Pres Ramkalawan and an Ocean Conference representative

Following the 2024 UN Ocean Decade Conference, the President will proceed to Athens, Greece for the 9th Our Ocean Conference.