Victoria, Seychelles—To mark the International Day of Peace in Seychelles, the International Day for Peace Committee (IDPC), Seychelles organized an Annual Sustainable Tree-Planting activity at the Mont Fleuri playing field on September 21, 2022 from 10:00 to 11:00 am, in collaboration with the Zanfan Losean EZ Association.
They planted 21 coconut trees at the vicinity of the Mont. Fleuri playing field, with the help and assistance of the Mont Fleuri District Administration, the Office of the MNA of the district, and two gardening workers. Present also was the Eco School Club of the Mont Fleuri Secondary School.
The theme for the event was “End Racism, Build Peace” and reflected this year’s UN International theme. The activity was launched by Mr. Japhet Dailoo, the chairperson of the Zanfan Losean EZ Association.
The activity started with a welcoming address by the IDPC vice-chairperson, Ms. Chantal Ellen, who shared a moment of reflection through a peace prayer.
Then there was an address by an executive member of the Committee, Mr. Roger Alphonse, who is also the chairperson of UPF-Seychelles. This was followed by two other addresses, first by the CEO-CEPS Mr. Alvin Laurence and the district administrator (DA) of Mont. Fleuri, Mr. Steve Noel. Thereafter, Mr. Japhet Dailoo launched the tree planting activity. Each person present planted a coconut tree, as scheduled.
Mr. Japhet stated that he has the environment at heart and he is committed to see Seychelles green, peaceful and with sustainable tree plantings. He stated that peace starts with an action and all those who are here today believe in peace. He stated that he will continue sustainable tree planting activities, not just for Peace Day, but throughout the year.
The other addresses focused on the fact that our nation is multi-racial and we need to sustain unity in diversity to become a more peaceful nation and become a model for the world. More than ever, we have to reinforce our efforts to keep Seychelles as peaceful as possible.
It is worth noting that this event is a symbol to send peace and anti-racism messages in Seychelles. As coconut trees are among our heritage, the organization Zanfan Losean EZ decided that we should use the coconut trees as a message of peace to Seychelles, especially to the youth of our country.
It is worth noting that the International Day of Peace Committee (IDPC), Seychelles is a national committee, created in 2018 to serve as a platform to convene all relevant partners to advocate and make recommendations on how to promote peace both at the national and international level. The primary aim of the Committee is to sensitize the general public and encourage their active participation in peace-related activities.
In line with the annual International Day of Peace theme, the Committee’s goals are to ensure that the message is spread across all sectors in the country. Particular focus is given to students and youth, as future advocates, to learn, contribute and share good practices in peacebuilding.
The tree planting activity for this year 2022 ended with a note of thanks from Mrs. Rosemary Elizabeth, an executive member of IDPC, group photos and coconut refreshments.
The IDPC wishes every Seychellois a “Happy Peace Week 2022” as we continue to work collectively in unity as one nation to “Shape Peace Together.”
The accompanying photograph shows the highlight of the tree planting ceremony.