In collaboration with the European Union and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) ,the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) hosted by the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Centers of Excellence (CoE) awareness workshop yesterday, Tuesday 26^th March 2024.

The aim of this workshop was to raise awareness on CBRN to key stakeholders and discuss the establishment of the national CBRN committee in Seychelles led by the designated CBRN national focal point, Ms. Vanesia Dodin.

During this workshop Ms. Dodin, presented the past and current CBRN CoE related activities in Seychelles such as Project 60-Nuclear Safety and Security, Project 66-Medisafe and Project P99-BIOCAP. Both Project 60 and Project 66 were established in 2018.

Project P60- Nuclear Safety and Security, was established to support the review of the legislation and the draft of the radiation safety and security regulations. The project also supported the draft of a national Radiological Emergency Response Plan (RADPLAN) and the review of a safe and secure management of radioactive source in Seychelles, as well as the strategies to improve control of radiation in Seychelles. Under this project Seychelles acquired several radiation detection devices and trainings on security inspections.

As Project P66-Medisafe, it was established in March 2018 to November 2023 to support the fight against the production and trafficking of Substandard, Falsified Medicines and Health Products (SFMHP) to ensure better health outcomes. Under such project technical working groups were established to facilitate sharing of information between various agencies that has a role to play in addressing SFMHP. The project also promoted capacity building and awareness raising on SFMHP with a national Standard Operation Procedure for handling SFMHP by mapping the supply chain of both private and the public sectors.

Whereas Project P-99 BIOCAP aimed to strengthened biosafety and biosecurity capabilities in East and Central Africa including Seychelles. The project started in January 2023 and is expected to end in June 2026, over a period of 3 years. The project focuses on enhancing the region’s ability to detect and mitigate risks related to biological materials or agents, as well as the risks associated with installations or sites.

Establishing the way forward, the stakeholders raised many points in regards to education and awareness of CBRN in Seychelles, as well as improved coordination and communication amongst stakeholders themselves. Following this workshop, it is expected that a national CBRN committee be established, forming a national team to develop the CBRN action plan in Seychelles supported by the European Union.

Representatives in attendance to the workshop were Mr. Robert Ernesta, the Director General of DRMD, accompanied by

Ms. Vanesia Dodin, CBRN Focal Point, also the Head of Disaster Risk Mitigation Unit, Ms. Jade Landry, Head of Education, Research and Information Unit and Ms. Aisha Rachel, Head of Planning and Preparedness Unit.

Other representatives present were the Other representatives present were the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Seychelles Foreign Affairs Department, Department of Land Transport, Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority, Seychelles Ports Authority, Seychelles Fire and Rescue Service Agency, Airport Fire and Rescue Service Agency,

Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade, Seychelles Defense Forces, Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs Seychelles. Seychelles Bureau of Standards, National Bureau of Statistics, Seychelles Revenue Agency, Ministry of Health, Seychelles Planning Authority, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and Seychelles Petroleum Company Limited.

Following session 1 of the District Contingency Plan workshop held on Monday 18th March 2024, a list of recommendations and proposals were gathered for discussion by the DRMD such as the amendment of the District Contingency Plan to the District Emergency Response Plan.

Other key recommendations addressed were the need for additional support by DRMD and other responding agencies during site visits and the establishment of a District Disaster Committee by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.

The local government’s officials also recommended that the roles and responsibilities of the Incident Command System (ICS) be clarified to the first responders’ stakeholders and the members of the platinum level.

Lastly, through the collaboration of the Ministry of Local Government and the Community Affairs with DRMD, great emphasis was placed on the need for more educational awareness campaigns on disaster management and risk reduction in Seychelles.

During the workshop, Ms. Aisha Rachel representative of DRMD, outlined the different roles and responsibilities of the District Administrators under the National Integrated Emergency Management Plan (NIEMP). This is to ensure that the District Contingency Plan (DCP) is aligned to the NIEMP in the case of an emergency.

Following the presentation, the local government’s officials expressed the different challenges and concerns faced during an emergency, in relevance to the disasters faced on 7th December 2023.

Representatives present were the District Administrators, Red Cross Society of Seychelles, Seychelles Meteorological Authority and the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs Seychelles.

The main topics that were discussed are coordination and communication in times of emergencies and disasters on La Digue. Other points of discussion were the use of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on La Digue, as the core center for emergency management and methods to improve resource management.

Present were representatives from Seychelles Police, District Administration, Health Authority and SFRSA.

During the workshop, stakeholders were able to share their expectations in the event of an oil spill, and confirm what resources and capabilities they will be able to contribute to the National Oil Spill Preparedness and Response.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment in collaborations with the Nairobi Convention under Strategic Action Program Policy Harmonization and Institutional Reforms Project (SAPPHIRE).

The NOSCP was drafted a couple years ago, however, after a Special Review Report of the Auditor General (Sustainable Development Goals 2030 – Seychelles Coastal Management) in 2019, identified that there is a need for revision. This was accepted by SCG and the former Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.

This review will ensure the alignment of the NOSCP with the Integrated Emergency Management System (IEMS).

The Chief Risk Management Officer of DRMD Mr. Daniel Cetoupe, explained that the division is working in collaboration with World Bank and the CRIMARIO II project to begin the recovery phase after the disasters. DRMD will lead the Post Disaster Needs Assessments (PDNA) with the support of the World Bank which aims to determine early & long-term needs of the country with the involvement of concerned governmental entities.

Photo Credit: Seychelles Nation

The team from the CRIMARIO II project will assist Seychelles in developing and establishing a reporting structure using standardized reporting formats to facilitate emergency response on a national level through the National Operation Emergency Centre.

Mr. Cetoupe thanked everyone who helped during the disasters stating that, “the swift response from the people of Seychelles was commendable and that allowed us to get the situation under control quickly. I want to thank everyone who helped and worked through these disasters. We wish to also extend our deepest sympathy to the families and persons affected by the heavy rainfall and explosion”.

Photo Credit: Seychelles Nation

Included in the event was the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, UNESCO-IOC, BMKG Indonesia, UNDRR, and other local stakeholders.

The training sessions were fruitful, and a lot was learned.

“FIGHTING INEQUALITY FOR A RESILIENT FUTURE”

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 was adopted in the third UN world conference in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan March 18, 2015, following the Hyogo Framework for Action of 2005-2015 highlighted as “Building Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disaster”.

During his first day the Minister met with Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. During their meeting Ms. Mizutori reassured United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)s commitment in supporting Seychelles. Minister Fonseka emphasized on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and how “there is a need to foster the culture of resilience amongst our nation”. The meeting was an opportunity for Ms. Mizutori to engage with all member states prior to the high level meeting which took place on the 18th & 19th of May.

Minister Fonseka co-chaired a round table with H.E. Mr. Raed Arafat State Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania. The discussion focused on governing disaster risk in fragile ecosystems.
During the High Level Meeting the Minister delivered his address, expressing gratitude for the support pledged by UNDRR in facilitating the collection of disaster loss related data which will update information related to Seychelles on the Desinventar platform. This will help in making evidence-based decisions towards resilience and preparedness implementation programs.

Minister Fonseka stated that, “in responding to disasters, which usually come without warning, flexibility and adaptability should be principles that feature in the allocation of financial assistance. The potential for major disasters within the Indian Ocean is very worrying due to the level of the increase of the world’s commercial maritime traffic and the rising level of organized crime within the western Indian Ocean”. He continued by stating, “security and safety, which are non-traditional security issues are clear and present threats that impends our existence. Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU), climate change, drugs & human trafficking all add to the negative impact on our environment and our coastal livelihood”.
The Minister expressed that the meeting further cements the governments’ commitment in advancing disaster management in Seychelles through active collaborations with foreign partners. He also commented on the shared experiences and knowledge gathered during the round table discussions.
The Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015- 2030 is an opportunity for countries member states to identify and implement renovations, innovations and course corrections to policy, practice, investment and cooperation to prevent, mitigate and reduce existing and emerging risk before 2030. The High-Level Meeting aims to raise awareness and mutual understanding of integrated risk reduction in decision-making, investment, behavior and best practices to address gaps and obstacles of commitments and plans to implementation in alignment with the Sendai Framework.