The workshop aims were to validated the drafted copy of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan that was previously based on the 2005 NOSCP which were updated to be aligned with the National Integrated Emergency Management Plan (NIEMP). The main focus on this workshop were on timely preparation, efficient response and multi-stakeholder cooperation in the event of an oil spill. The NOSCP was drafted by consultant Mr. Peter Taylor, the SAPPHIRE project consultant, after an inception workshop and numerous virtual meetings for data collection and discussions.

Following the feedback provided by the participants on the proposed NOSCP, amendments will be made to accommodate the remarks and will be circulated to stakeholders for the final review. The NOSCP will be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers for finalisation and implementation following the validation of the drafted NOSCP by the key stakeholders.

In attendance of this workshop representing DRMD were Mr. Cliff Allisop, the Chief Response Officer of the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) and Ms. Annicka Chetty, Risk Management Officer of the Planning and Preparedness Unit.

Following the Covid-19 global pandemic, it became evident of the paramount importance for the country to have emergency response plans alongside relevant contingency plans, to ease response when disasters struck.  

In view that the country highly depends on Seychelles National Port and Airport for maintenance of daily life and the economy. Disruption to either facility would result in a multitude of impacts; from food, fuel and job insecurity, as tourism and fisheries are the main pillar of the Seychelles economy.

The Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) during recent World Bank Mission to Seychelles confirmed that ensuring business and service continuity for these critical national infrastructures is viewed as a top priority for government. Whilst both the Port and Airport have statutory plans already in place that comply with international standards, their plans were identified to not fully aligned with the National Integrated Emergency Plan (NIEMP), which sets up the framework for effective coordination of preparedness and response operations, regardless of scale and causation for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Seychelles.

Starting on Friday 16^th June 2023, DRMD with technical support of the World bank consultants along with the Seychelles Port Authority (SPA) and the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) started the initial reviewal of draft plans for both SPA and SCAA which continued throughout the following week of Tuesday 20^th June to Friday 23^rd June 2023.

The first two days of the event were centralised around the sensitisation of Disaster Risk Management Focal persons of each responding MDAs to understand their roles when responding to emergencies at the Port Victoria and the Seychelles International Airport. Clarification of the Integrated Emergency Management System (IEMS), Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and plans required by the MDAs were also some of the key points discussed during the two sessions.  

Whereas for the following days, Thursday 22^nd and Friday 23^rd June, both SPA and SCAA along with their corresponding first responders were tested during a table-top exercise to familiarise everyone with the chain of command and decision making at the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) also known as the Silver Command Post.   This was then followed by an afternoon session at the NEOC headquarters for an escalation of the presented scenarios during the table-top exercise, at a national level.

In view of the training, the corresponding MDAs are expected to review and amend their established SOPs, to be aligned with the National Integrated Emergency Plan (NIEMP). Moreover, the MDAs are expected to evaluate their emergency operations system regularly through several table-top exercises, similarly to exercises conducted. Thus, building effective coordination between MDAs and effectual preparedness response.  

The workshop was launched with remarks from the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr Errol Fonseka, Principal Secretary for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Kevin Perine, and Director General of DRMD, Mr Robert Ernesta.

The primary objective of the workshop was to streamline the National Incident Command System, taking into consideration the challenges faced by various agencies in responding to emergencies and disasters and how each MDA’s plans could coordinate with one another.

As the workshop aimed to enhance communication, coordination, and collaboration among stakeholders so that Seychelles can be better prepared to respond to any crisis.

The launching ceremony of the operationalisation of the National Integrated Emergency Management Plan (NIEMP) took place on 4th August 2022 at the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, at Beau Vallon. Present during the ceremony was the President of the Republic, Wavel Ramkalawan, the Vice-President, Ahmed Afif, Speaker of the National Assembly, Roger Mancienne, Designated Minister Jean-Francois Ferrari, Minister Errol Fonseka, the Minister responsible for Disaster Risk Management, other ministers, and other guests. 

Following the opening address by Minister Fonseka, World Bank consultant; Paul Hayden, assisted by Darmen Ellayah guided the guests and delegates through a high-level overview of Seychelles risk and resilience requirements as well as some disaster case studies.

After the ceremony, there was a sensitisation session for the two main committees that are mandated under the Disaster Risk Management Act of 2014 which are the Seychelles Vulnerability Assessment Committee (Sez Vac) and the National Disaster Risk Management Committee (NDRMC). During the afternoon session, the committee members engaged in a desk top exercise guided by senior staff of the Disaster Risk Management Division.