Different information pertaining to the environment are readily available on the Ministry of Environment's recently launched website www.env.gov.sc

The Environment website, launched by environment minister Ronny Jumeau on October 18 during the closing ceremony of SUBIOS 2003 at Beau Vallon, contains over 100 pages and photographs covering different aspects of the country's environment and the work carried out by the ministry. 

With such a number of pages, it makes it one of the biggest local website. 

Information about the ministry itself, its structure and contact addresses and numbers of the different divisions and the senior management staff of the ministry can be viewed from the website, as well as information on the different environmental legislations and policies.  Seychelles' biodiversity, its coasts and oceans, weather and climate, national parks – both marine and land based – and places to visit, amongst other things, are covered in great depth. The website also features a photo gallery where photos can be downloaded.  This year’s theme is Aldabra.

Available on the website are also different downloads in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.  This includes legislations and policies, key publications such as the Environment Management Plan of Seychelles 2000-2010 (EMPS).  People can also download forms and permits such as the application for a permit to light a fire or to cut, trim and lop trees, application to import ozone depleting substances and much more. 

A spokesperson for the ministry says that the website is very educational and highly informative. 

"It will make a very useful tool for students at all levels seeking information on our environment.  Tourist wanting to visit our islands can also have information on the weather and climate of Seychelles, see the different places to visit, fees involved, opening and closing hours and things to see. This could help them better plan their stay. There are, of course, links to other local tourist affiliated websites for more information," the spokesperson explains.

Noting that this is the first launch, the spokesperson says that the page will be updated regularly with fresh information. 

There is also a guest book where comments about the website are welcome. 

"Your contributions would be greatly appreciated and valuable in helping us improve our website to satisfy everyone," says the spokesperson,who extends words of thanks to Hi-tech Graphics for the design of the website.

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