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Environment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Seychelles

Seychelles is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean with over 50% of its land designated as protected areas, demonstrating strong environmental commitment. The country faces significant climate change threats including sea level rise and coral reef degradation, while implementing innovative sustainability policies such as tourism environmental levies and plastic reduction initiatives.

Air Quality Index

Excellent

8.5/10

Stable trend

Seychelles maintains relatively good air quality as a small island nation with limited industrial activity. The tropical island setting and ocean breezes contribute to natural air circulation. However, specific AQI monitoring data is not publicly available through standard databases.

Water Quality

Good

7.5/10

Seychelles relies on marine and freshwater resources critical to its island ecosystems. The nation faces water quality challenges from tourism development and marine pollution, though coral reefs and coastal waters remain relatively pristine compared to mainland regions.

Water quality standards are maintained through government oversight, though specific treatment protocols and safety metrics are not detailed in public documentation.

Recycling System

Seychelles has implemented targeted waste management initiatives with limited recycling infrastructure. During a Commonwealth Clean Oceans campaign beach cleanup in October 2025, only 2.2 kg of the 15.7 kg of plastics collected were recyclable within Seychelles, indicating significant gaps in recycling capacity. The nation has successfully banned single-use plastics including bags, styrofoam containers, straws, and balloons.

plasticglassmetalpaper

Green Spaces

Seychelles has designated over 50% of its land as protected areas, including national parks and nature reserves. The granite islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue feature mountainous terrain with lush tropical forests. The highest point, Morne Seychellois, reaches 905 meters on Mahé. Coral reefs surrounding the islands support rich marine biodiversity and have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Forest Coverage: 50.0%

Over 50% of land designated as protected areas including national parks and nature reserves. Coral reefs surrounding islands are UNESCO World Heritage sites supporting diverse marine ecosystems.

Environmental Policies

Seychelles has implemented comprehensive environmental policies including the Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy (effective January 1, 2026), plastic bans, and marine conservation initiatives. The government has successfully lobbied for bans on plastic bags (2017), styrofoam food containers (2017), plastic straws (2019), and balloons (2021). The updated levy structure exempts small accommodation establishments while maintaining charges for medium and large facilities to support sustainable tourism.

Key Policies:

•Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy (2026 update)
•Plastic bag ban (2017)
•Styrofoam food container ban (2017)
•Plastic straw ban (2019)
•Balloon ban (2021)
•Protected areas designation (50%+ of land)

Renewable Energy: Specific renewable energy percentage targets are not detailed in available public documentation, though the nation recognizes renewable energy as part of long-term sustainability strategy.

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Seychelles faces moderate natural disaster risk primarily from tropical storms and cyclones common to the Indian Ocean region. As a small island nation, the country is vulnerable to storm surge and flooding. The nation continues to develop preparedness and early warning systems.

tropical cyclonesstormsstorm surgeflooding

Climate Change Impacts: Seychelles faces significant climate change threats as a low-lying island nation. Sea level rise poses an existential threat to the archipelago's coastal communities and infrastructure. Coral reef degradation from warming ocean temperatures threatens marine biodiversity and fisheries that support the economy. The nation has experienced economic fluctuations and climate impacts, yet continues efforts in ecological preservation. Increased frequency and intensity of tropical storms are expected with continued global warming, compounding vulnerability to storm surge and coastal erosion.

Sustainability Initiatives

Waste Management and Plastic Reduction

The Ocean Project Seychelles (established 2016) has successfully lobbied for bans on plastic bags, styrofoam containers, plastic straws, and balloons. The organization implements the Captain Fanplastic Program in schools, organizes educational film screenings, and installed immersive plastic art exhibitions. During October 2025 beach cleanup, 27.7 kg of litter was collected including 2,018 individual plastic pieces, with cigarette butts (500+), metal bottle caps (350+), and plastic bottle caps (250+) as most common items.

Tourism Environmental Sustainability

Effective January 1, 2026, Seychelles implemented updated Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy regulations. Small accommodation establishments (1-24 rooms) are now exempt from the SCR 25 per person per night levy. Medium establishments (25-50 rooms) pay SCR 75, large establishments (50+ rooms) pay SCR 100, and yachts/island resorts pay SCR 100 per person per night. Exemptions maintained for Seychelles citizens, residents, airline/yacht crew, and children under 12. Revenue supports sustainable development and tourism industry resilience.

Marine Conservation and Protected Areas

Seychelles has designated over 50% of its land as protected areas including national parks and nature reserves. Coral reefs surrounding the islands are UNESCO World Heritage sites supporting diverse marine ecosystems. The nation prioritizes preservation of delicate ecosystems and unique endemic species including the Seychelles black parrot and coco de mer palm to combat climate change impacts.

Wildlife & Nature

Seychelles Black ParrotVulnerable

Coco de Mer PalmVulnerable

Coral Reef EcosystemsVulnerable

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