Seychelles iCOAST validation unlocks US$5M green tourism funding

SEYCHELLES – Seychelles has validated its iCOAST project proposal during a recent workshop, accessing up to US$5 million from GEF-8 for sustainable tourism transformations.

Workshop Refines Circular Economy Blueprint

Convened at Laila Tribute Portfolio Resort, the Tourism Department collaborated with UNEP and Commonwealth Secretariat to finalize the five-year initiative’s draft for GEF submission.

Focus areas encompass ecosystem restoration through coral replanting programs, elevating local supply chains to 70% self-sufficiency with farm-to-table mandates, unlocking green finance for SMEs totaling US$2million in low-interest loans, and enacting policy shifts integrated into the 2025–2035 Sustainable Tourism Framework for long-term viability and compliance.

Practical Measures Slash Environmental Impact

Core actions target 30% waste reduction via advanced composting hubs at resorts and comprehensive plastic elimination protocols across operations, alongside climate fortifications for 50 coastal sites against 0.5-meter sea level projections by 2050.

Mangrove buffers and reef defenses protect pristine beaches attracting 400,000 annual tourists, preserving the sector’s 25% GDP dependency while fueling 12% expansion through resilient, low-impact operations that appeal to eco-conscious travelers.

Broader Tourism Investments Accelerate Sustainability

Complementing iCOAST, Seychelles channeled US$50 million into Mahé’s Four Seasons Resort expansion incorporating solar arrays, eco-villas for 200 keys, and biodiversity corridors.

It has also channeled US$30 million developed Hilton Seychelles Northolme on Silhouette Island with marine research labs, glamping pods, and reef-safe sunscreens amdUS$20 million upgraded Constance Lémuria’s zero-waste kitchens, regenerative farms, and turtle hatcheries on Praslin

The country also allocated US$15 million built Praslin Hilton’s wellness retreats blending indigenous spa rituals and adventure treks; USD 40 million Kerzner partnership launched Six Senses Denis overwater villas by 2027 featuring carbon-neutral designs; and US$25 million enhanced Eden Island Marina’s superyacht facilities with electric charging for UHNWIs.

These USD 180 million commitments from 2024-2025 spur 18% FDI inflows, generate 5,000 green jobs, and deliver 15% RevPAR premiums for certified properties amid Blue Economy priorities.

Positioning as Global Eco-Destination Leader

Refinements with national and international stakeholders pave CEO endorsement, mirroring Maldives successes with projected 20% emission drops and 10,000 green roles by 2030.

Ecosystem-Wide Hospitality Benefits

For operators, grants fund solar retrofits, rainwater harvesting, and biodiversity offsets, inspiring MENA-Africa paradigms powering 12% regional GDP via reefs and aviation connectivity sustaining dive and luxury revenues.

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