The Participation of the Seychelles Agricultural Agency in the Tourism Expo 2010

To celebrate the world tourism day, the Seychelles Tourism Board organized a Tourism Expo 2010. The Expo 2010 was held from Monday 27^th to Wednesday 29^th September at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles under the theme Tourism and Biodiversity. The president, Mr. James Michel was the special invited guest and the exposition was officially launched by the CEO of STB Mr. Alain St.Ange.

The Seychelles Agricultural Agency participated in the Tourism Expo 2010 with the aims of promoting  traditional local crops and to showcase the diversity of local crops that were used by our grand- parents and that the youth of today does not know (eg pigeon pea).  In adhering to the theme of tourism and biodiversity, the focus was on SAA’s fruit tree nursery  from which some tourism establishments such as Ephelia Resort and Eden Island bought fruit trees to beautify and create an edible landscape. On display there were also a diversity of fruit and vegetable trees, spices and herbs, root crops, vegetables and fruits commonly used by the general public as well as by the tourism industry. Agricultural Research and Development, Agricultural Extension Services and the National Plant Protection Organisation exhibited posters showing the work done by the mentioned sections. Research and Development Section exhibited photos of screened varieties namely tomatoes, sweet peppers, lettuces etc. The Agricultural Extension Services displayed information relevant to the campaign of Every home a garden through posters and a live exhibition.The National Plant Protection Organisation  had posters of the steps to be taken to obtain import certificates and had information on some invasive species such as whiteflies and fruit flies.

 The Agricultural Development Strategy2007-2011 provided the justification for SAA’s participation in the Tourism Expo 2010 as it states: The government through the ministry with portfolio responsibility for agriculture in collaboration with bilateral and multilateral partners would endeavour to promote improved crop varieties/ genetic resources through the use of land resources, local and introduced crop biodiversity/ genetic resources. It would further promote and support sound and environmental friendly cultural practices for edible landscaping.  the Tourism Expo 2010 was a good opportunity for SAA to raise its profile vis-a-vis biodiversity and tourism in the eyes of the public.

Contributed  by 

Yuna Madeleine