SEYCHELLES – The Seychelles government has revealed all plans are in place for the Ocean Festival, set to take place from November 28 to 30 after a five-year hiatus featuring hospitality and tourism attractions like sustainable seafood gastronomy, sailing and watersports.
This year’s festival will revolve around the theme “Safeguarding Our Oceans,” highlighting the importance of ocean conservation.
Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Destination Marketing at Tourism Seychelles, emphasized that the festival plays a vital role in promoting the nation’s most valuable asset—the ocean.
She noted the collaborative efforts between NGOs, government agencies, and tourism establishments, underscoring the collective responsibility to protect marine resources.
Willemin stressed the need to preserve the ocean for future generations, acknowledging the contributions of numerous partners dedicated to this cause.
The festival will feature various activities, including exhibitions at the National History Museum and Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort, as well as beach cleanups on both the inner and outer islands.
The event’s primary sponsor, the Save Our Seas Foundation—founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2003 and operating a research center on D’Arros Island—will play a key role in the festivities.
Sheril De Commarmond, a representative from Save Our Seas, encouraged public participation, particularly family attendance.
She highlighted innovative attractions such as Virtual Reality experiences designed to showcase underwater beauty for those unable to dive. De Commarmond also announced the premiere screening of the documentary Coconuts to Conservation as part of the event.
Willemin stated that the festival’s activities are designed to appeal to a wide audience, including both locals and visitors, with a particular focus on engaging children as future stewards of ocean conservation.
Planned activities include a family fun day, community storytelling sessions, and arts and crafts workshops aimed at fostering community involvement.
Jeanette Larue, Director General for Public Education and Community Outreach at the Ministry of Environment, shared plans to promote snorkeling among Seychellois of all ages.
The Ministry intends to integrate snorkeling into school curriculums through swimming classes starting next year. Additionally, instructors will be available during the festival at Beau Vallon Bay to teach snorkeling to adults and children interested in learning this skill.
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