As we join communities around the world in marking Clean Up the World 2026, we are reminded that creating a cleaner and healthier environment begins with the choices we make every day.

This year’s theme,“From Clean Plates to Clean Cities,”invites us to look at the connection between the food we consume, the waste we generate and the communities we live in. It reminds us that the journey towards cleaner cities can begin with something as simple as what we do with the food on our plates.

Behind every meal are the efforts of farmers, fishers, producers, workers and families, as well as the water, energy and other resources needed to bring food to our tables. When we take only what we need, avoid unnecessary food waste and find ways to give surplus food a second life, we are making a responsible choice for our environment.

We can also make a difference through the way we manage the waste we produce. Separating waste at home, reusing what we can, composting organic waste and ensuring that recyclable and other recoverable materials are properly handled are simple actions within our control. These may seem like small contributions, but when they become habits shared by thousands of people, their impact can be significant.

The waste we produce is our responsibility. What we throw away does not simply disappear; it remains part of the environment we all share. This is why the principle of “Nou salte, i nou responsabilite” must guide our actions. Each of us has a role to play in reducing the waste we create, disposing of it properly and keeping our surroundings clean. Whether at home, at work, in our schools or in our communities, taking responsibility for our own waste is a simple but important contribution towards a cleaner Seychelles.

A clean Seychelles is a shared responsibility. Our homes, schools, workplaces, beaches, roads and public spaces all form part of the environment we call home. Keeping them clean requires the commitment of every citizen, community, business and organisation.

Seychelles understands the importance of protecting our natural environment. Our ocean, beaches, forests and biodiversity are not only part of our national identity; they are essential to our economy, our wellbeing and the future we leave for generations to come. Clean Up the World is therefore more than a clean-up activity. It is an opportunity to strengthen the way we think about waste, consumption and our responsibility towards the environment. It is an opportunity to build a culture where less is wasted, more is reused, organic waste is composted where possible, and materials that can be recovered are given another purpose rather than simply discarded.

I encourage every Seychellois to consider the small actions that are within our reach. Finish what is on our plate. Separate our waste. Compost where possible. Reuse instead of throwing away. Share surplus food. Keep our surroundings clean. Teach our children to care for the environment. The contribution of one person may appear small, but when families, communities, businesses and organisations each do their part, those individual efforts come together to create a lasting impact. When we put our hands together, we can achieve far more than any one of us can achieve alone.

On this occasion, I commend all individuals, communities, schools, businesses and NGOs taking part in Clean Up the World 2026. Your commitment demonstrates the power of working together and reminds us that protecting Seychelles is a responsibility we all share.

Together, let us make responsible consumption, proper waste management and care for our environment part of our everyday way of life.