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NIRAS amplifies climate change awareness among youth in the Seychelles
Over 600 people attended the interactive educational Climate Show, which made its way to the Indian Ocean region as part of a project that NIRAS is implementing.
August 19, 2024
In a landmark event celebrating regional cooperation and climate awareness, NIRAS, in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and the European Union (EU), organised "The Climate Show" in the Seychelles. This innovative event marks the first time the ground-breaking spectacle on climate awareness, which has already captivated over 50,000 young individuals across Europe, has been brought to the Indian Ocean region.
The IOC, the sole intergovernmental organisation in Africa comprised exclusively of island states—Comoros, Mauritius, Madagascar, La Réunion (France), and Seychelles—has a long-standing partnership with the EU. Over 80% of the IOC's managed funds are sourced from the European Development Fund, reflecting the EU’s commitment as a key financial partner for over 30 years.
The Facility for Regional Cooperation in the Indian Ocean region (FRCI), a project led by NIRAS, is central to promoting and enhancing visibility of the EU-IOC cooperation. FRCI not only organised "The Climate Show" but is also dedicated to recruiting technical assistance for developing structured methodologies for the coordination of regional funds for the IOC from both the EU and the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). Additionally, the project aims to identify and formulate future programmes under the regional Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) for the IOC.
Over 600 people, including members of the Seychellois government, partners, youth, and citizens from all walks of life, attended the interactive and educational show at the intersection of cinema, theatre, and happening aimed at raising awareness about the issues of climate change.
An immersive and interactive event that blends cinema, theatre, and live performance, "The Climate Show" was designed specifically for the younger generation. It offered a unique perspective on climate issues, resonating deeply with Seychelles' recent experiences of heavy rainfall and landslides. Complemented by a local "post-show" focusing on the blue economy and climate risk reduction, the event featured representatives from the IOC and EU, providing a platform for critical discussions on climate action. Additional shows are planned in the coming months in Comoros, Madgascar and Reunion Island.
This event underscores the broader objectives of the FRCI project: promoting regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, enhancing the visibility of EU-IOC partnerships, and improving coordination between various EU funding instruments like FED/NDICI and INTERREG/FEDER. By fostering these collaborations, FRCI aims to maximise the impact of funding on specific projects, ensuring sustainable development in the region.
A vital takeaway from the event is the importance of youth engagement in sustainable development. As the driving force behind future progress, young people must be provided with opportunities to make their voices heard and contribute to the global dialogue on climate action.
As the IOC celebrates its 40th anniversary, the successful staging of "The Climate Show" stands as a testament to the enduring and fruitful collaboration between the IOC and the EU. Together, they continue to amplify climate awareness and drive regional cooperation for a sustainable future.
