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International Innovation Prize for Seychelles

Nature Seychelles has won the International Innovation Prize from the  World Leisure Organization (WLO).  The Prize was given for innovative efforts to use the environment for “edutainment” programs at the Sanctuary at Roche  Caiman (SARC). These include Green Health, Heritage Garden and Outdoor Classroom.  This is not the first time the association has won a prize - it has collected international awards in several fields ranging from education to ecotourism.

The World Leisure International Innovation Prize recognizes creative solutions that foster leisure opportunities for the benefit and development of individuals and communities. Activities at the Sanctuary at Roche Caiman are targeted at improving participant well-being by nurturing and harnessing the power of nature.

The WLO has informed Dr. Nirmal Shah, the Chief Executive of Nature Seychelles, who made the submission on invitation, that  “The international Committee was greatly impressed by your application and look forward to honoring you in a special Award Ceremony on 17th November 2011 during the 2nd World Leisure Expo and Forum, which is being held in Hangzhou, China”.

“I would like to join the community to express to you the appreciation and congratulations of the President and our office for this excellent achievement”

Mr. Barry Faure, Secretary of State, Office of the  President.

Mr. Pat Nanty, the  Chair and CEO of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation and a member of the International  Jury for  the Prize has said,  “I am extremely delighted at this achievement more so as since my association with the WLO this is the first time that the Prize has been won by an entry from a small country. This is a prestigious award from a serious organization as it recognizes accessibility to leisure as a Human Right and highlights its educational and life-enriching values. Entries for the competition come from many countries and include big budget national programmes. The fact that Nature Seychelles won the Prize, despite competing with a massive tourism project from China and against entries from European countries, India, Australia etc.., is a significant achievement and one for which we must wholeheartedly congratulate the organization.”

Shah says, “The best way to promote protection of the environment is to get people to value nature. We have been implementing environmental programs that provide values of one kind or another to various groups over the years. Recently we have focused on linking nature to people’s physical and mental well being. It’s wonderful that a leading international organization has recognized this innovation. This is a team effort and the coordinators of our various programs need to be congratulated for their hard work.”

And adding his congratulations, Bernard Elizabeth, the Chair of LUNGOS (Liaison Unit of Non-Governmental Organisations of Seychelles) said, "Your success is a reflection of the civil society's capacity to be innovative in such fields as environment and nature conservation."

About the Award (Courtesy of WLO):

The 2011 World Leisure International Innovation Prize (referred to as the WLO Prize) is awarded to innovative leisure projects which demonstrate a strong contribution to citizens’ well-being and meet the assessment criteria. The 2011 WLO Prize will be presented at the International Leisure Forum held during The World Leisure EXPO 2011 on 17 November in Hangzhou, China. WLO Prize winners will receive a “George” trophy and a framed certificate at the Ceremony. The “George” (a locally crafted, unique art piece) is named in honor of Dr. George Torkildsen (1934 – 2005) who was the first WLO Prize Committee Chair and past World Leisure Organization (WLO) Board Chair.  The WLO Prize has been awarded in 2006, 2008 and 2010. Details of previous prize winners can be found on the WLO web site. The 2011 WLO Prize is sponsored by the Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government.

Related news

Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) Intervie during the 8pm (Creole) News bulletin 9.10.2011

Nature Seychelles gets international innovation prize for Seychelles - Seychelles Nation 03.10.2011

Attachments:
Download this file (444_Nature Seychelles-WLO.pdf)444_Nature Seychelles-WLO.pdf[2011 World Leisure International Innovation Prize selection letter]273 kB

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