SEYCHELLES

PRERNA FOR IAS

Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

SEYCHELLES

1. Why in News?

Seychelles was recently in the news because the Prime Minister of India visited the country on a three-day State Visit as the Guest of Honour for its Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations. The visit highlighted the close diplomatic partnership between India and Seychelles, particularly in maritime security, defence cooperation, climate action, capacity building, and the Blue Economy. Seychelles is an important partner in India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision for the Indian Ocean Region. Such high-level visits strengthen bilateral relations, promote economic cooperation, and enhance regional stability in the strategically important Indian Ocean.

2. About Seychelles

Seychelles is an island nation located in the Western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and east of Kenya. Its capital is Victoria, situated on Mahé Island, the country's largest island. Although Seychelles is one of the world's smallest countries by land area, it possesses a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), giving it significant maritime importance. The country consists of beautiful islands, coral reefs, and tropical forests, making tourism its largest economic sector. Fishing, offshore financial services, and the Blue Economy also contribute significantly to its economy. Seychelles is well known for its rich biodiversity and environmental conservation efforts.

3. Geographical Features

Seychelles consists of 115 islands, divided into Granitic Inner Islands and Coralline Outer Islands. The granitic islands, including Mahé, are ancient continental islands with mountains, forests, and fertile land. The outer islands mainly consist of low-lying coral atolls and reefs, supporting diverse marine ecosystems. Morne Seychellois, rising to 905 metres on Mahé Island, is the country's highest peak. The islands possess pristine beaches, lagoons, mangrove forests, and coral reefs that support exceptional biodiversity. Their unique geological origin and marine environment make Seychelles one of the world's most important ecological and conservation hotspots.

4. Important Features

Seychelles is famous for several unique natural features. Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world's largest raised coral atolls and supports exceptional biodiversity. It is home to the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, one of the largest tortoise species on Earth. Another remarkable feature is the Coco de Mer Palm, found only in Seychelles. It produces the world's largest seed and is one of the country's national symbols. These unique species and ecosystems make Seychelles a global centre for biodiversity conservation, ecological research, and sustainable environmental management while attracting nature enthusiasts from around the world.

5. Significance

Seychelles occupies a highly strategic position in the Western Indian Ocean, making it important for maritime security, international shipping, and regional cooperation. It plays a significant role in promoting the Blue Economy, focusing on sustainable use of marine resources for economic growth and environmental conservation. Seychelles is also an important partner in India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, which aims to ensure peace, security, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. Its vast Exclusive Economic Zone, strategic sea lanes, and commitment to marine conservation enhance its geopolitical and economic importance despite its small geographical size.

6. UPSC Prelims Facts

For UPSC Prelims, remember these important facts about Seychelles: Capital – Victoria; Ocean – Indian Ocean; Highest Peak – Morne Seychellois (905 metres); UNESCO World Heritage Site – Aldabra Atoll; Endemic Species – Coco de Mer Palm and Aldabra Giant Tortoise. Seychelles is an island nation consisting of 115 islands divided into granitic and coralline islands. It has one of the world's largest Exclusive Economic Zones relative to its land area. The country is strategically important for maritime security, the Blue Economy, and India's SAGAR initiative in the Indian Ocean Region, making it important for competitive examinations.