Natural resources and energy
Seychelles have smaller deposits of guano, bird droppings, used as fertilizers. The country relies on imported oil for its energy supply. Climate change is perceived as a serious threat to the island nation.
Guano goes on export from Seychelles. Salt is extracted and granite is mined in smaller quantities for local use. There are plans to produce lime from coral for cement production. Foreign companies are drilling for oil in Seychelles, but no discoveries have been made.
- COUNTRYAAH: Major exports by Seychelles with a full list of the top products exported by the country. Includes trade value in U.S. dollars and the percentage for each product category.
Oil-fired power plants account for most of the electricity generation. The Seychelles import oil, mainly from Malaysia. Just over two-thirds of the oil is re-exported at a higher price, mainly in the form of fuel for ships and aircraft. In 2013, an investment in alternative energy was initiated when a wind farm opened outside the capital. There are also plans to utilize solar power with the help of solar panels. The goal is for 15 percent of electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2030.
The lack of water has created difficulties for the industry, among others (see Industry). Desalination plants have been built to try to solve the problems, but the water quality has been poor. The government is therefore planning to build a new large pond at Grand Anse on western Mahé.
More than half of the land in Seychelles consists of national parks or nature reserves. One reason why the proportion is so large is that the government is investing in ecotourism and wants to offer visitors an unexploited environment.
- Abbreviationfinder: A popular acronym site in the world covering abbreviation for each country. For example, SC stands for Seychelles. Visit itypeusa for more information about Seychelles.
Climate change is perceived as a concrete and related problem for the Seychelles. The islands are feared to end up under the water surface or become uninhabitable if the sea level rises. The coral reef has begun to die, which poses a threat to fishing and increases the risk of flooding in storms.
FACTS – ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Energy use per person
2 411 kilograms of oil equivalent (2007)
Carbon dioxide emissions in total
495 thousand tons (2014)
Carbon dioxide emissions per inhabitant
5.4 tonnes (2014)
The share of energy from renewable sources
1.4 percent (2015)
2014
October
Seychelles joins the WTO
Seychelles looks to become a new member of the World Trade Organization after 18 years of negotiations. Formally, the country can become a WTO member from 1 December.
January
New scheme teams receive criticism
A new law (Public Order Act) on order in public places comes into force. The law is criticized by the opposition for restricting the right to freedom of assembly.