Many Solomon Islands are low-lying and prone to flooding from rising seas (Photo credit BBC NHU-Jon Clay)

The Seychelles peoples, like in most other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) around the world depend greatly on the ocean economically as well as culturally. However, in recent decades, climate change driven by human activities continues to threaten not just the livelihoods, but the very existence of these islands.

Another year, another turtle season come and gone on Cousin Island Special Reserve. Turtle season is organized chaos. It is nonstop beach patrols from sunrise to sunset come rain or shine. There is no other experience quite like working a full turtle season in the Seychelles which is very different from any other place I have been stationed, not to mention on Cousin Island which is especially unique. Nowhere else in the world do sea turtles consistently nest throughout the day.

“In 2012, an estimated 12.6 million deaths globally were attributable to the environment. The air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and the ecosystems which sustain us are estimated to be responsible for 23 per cent of all deaths worldwide.”

I want you to imagine having a vegetable garden in your home, and you get your daily portion of veggies from this garden. But one day, a storm or a pest comes and kills most of your stock. Consequently you are now faced with protecting what is left, restocking or a mix of both. Which option would you choose so you may continue harvesting from your garden?