The Prime Minister of Mauritius, His Excellency Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, has planted a Coco de Mer tree in the VIP Arboretum tree planting park, during a visit to the National Biodiversity Centre at Barbarons yesterday commemorating his first State Visit to Seychelles.

The Prime Minister and his delegation were accompanied by the Seychelles Minister of Environment and Energy Professor, Rolph Payet. Dr. Ramgoolam was introduced to senior members of the Ministry of Environment and other representatives of the non-governmental organization (NGOs), and was given a briefing on the work of the National Biodiversity Centre.

The Prime Minister planted a Coco de Mer seedling in memory of his historic visit and said he looked forward to coming back to see how well it will grow in the years to come.

“It is an honor to receive Prime Minister Ramgoolam as the first foreign dignitary to plant a tree in new VIP Arboretum, and it is testimony of the significance of the historical relationship between the two countries, not only in the areas of economic cooperation but [to] share a common heritage between the biodiversity of the Mascareignes,” said Minister Payet.

Prime Minister Ramgoolam was presented with a commemorative plaque of this special ceremony, followed by a small tour around the National Biodiversity Centre, where he was able to enjoy the scenery of a variety of palms and other endemic plants.

The event was also attended by the Principal Secretary for Environment, Mr. Wills Agricole; the Chairman of National Botanical Gardens Foundation, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne; Chief Executive Officer of Seychelles Botanical Gardens Foundation, Mr. Raymond Brioche; Chief Executive Officer of Waste and Landscape Management Agency, Mrs. Lena Desaubin; member of the Seychelles National Assembly for Port Glaud District, Honorable Sultanne Jacqueline; member of the Seychelles National Assembly for Anse Boileau district, Honorable Bernard Arnephy; Grand Anse Mahé district Administrator, Mrs. Raymonde Benstrong; as well as representatives from various hotels, staff from the Environment Department, and other invited guests.