Alvania talks about her passion for the environment and her work to protect Seychelles from the existential threat of climate change and sea-level rise.
The most prominent review came from renowned oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer-In-Residence, Dr Sylvia Earle, for whom I had the opportunity to host a beach clean. Her deep interest in my plans sealed the deal.
It was essential for me to be reminded of my oceanic home while studying so what better place than Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City.
The University of Plymouth’s BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability course stood out as covering the important theoretical and practical aspects I wanted to understand.
The sustainability science module in particular has reinforced the things I learned while volunteering in Seychelles.
This module introduced us to environmental systems and sustainability at different scales, learning investigative skills through field and laboratory work.
Before university, I completed internships at two fantastic organisations in Seychelles.
If I can take my knowledge back to my country, it will help environmental organisations like these to achieve even more.
Longer-term, I see myself continuing to advocate for my island nation. Hopefully, there will be opportunities in the future to come together with other small island states to live a nature-based life to mitigate climate change.
In 20 years’ time, my hope is that we will have convinced other countries to stop using fossil fuels and rely on sustainable alternatives.
