Laure stated that many people still use balloons as party decorations despite a ban being in place since September 2021. (Marcia Camille)
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(Seychelles News Agency.) Seychelles’ Environment Ministry has asked the island nation for a ban on balloon imports and used. The ministry also said that sanctions will be taken against those who do not comply.
Nanette Laure (director for waste, enforcement, and permit) stated that “since September last year there should in fact be no balloons imported, sold or used under any circumstance.”
Officials from the ministry received a reminder after they noticed that many people were still using balloons as party decorations despite an effective ban in place since September 2021.
“The fact that balloons are still being used at events shows that there are still sellers of them. We have begun our checks to make sure that they are following the laws and will take appropriate action,” said Laure.
Despite a ban on their importation, balloons continue to be used. This is a sign of lack of cohesion among all parties, according to Laure. She said that she wanted to work closely with the trade section to ensure that we can enforce the ban properly and eliminate any defiance.
The ban became effective on September 1, 2021. It applies to all forms of plastic, biodegradable rubber balloons and toys. Balloons are used for Meteorological purposesThey are exempted.
Sharon Gerry, the legal representative at the ministry, stated that if we see people posting photos with balloons being used we will take action.
Use of balloons carries a fixed penalty, SCR500 ($32), which is payable to the court. If not paid, the person could face legal action that includes a fine not exceeding SCR20,000 ($1,285).
The ministry stated that such products were not responsibly used in the past, which led to the ban to protect the environment in Seychelles.
Seychelles is an archipelago in western India Ocean that has banned plastic bags and utensils over the past few years to help protect its environment. Since 2017, there is a ban on plastic bags and plastic utensils, including cups, forks and Styrofoam takeaway containers, as well as plates. In June 2019, single-use plastic straws were banned.
Internationally, the island nation has been recognized as a champion in the protection of the environment. At present, 50 percent of its terrestrial territory is protected under law while one-third its ocean territory is marine protected.
