Terrestrial Restoration Action Society of Seychelles
Commonwealth Point of Light 118. Victorin Laboudallon
Victorin Laboudallon, representing the Seychelles, is the founder of Terrestrial Restoration Action Society of Seychelles (TRASS) which has mobilised an army of 3,000 volunteers to repopulate the island of Praslin with 15,000 plants every year.
TRASS now mainly plants mangroves, which are a natural defence against the impacts of rising seas and coastal erosion. Victorin has also led the campaign to conserve the native coco de mer tree and has led a nest-boxing programme for the Seychelles’s national bird, the endangered black parrot. Victorin is known on the islands as the ‘Father of Seychelles conservation’.
Victorin was presented with his award by the British High Commissioner in the Seychelles Patrick Lynch (pictured below).
UK High Commissioner in the Seychelles, H.E Patrick Lynch, said:
“We are thrilled that Victorin’s achievements have been recognised with the Commonwealth Points of Light Award. He is an incredibly worthwhile recipient and has been an inspiration to generations of Seychellois conservationists. His work, both professional and voluntary, has helped shape the way we understand the flora and fauna in Seychelles and this award commends his tireless efforts. I am sure I speak for many people when I thank Victorin for his dedication to the environment and protecting these very special islands.”
Victorin said:
“All my life, I have dreamt of protecting and defending the environment of Seychelles. In my retirement, I chose to be active and ensuring that the next generation gets a world better than the one they see today. Planting trees through TRASS is a lifelong dream and I am proud to pass on my knowledge to the next generations. Nothing makes me happier than dedicating my otherwise idle mornings and afternoons and my Saturdays to planting trees! I am very happy to receive this award on behalf of all the volunteers of TRASS (Terrestrial Restoration Action Society of Seychelles), colleagues and more so, the people of Seychelles. In the face of climate change, plastic pollutions and other issues affecting our planet, this award gives us as a nation and me, as a person, the impetus to continue beyond 100,000 trees!”