Let’s Talk About Small Island Developing States

In this episode, we meet with Jeremy Raguain. Jeremy is a Seychellois conservationist who holds a Bachelor of Social Science in International Relations and Environmental Geographical Sciences and Bachelor of Social Science in International Relations (Honors) from the University of Cape Town, a Diploma in Environmental Management from the Technical University of Dresden. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy at Columbia University. Jeremy is also an alumnus of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Fellowship and simultaneously served as the Seychelles Permanent Mission to the United Nations Climate Change and Ocean Advisor throughout 2022 participating in climate change and high seas negotiations. Before negotiating international environmental law on behalf of Seychelles, small island developing and African states, Jeremy worked with the Seychelles Islands Foundation for over five years coordinating the foundation’s projects - such as the Aldabra Clean-Up Project - and communications while contributing to national policy focused on climate change, biodiversity and ocean conservation, as well as environmental impact assessment. Jeremy is also a youth activist volunteering his time to the representation of young people - especially those from islands, Africa and Global South - in environmental and sustainability issues.

-We learn about the unique identity and cultural heritage of SIDS

-We explore the vulnerabilities faced by SIDS

-We learn about SIDS treaties and initiatives

Follow and connect with Jeremy: Instagram: @turtlecommuter

Check out AOSIS and their opportunities: https://www.aosis.org/

An important UN article to check out about SIDS: https://www.un.org/ohrlls/content/about-small-island-developing-states

Check out this document connecting climate change and SIDS: https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/cc_sids.pdf

A podcast episode to check out: Small Islands, Big Picture: Why do small islands matter? https://open.spotify.com/episode/361tFdYc0qSQNYWeMNb1Rl?si=gASp_fguT4aexD6B0z_cqA