Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council

Function of the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council:

The function of the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council shall be to

(a) identify, conserve and promote the cultural heritage of Seychelles;

(b) conduct anthropological, archaeological and ethnographic studies in all aspects of the Seychellois Creol culture;

(d) promote and develop aspects of the Seychellois Creole Culture that could contribute to further the economic development of Seychelles;

(e) encourage broader public, community and private participation in activities designed to promote and develop the cultural heritage of Seychelles;

(f) generate the resources necessary for the achievement of the purposes of this Act and utilise them for such purposes;

(g) manage all heritage sites and identify potential sites having regard to their value to cultural tourism;

(h) endeavour to win international support for activities designed to promote the heritage of Seychelles;

(i) promote and disseminate research on the tangible and intangible heritage of Seychelles;

organise educational programs for all on various aspects of the national heritage; and advise the National Institute on matters relating to the cultural heritage of Seychelles.

(k) make a list of all monuments whose declarations as national monuments it considers desirable;

(l) recommend to the Secretary General the declaration of any monument as a national monument;

(m) accept, purchase or otherwise acquire any monuments, sites, structures or relics; in national interest;

(n) take necessary measures to acquire threatened heritage site, structure or relic which may be located on private properties or privately owned for national interest;

(o) undertake the excavation of any ancient monument, site or structure by an authorized and competent specialist in the field as well as any act it may deem necessary for the excavation, exploration or safe preservation of any ancient monument or relic wherever situated or found or by whosoever owned or controlled;

(p) erect or cause to be erected signage system in suitable places giving information about historical events which occurred at such places;

(q) subject to the rights of any owner or occupier of property, do such things as may be necessary to facilitate the access of the public to any monuments, sites, structures or relics which is owned or controlled by the Board or the Government;

(r) make provisions for public utilities within any area or place which has been declared to be a national monument or site, wherever appropriate; and

(s) establish standards for the preservation, conservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of Seychelles.

Administration and Support Services Section

Manage the Administration, Human Resources and Support Services
Assist and coordinate budget preparation, submission, implementation and report
Manage the transport facilities
Ensure that standards, safety measures and discipline are maintained in the organisation
Deal with personnel issues and other relevant matters
Look for training opportunities for all staff
Supervise the maintenance and refurbishing of building and premises embellishment and landscaping
Assist with disaster preparedness and recovery plan

Marketing and Promotion Unit

Build up clients/stakeholders audience and database
Write and implement marketing strategies
Market and sell products of Seychelles National Heritage Research Council
Establish and promote brands for the entity
Promote all tangible and intangible heritage of Seychelles
Promote visibility of the entity through all forms of media and marketing

Site Management & Monuments Section

This section oversees the management of heritage sites and monuments which includes preservation, conservation, restoration and interpretation of historical buildings, sites and artefacts.

Conservation and Restoration Unit

Ensure that national monuments and sites are conserved and restored to keep their authenticity and integrity

Establish new conservation and restoration measures using traditional knowledge and practices
Identify local contractors in the field of heritage conservation and construction
Conduct regular site condition and physical surveys visit on monuments and sites
Ensure that monuments and sites are maintained regularly
Collaborate with local stakeholders and individuals to conserve and preserve monuments and sites within communities
Revive adoption programme for support in conservation and restoration of monuments and sites
Develop internship programmes for youth in conservation and restoration of monuments and sites
Collaborate with international partners in exchange programmes related to conservation and preservation of monuments and sites

Site Management and Interpretation

Ensure proper management of monuments and site through development of new site management and interpretation plans

Implement heritage digitalization concept to produce a new database for all monuments and site in Seychelles
Disseminate information about monument and site through (publications, research programmes, exhibition etc…)
Enhancement of monuments and sites values through development of new in-situ attractions to increase site presentation
Register historical event on monuments and site development and conservation
Identify new heritage sites for listing as National Monuments

Heritage Research and Dissemination Section

This section looks at the research side of heritage. This is done through collection of intangible and tangible traditional knowledge which are disseminated to the general public through educational programmes and other sources.

Indigenous Knowledge System – Intangible Cultural Heritage Unit

Implement and encourage traditional cultural practices
Promote cultural awareness in traditional practices
Safeguard and preserve intangible cultural heritage through programmes
Conduct inventories for UKS and ICH

Heritage Education and Oral Tradition

Formulate, design and implement educational program on Seychelles natural and cultural heritage
Ensure that there are various activities that are organised to showcase Seychelles cultural heritage
Manage Heritage Clubs and other Heritage Committees and report on their activities on regular basis
Ensure transmission of intangible cultural knowledge
Increase cultural awareness amongst intergeneration
Safeguard intangible cultural knowledge
Promote oral tradition through activities and programmes
Assist with the stock keeping of Seychelles Heritage Foundation publication and memorabilia
Create awareness in the general public and visitors on the principal aspects of Seychelles cultural heritage

Publications, Multimedia and Documentation

Prepare publication on heritage of Seychelles
Use multimedia as a form of record keeping for historical information
Promote cultural related work through publication
Document and safeguard cultural programmes in tangible forms
Use multimedia to promote cultural awareness

Project and Property Management Section

This section examines all major constructions /renovation projects that need to be undertaken on all heritage sites and buildings. It also manages all Seychelles National Heritage Research Council leases and rents.

Project Management and Site Maintenance Unit

Initiate design and develop projects for Seychelles National Heritage Research Council
Maintain a database/inventory of the Seychelles National Heritage Research Council projects
Manage and monitor project implementation
Prepare administrative documents in relation to submission/payment of projects
Liaise with contractors and other stakeholders when implementing projects
Maintain heritage sites/building a regular basis

Property Management

Prepare dossier for leases and contracts
Update contracts of leases, rents, etc.
Identify potential heritage sites for development
Attend to queries of clients relating to Seychelles National Heritage Research Council properties leases and rents
Prepare tender documents for leases and rents of properties.
Inspect and monitor business activities on all heritage sites and buildings.

Certification and Standardisation Section

This section issues certificate of standard for locally produce craft/arts items Monitor and evaluate quality of products of businesses operating within the premises of a heritage buildings and sites. The role of this section role is to ensure that the items being produced meet the established standard.

Standardisation and Certification

Establish and evaluate standards
Carry out inspections at craft outlets within Seychelles National Heritage Research Council premises
Issue certificate of authenticity to locally made products
Assess quality of products
Issue fines and penalties