Pope Lauds Defense of Coral Reefs

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 21, 2010 (Zenit.org).-

Benedict XVI is congratulating Seychelles for having “surmounted the challenge of the world economic crisis,” as the country “continues to progress and to affirm itself on the path of peace, prosperity and stability.” The Pope said this last Thursday when he received the letters of credence from the new Seychelles ambassador to the Holy See, Vivianne Fock Tave. He said the progress of the African island is “the result of the persistent efforts and of the generous contribution of all political and social spheres, of the public and private sectors.” In congratulating the country for its economic advances, the Holy Father noted that the “planning of economic development must also consider carefully the need to respect the integrity and rhythms of nature because natural resources are limited and some are not renewable.” “In this realm,” he said, “I appreciate in particular the government’s initiatives to restore and preserve the coral reef. This is the front line of defense in the rising of the level of the ocean and also continues to be an important habitat for the raising of fish — principal contributor of protein of the country. It also provides income and employment in the areas of fishing and tourism. Hence, it is necessary that consumers and agents of industrial activities develop greater responsibility in their behavior.” “