MISSION LODGE CONTINUES ITS MARCH TOWARDS UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE STATUS
(Posted 05th August 2015)
The Seychelles Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St. Ange yesterday, according to information received, laid the foundation stone at the site of Mission Lodge, aka Venn’s Town, for a new visitor and information centre.
The site has for some time now been earmarked by the Seychelles’ government to be enrolled in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list for its historic and cultural value from the time it was established until the modern days. As the sign above shows does the site go back to being established in1876. Though apparently closed due to a lack of funds in 1885 was the site later used for other purposes but its origins never quite forgotten.
Located in the Morne Seychelles National Park does the site offer spectacular views over parts of Mahe island and is a regular stopover point for tourists on an island tour. The lack of facilities however was one reason why the site has yet to be inscribed into the UNESCO WHS roll and the new visitor and information centre, when complete, will go a long way to address the concerns raised by UNESCO inspectors who had come to see the site some time ago.
Aside from a new parking area on the opposite side of the entrance road will the new facility offer information services, an art gallery and a cafeteria with rest rooms. Additional details provided overnight include the paving of the main walkway from the entrance to the viewing point, new signage and added restoration and excavation works on the ruins of the old school buildings.
A number of Seychellois tourism businesses have pledged their support for the new venture and the ongoing beautification of the site, very likely cognizant of the fact that a third UNESCO World Heritage site, after the Valleé de Mai and the Aldabra Atoll, would give the archipelago an added tourism attractions right on the main island.
