Kantilal Jivan

Kantilal Jivan Shah (1922–2010), also known as Kanti, was a Seychellois conservationist. He has been described as a guru, historian, natural history expert, palmist, vegetarian cook and teacher, photographer, artist and sculptor, agronomist and intellectual.

Early life

In 1922, Shah was born in Gujarat, India. When he was five years old, his family moved to Seychelles.

Career

Shah ran an export and import business established by his father in 1890, conducted through a colonial store in Victoria purchased by his family in 1925. He was better known for his environmentalism and ecotourism work in Seychelles and as a leading historian and folklorist. He was a committee member of various organizations such as the Alliance Francaise, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Seychelles Environment Trust Fund.

Works

Shah produced the first coloured calendars and postcards for the governor of Seychelles using his own photographs.

Environmentalism

Shah was involved in conservation and environmental activities, including raising public awareness, creation of national parks and nature reserves like the Ste. Anne Marine National Park and Port Launay Marine National Park, and protective legislation for marine life, such as the Protection of Shells Act, Animal and Bird Protection, Controlled Cropping of Seabirds' Eggs, and Protection of Turtles.

Politics

In 1965, Shah was elected to Victoria District Council to represent the Pier Ward. He later acted as chairman. and was also featured in international media, such as in programmes and broadcasts from Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.