About Nature seychelles
Nature Seychelles - Environmental Conservation Organisation
Nature Seychelles is a non-profit environmental conservation organisation that has been working tirelessly to protect and preserve the natural beauty of the Seychelles since 1998. The organisation is dedicated to promoting sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and environmental education in the region.
The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa. It is home to some of the world's most unique and diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, wetlands, and forests. However, these ecosystems are under threat from climate change, habitat destruction, overfishing and pollution.
Nature Seychelles works with local communities and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that address these challenges. The organisation's programmes focus on four key areas: marine conservation; island restoration; sustainable livelihoods; and environmental education.
Marine Conservation
The marine environment around the Seychelles is one of its greatest assets. Nature Seychelles recognises this fact by implementing various programmes aimed at protecting it from degradation caused by human activities such as overfishing or pollution.
One such programme is Reef Rescuers which aims at restoring damaged coral reefs through a process called coral gardening. This involves growing fragments of healthy corals in underwater nurseries before transplanting them onto degraded reefs where they can grow into new colonies.
Another programme implemented by Nature Seychelles focuses on monitoring sea turtles nesting sites around Cousin Island Special Reserve which provides valuable data for research purposes while also ensuring that turtle populations remain stable.
Island Restoration
Many islands within the archipelago have been severely impacted by invasive species such as rats or cats which prey on native wildlife leading to their decline or extinction. Nature Seychelles has developed an innovative approach called "Island Restoration" aimed at eradicating invasive species from islands while also restoring native habitats for wildlife populations to thrive again.
One of the most successful projects under this programme is the restoration of Cousin Island Special Reserve which was once overrun by rats. After their eradication, native bird populations such as the Seychelles Warbler and Magpie Robin have made a remarkable comeback.
Sustainable Livelihoods
Nature Seychelles recognises that conservation efforts must be balanced with sustainable development to ensure that local communities benefit from natural resources without degrading them. The organisation works with local communities to develop sustainable livelihoods that are compatible with conservation goals.
One such project is the Greening Livelihoods Programme which aims at promoting sustainable agriculture practices among farmers in rural areas. This involves training farmers on organic farming techniques, agroforestry and soil conservation methods while also providing them with access to markets for their produce.
Environmental Education
Nature Seychelles believes that environmental education is key to building a culture of sustainability within local communities. The organisation runs various programmes aimed at educating children and adults about environmental issues and how they can contribute towards protecting nature.
One such programme is "Eco-Schools" which targets primary schools across the country, teaching children about waste management, energy conservation, biodiversity protection and other environmental issues through practical activities such as gardening or recycling projects.
Conclusion
Nature Seychelles has been at the forefront of environmental conservation efforts in the Seychelles for over two decades now. Its innovative programmes have helped protect some of the world's most unique ecosystems while also promoting sustainable development within local communities. By working together with stakeholders from all sectors, Nature Seychelles continues to make significant strides towards achieving its vision of a healthy environment for all people living in or visiting these beautiful islands.