ICS Celebrates: Seychelles Protected Areas Day

Rich biodiversity and species abundance on the reef systems of Seychelles Outer Islands. Photo Pierre-Andre Adam.

​31st January marks an important day on the Seychelles Eco-Calendar – on this day each year we focus on the amazing biodiversity and beauty of Seychelles’ natural environment, and we strengthen our resolve to nurture and protect it for the well-being of current and future generations of Seychellois and visitors to the islands.

Red-footed Boobys Sula sula benefit from safe nesting havens offered by Protected Areas. Photo Aurelie Duhec

​The first Protected Area in Seychelles was established in 1979 with the creation of the St Anne Marine National Park.  By 2017, over 47% of Seychelles’ total land area is protected under the categories of Strict Nature Reserve, Ecological Reserve, National Park, Protected Landscape/Seascape or Sustainable Use Area.  The Government of Seychelles has also committed to designating Protected Areas in over 30% of its marine EEZ.

Red Mangrove sapling Poivre Island. Photo Pierre-Andre Adam

The GOS-UNDP-GEF Outer Islands Project is targeting four islands in the Outer Islands of Seychelles, namely Alphonse, Desroches, Farquhar and Poivre, to be declared National Protected Areas.  Currently researching and collecting data on species biodiversity and abundance in these pristine terrestrial and marine habitats, ICS is instrumental in presenting a strong case for their ongoing conservation management and sustainability.