Nature Seychelles and the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE) are pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on wetlands management in Seychelles. The MOU was signed on Monday, June 18th, 2024, by Nature Seychelles’ Chief Executive by Dr Nirmal Shah, and the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change, and Environment, Flavien Joubert.
This milestone event marks the beginning of a collaborative endeavour for the implementation of the recently launched project funded by the European Union.
The “Improving Climate Adaptation and Environmental Governance in Seychelles” project will be implemented by Nature Seychelles in close collaboration with MACCE and will run for a period of two years.
Its primary objective is to promote cooperation among stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), for effective wetland management.
The project will prioritize the engagement of local actors – such as large hotels with wetlands in their properties and communities – in wetlands conservation efforts. This inclusive approach ensures that conservation efforts are grounded in local participation leading to sustainable outcomes.
“I am very gratified that Nature Seychelles is continuing this close partnership with my ministry, particularly for something I’ve always supported – which is Co-Management and participation of businesses and community groups. This collaboration is a testament to the power of united efforts towards sustainable development and environmental conservation,” Minister Flavien Joubert said.
Dr Nirmal Shah, Nature Seychelles’ Chief Executive said, “This project continues the democratic process pioneered by our Locally Empowered Area Protection (LEAP) project, which seeks to involve all interested parties in environmental management. The constitution supports such an approach and it’s moving the Seychelles towards greater sustainability as more and more people take responsibility for their environment.”
One of the key areas of focus under the project will be research to gather valuable data on wetlands so that informed decisions can be made about their protection and restoration.
The MOU also outlines a commitment to support the development of national policy and plans to safeguarding the long-term sustainability and management of these ecosystems.
Nature Seychelles and MACCE are confident that this collaborative initiative will make a significant impact in the field of wetlands management in Seychelles.