In a powerful display of partnership, the Canopy by Hilton Resort was transformed into a living classroom this Tuesday to celebrate World Wetlands Day, in collaboration with Nature Seychelles, the Ministry of Environment, and the LEAP Junior Club from Anse Boileau Secondary School.
The afternoon kicked off with the official unveiling of educational signage that was installed at the resort. The wetlands sign, commissioned as part of Nature Seychelles’ Wetlands of Hope project, serves as a vital link between tourism and ecological awareness, educating both guests and locals about the essential role these ecosystems play, while also helping them identify the local flora and fauna on site.
Corinne Julie, the project’s technical manager, shared that this event was just one part of a larger initiative with the hotel. Nature Seychelles has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment and private sector collaborators, including five-star hotels like Canopy by Hilton, to manage local wetlands. Participating hotels commit to a formal agreement with the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, pledging to properly manage the wetlands on or near their properties, as well as those they “adopt,” she explained.
Following this, a variety of activities have taken place with the staff at Canopy Hotel, including surveys and assessments, the provision of detailed ecological maps, staff training sessions, and a management plan template.
“We’re equipping private sector partners with the tools they need to co-manage these wetlands,” said Dr Nirmal Shah, Chief Executive of Nature Seychelles, who placed the event in a broader national and environmental context. He spoke about the importance of wetlands for climate resilience, biodiversity, and coastal protection. “The goal of the project is to connect environmental health directly to business success, emphasising that a thriving, ‘fantastic’ ecosystem is a major draw for guests and adds significant value to the property,” he said.
Canopy’s Hotel Manager, Vanessa Albest-Fabien, highlighted that the signage aims to raise awareness among both the team and guests. “We are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and you can see this commitment reflected throughout our property,” she stated.
After the unveiling ceremony, the spotlight shifted to mangroves. With the help of the Nature Seychelles team, everyone rolled up their sleeves and got involved in potting 180 mangrove seedlings from three different species found in the wetland – the white, red, and oriental mangroves – into polybags. Corinne Julie explained that once these seedlings mature, they’ll be used for restoration later this year.
She emphasised that the seeds planted today symbolise a long-term commitment to the wetland, and urged the staff to continue with the mangrove propagation and site enrichment.
The efforts at Canopy by Hilton shows that the most impactful conservation work can happen when partnerships work.