The private sector is being increasingly called upon to invest in conservation. Protecting biodiversity is good for business, experts are saying.
In an exciting event on World Wetlands Day, six Seychelles private sector establishments put this into practice — Absa Bank, Avani Barbarons, Canopy by Hilton, Cheval Blanc, Constance Ephelia, and Kempinski Seychelles Resort —signed “The Wetlands Pledge” with the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change, and Environment (MACCE) to commit to the conservation and management of wetlands on their properties and those they have adopted.
This Pledge is part of a national initiative aimed at strengthening partnerships among various stakeholders for sustainable wetland management. It is spearheaded by Nature Seychelles in partnership with MACCE and is funded by the EU.
Absa Bank, Avani Barbarons, Canopy by Hilton, Cheval Blanc, Constance Ephelia, and Kempinski Seychelles Resort signed "The Wetlands Pledge
The signing ceremony, held at the Kempinski Seychelles Resort in Baie Lazare and officiated by Minister Flavien Joubert, is an important step forward and illustrates the increasing acknowledgment of the role of wetlands for the islands.
Wetlands act as natural shields against flooding, storms, and erosion while supporting biodiversity and storing carbon to help fight climate change. These unique ecosystems also provide educational, recreation, and economic value.
“Protecting these areas is not just an environmental necessity but an ethical obligation we owe to future generations,” declared Minister Joubert.
He commended the businesses that are part of the initiative, emphasizing their leadership in sustainability and corporate responsibility. The Minister also acknowledge the important role of partnerships, and thanked Nature Seychelles and the European Union for their support in making the pledge possible.
Nature Seychelles, with funding from the European Union project “Improving Climate Adaptation and Environmental Governance through Local People and Co-Management in Seychelles,” and in partnership with MACCE, has been instrumental in bringing the businesses together.
“It represents a major milestone in Nature Seychelles’ commitment to fostering strong and impactful partnerships —one that bridges the connection between nature and people,” says Corinne Julie, the project’s technical manager. “Since the project began, our team has engaged with every hotel and the bank, conducted biodiversity assessments of the wetland sites, and, in some cases, provided training for staff,” she explained.
The French Ambassador to Seychelles, Mme. Olivia Berkeley-Christmann, representing the EU, emphasized the urgent need to address biodiversity loss. She stated, “It is still possible to achieve the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and stabilize the climate, but the window of opportunity is closing rapidly.” She also noted that biodiversity is a priority in EU support, reflected in ongoing projects such as the one with Nature Seychelles.
French Ambassador to Seychelles, Mme. Olivia Berkeley-Christmann
Dr. Nirmal Shah, Chief Executive of Nature Seychelles, shared a personal anecdote about the changing perceptions of wetlands: “I grew up in Seychelles, where wetlands were viewed as wastelands. Today, nearly 40 years later, mangroves are seen as superheroes.”
He introduced the “Wetlands of Hope” designation, a label that will be awarded to establishments that meet specific criteria, including signing the pledge, adopting a conservation plan, and regularly monitoring the wetland. He stressed the collaborative nature of the project, stating, “The idea of such a partnership is for respective experts to share what they do best. I call it being Nature Positive.” He concluded with a sense of friendly competition, saying, “I’m looking forward to the first establishment to meet the Wetlands of Hope criteria and acquire the label. It’s a race folks. May the best team win.”