Ecosystem management and rehabilitation
We are leaders in environmental restoration, specifically focusing on island ecosystems. We have conducted restoration or rehabilitation efforts on several islands, which typically involve the following stages:
- Removal of alien predators such as rats
- Control or removal of alien plants and reforestation with native species
- Reintroduction of native animals
A prime example is a major island restoration program that began in 1999. This program was funded by the GEF, the Seychelles government, and island owners. It was a collaborative effort involving Nature Seychelles, international partners such as BirdLife International, private island owners, and the Seychelles Government. The program included biological assessments of islands, cost analysis of restoration and maintenance, education and awareness initiatives, island management plans, removal of alien predators and other invasive alien species, establishment or rehabilitation of native coastal habitats, translocation of globally threatened endemic species, and the socio-economic evaluation of restored ecosystems and ecotourism. Islands in the program included Frégate, Cousine, North, and Denis Islands.
We have published biological assessments of many Seychelles islands as well as a manual of assessment methods. We have also published several papers on the subject, including methods for eradicating Mynah birds.
