Pioneering co-management in Seychelles
Partnering the government, we set up co-management where local communities can participate in the management and effective use of their natural resources.
Project Title: ‘Enhancing coastal and marine socio-ecological resilience and biodiversity conservation in the Western Indian Ocean’ (LEAP Project)
Regional project: Kenya, Mozambique, Seychelles & Tanzania
Coordinated by: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Funded by: IKI – the International Climate Initiative through the German Federal Ministry of Environment
Implemented by: Nature Seychelles, supported by the Government of Seychelles
Duration: 5 years (April 2019 – March 2024)
Cohesive governance systems are lacking in the Western Indian Ocean region. Since resource users rarely have an equitable voice in decision-making, local conservation benefits are not fully maximized. LMMAs (Locally Managed Marine Areas) are still relatively new in the region, so their geographic range is limited. However, LMMAs exist in most countries in the region, except Seychelles.
This regional project aims to establish Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities and conserve seascapes.
In the early stages of the project, a National Working Group comprising government ministries, departments, and agencies, chief executives, and civil society representatives adopted the principle of “Co-management” for the project. This is a government policy enshrined in the Protected Area Policy, 2013 and in the Nature Reserves and Conservancy Act, 2022 (yet to be implemented).
The sites chosen, and endorsed by the government, was Port Launay and Baie Ternay Marine National Parks (MNPs) in Port Glaud District, managed by the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA). LEAP was mandated by the Cabinet of Ministers in March 2020 to pilot the Co-management process here to inform government implementation modalities for Co-management in other protected areas.
Nature Seychelles partnered with SPGA to implement the project, through a Cabinet approved Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2020. The SPGA and Nature Seychelles are working closely with the Local Government ministry to establish a co-management committee that will act as an “advisory committee” to the SPGA.
This project conducted comprehensive scientific and social baseline assessments to assist SPGA with management planning and monitoring protocols. Community engagement has been conducted through public meetings, activities, events and the launch of Leap Junior Clubs in local schools in the district. Other activities include activity kiosks, and a volunteer/internship program.
