Welcome to Nature Seychelles
We are a change-making NGO in the Seychelles rolling out world-acclaimed environmental projects such as the rescue of critically endangered birds and sea turtles, and coral reef restoration.
We manage Cousin Island Special Reserve, a renowned land and sea reserve and global conservation success.
For over 25 years, we have distinguished ourselves as the pioneer voice of conservation in Seychelles. We have been at the forefront of such successes as the down-listing of critically endangered birds and the restoration of whole island ecosystems.
As the Seychelles’ partner of BirdLife International, we are part of a global family of over 115 national partners covering all continents, landscapes, and seascapes working for nature globally.
We are members of the International Union for Conservation for Nature (IUCN) with whom we have partnered on various projects notably the IKI-funded LEAP project and the HUAWEI funded Tech4Nature project.
Regionally, we are active members of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) a vibrant movement influencing ocean conservation using policy and science. Dr Nirmal Shah, our Chief Executive, has served as President and board member of WIOMSA, and led the association’s Marine and Coastal Science for Management (MASMA) programme.
Locally, we are a member of the Citizen Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS) the umbrella organization of civil society in Seychelles. As an active member of the Civil Society, we have successfully contributed to key policies and legislation and influenced key directions on the environment. We have served in Government committees and taskforces.
We are based at the Sanctuary at Roche Caiman on Seychelles’ main island, Mahé, at CORAL on Praslin, the country’s second largest island, and Cousin Island Special Reserve, which is approximately 2km from Praslin.
Our not-for-profit association was founded in 1998 as BirdLife Seychelles after one year of consultations with stakeholders both in Seychelles and overseas. We were financially supported for more than 10 years by BirdLife International and The Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB) so we could save critically endangered bird species and become the BirdLife Partner. We pioneered whole island restoration and to date have collaborated with island owners and other stakeholders to down list all critically endangered birds in Seychelles.
These world class successes enabled us to take an ecosystem-based approach to our work and become involved in wider programs and projects.
We therefore changed our name to Nature Seychelles and launched large programs in climate change, education, awareness and advocacy as well as in sectors such as tourism, fisheries, and agriculture.
Our management of Cousin Island Special Reserve as an integrated sea and island reserve has won several awards and led to it being used as a model globally.
Our organization is led by a board, a chief Executive and a Director, with a team of core staff made of scientists, an economist, educators and protected area specialists.
Our Vision
A healthy environment for people and wildlife in Seychelles
Our Mission
To pursue a sustainable future for Seychelles through world class conservation and science for the benefit of people and wildlife.
Nature positive values for wildlife and people.
Environmental stewardship – managing natural resources responsibly and sustainably for future generations
Integrity & Accountability – maintaining high ethical standards, taking responsibility for the organization’s actions.
Authentic – we are and do what we say we are and do.
Collaboration – engaging all stakeholders to reach common goals.
Scientific rigour – Underpinning our work with scientific evidence and research
Innovation – seeking creative solutions and cutting-edge technologies and practices
Adaptable – Adjusting strategies and activities as needed
Resilient – Building resilience in ecosystems and communities to withstand challenges and shocks
Global perspective – Collaborating with international partners to meet global challenges