Raffles Praslin adopts Salazie nature trail |12 July 2014

Raffles Praslin has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Environment and Energy for the adoption of the Salazie nature trail via La Plaine Hollandaise to Pasquiere, on Praslin.

The purpose of the MoU is to formalise the adoption of the nature trail, provide technical and logistical support in the management of the trail, facilitate its access, and promote the island’s rich flora and fauna.

The opening of the trail and the signing ceremony took place last month and was attended by Flavien Joubert, chairman of the Seychelles National Parks and representing the Minister for Environment and Energy; Christoph G. Ganster, general manager of Raffles Praslin; and about 100 members of the local community including school children and teachers, tourism partners, representatives from the National Parks and the Ministry of Environment and Energy, and Raffles REACH colleagues - part of Raffles’ sustainable programme.

During the event, the attendees were taken on an educational tour along the trail, highlighting the flora and fauna encountered, supported by leaflets given to the students, with an exercise for them to identify the various nature elements.

This was followed by a halt at La Plaine Hollandaise where Mr Joubert and Mr Ganster officially opened the nature trail with the ribbon cutting ceremony, the signing of the MoU and a tree planting activity.

Mr Ganster commented: “Raffles Praslin is committed to protecting and sustaining the local environment, not only at the resort, but around the island. By reopening and maintaining this nature trail, we aim to facilitate the access to the diverse flora and fauna of Praslin. The island has a lot to offer besides idyllic beaches, and we feel it is important to increase the reach and promote the island’s natural treasures. Raffles Praslin is pleased to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment and Energy on this project, and we look forward to welcoming visitors and locals to enjoy a safe and auspicious environment along the trail.”

Prior to the opening of the three-kilometre trail, Raffles landscaping team, headed by Rudy Ricaud, worked for the past six months on making the trail accessible, erecting signs and information boards, and setting up benches.
 
His team will continue working on maintaining the nature trail in a good condition and provide ongoing internal management and manning, with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

To end the ceremony, Raffles Praslin hosted a reception, with refreshments and snacks, a dedicated area where attendees could enjoy a shoulder massage, performed by the skillful Raffles Spa therapists, and a face painting activity for the kids, overlooked by the Sugar Palm Kids Club team. The children then received a certificate of appreciation from Raffles Praslin, attesting to their participation in the nature trail opening.