Projects aim to conserve our natural assets |26 April 2010

These are ‘Mangroves are a must! Establishing mangrove conservation awareness and education in the face of climate change in the Seychelles islands by Wildlife Clubs of Seychelles (WCS)’.

And ‘Development and production of two children’s educational activity books including a science toolkit about United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) world heritage site the Aldabra Atoll’ by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF).

The WCS has been carrying out conservation education activities in the country since 1994, whereas the SIF is an organisation which has been managing, protecting and undertaking research and eco-tourism on the two Unesco-declared world heritage sites in Seychelles - the Aldabra Atoll and Vallee De Mai.

It has also been operating annual educational trips for students to one of the sites -- the Aldabra atoll -- since 2000.
Both non-governmental organisations recognise the importance of investing in the future generation to ensure that our environment is well managed and conserved.

The WCS - MFF project involves carrying out educational programmes on mangroves and coastal management, while increasing public awareness on mangrove conservation.

It includes the engagement of six pilot teams on the islands of Mahe and Praslin.

Having adopted a mangrove site near their school on Mahe, the Colibri wildlife club has done restoration activities through mangrove planting and clean ups. Further work is also being done to educate peers, staff and community members through exhibitions, speeches on climate change and visits.

Alternatively the Banyan Star wildlife club has been trying to involve the local community in managing and conserving their adopted mangrove area which runs through the school compound.

On Praslin the Mangrove team is reaching the same momentum and clubs are also adopting several wetlands sites near their schools. Numerous clean-up activities have been undertaken by the school clubs -- Ile de Palmes and Mangrove Aquatic wildlife clubs at Grand Anse -- followed by habitat studies through outdoor classrooms.

Recently the group launched a school competition to name the site. It was noted that more needs to be done to educate the public about the project and the importance of such ecosystems. Littering and dumping of domestic waste is still an issue in the area. Illegal dumping is also a matter of concern for the Bwa Meduse wildlife club from the Baie Ste Anne primary school. The club leaders explained clearly that this is simply an act of careless behaviour by locals and lack of monitoring by concerned government authorities.

Other general concerns include the close proximity of residential development to the wetland as well as the absence of data on the biodiversity in the adopted sites.

Fortunately the ‘Mangroves are a must’ project has made provision to undertake such study in partnership with the local Department of Environment, something to reap benefits for both parties.

Hotels on the island have pledged support to the Praslin mangrove teams; they are the Lemuria Constance Hotel, La Reserve Hotel, the Coco-de-Mer Hotel and the Paradise Sun Hotel. They plan to discuss the possibility of setting up a short bridge for easier access to the central mangrove site by the Grand Anse school.

Regarding the SIF Aldabra children’s book and activity tool kit project, the organisation states that this is in response to the lack of hands-on educational materials for the annual trips to Aldabra to help students learn more of the atoll and appreciate other aspects of it.

The product is also to be of use to schools, wildlife clubs and possibly the island staff themselves. Considering the far location of the atoll and rarity (one week per year) of the trips, the creation of such educational materials will ensure that maximum learning about the biodiversity, landscape and general aspects of life at Aldabra, is achieved during the trip. The book and related activity tool kit is expected to be completed by September this year.

The SIF is equally promoting the importance of the Aldabra atoll through displays being set up in the Vallée de Mai visitors’ centre.