Rangers, managers enhance skills in marine protection work |28 June 2016

A group of 30 officers have completed two weeks’ training to enhance their skills and knowledge in their expertise as rangers and managers.

This sustainable management of marine protected areas course was organised by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) in collaboration with the Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA).

The officers received their certificates and prizes during a short ceremony at the Coral Strand Hotel on Saturday evening in the presence of the Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Didier Dogley, the chief executive of SNPA Flavien Joubert, SNPA staff members, and other representatives.

The training took place from June 13 to 25, 2016 at the Seychelles Fishing Authority’s (SFA) training room.

There were two levels and 23 officers successfully completed the supervisory or regional level while eight completed the introductory or basic level.

The training was led by four facilitators namely Pete Fielding, Arthur Tuda, Jude Bijoux and Allen Cedras.

The officers who took part were from Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Rodrigues, South Africa and Seychelles.

The local organisations which took part were the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), Island Conservation Society (ICS) and SNPA.

Mr Joubert thanked the facilitators for their tireless effort and urged the officers to apply the materials and knowledge acquired through this training in their everyday work.

He said in December an expert will be brought in to work with the rangers for the certification process.

“The last training before this one was held in 2011, I hope that following this one a training or refresher course is held each year,” he said.

WIOMSA representative Lilian Omolo explained that this course was preparatory training towards their certification.

 “This training is preparing them towards certification which is a competency based assessment testing their skills. They are expected to go through a rigorous process of six months whereby different instruments will be used to test their competency. For instance they will need to prepare a portfolio of their work, conduct case studies and interview and so on,” she said.

SIF research coordinator Vicky Stravens said the course was very interesting and extensive at the same time as it is very demanding.

She thanked SIF for nominating her to attend the training on their behalf.

“As an individual who is working in the environment domain, it proves that a lot can be achieved as there are many prospects and any sort of training will increase one’s knowledge so I’m grateful to SIF,” she said.

SNPA park officer Anto Suzette said his skills has been developed in a way which will allow him to better deliver in his work.

He feels there is a need for the youth to be educated on the work of SNPA and more importantly conservation so that they are encouraged and attracted to join in the conservation work in Seychelles.

Both officers have completed regional training.