Biodiversity Day 2018 - Government to propose more marine protected areas |22 May 2018

The government will continue with its policy of expanding and proposing new marine protected areas to preserve coral reefs.

The new Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Wallace Cosgrow made this declaration in his message on the occasion of the World Biodiversity Day being celebrated today.

The full text of Minister Cosgrow’s message reads:

“Every year on May 22 we mark an important date where countries and organisations globally come together to celebrate biodiversity day. This day is recognised by the United Nations to promote biodiversity issues globally. The theme for this year is ‘Celebrating 25 years of Action of Biodiversity.’ It has been chosen to mark the 25th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to which Seychelles is Party and to highlight progress made in the achievement of its objectives at the national and global levels.

“In Seychelles, this year, we have decided to coincide this event with the 2018 International Year of the Reefs so as to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability and also to motivate people to take the necessary action to protect them.

“More than 65 million people in this region live on the coast within 30 kilometres of a reef and their livelihood and survival depend on the reefs. As a small nation we also depend greatly on coral reefs. Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and may be considered the rainforest of the sea. Though they cover less than 0.1% of the earth’s surface, they provide habitats to almost 25% of all marine life on the planet. Their shape and size provides hiding places and habitat for thousands of species of fish, invertebrates and many other animals that keep this ecosystem in balance. They also protect the coastlines from storms. 

“The socio-economic benefits of coral reefs to our country is very significant. Globally it is estimated that the value range between US $30 billion to as as much as US $172 billion each year. Despite its importance, people continue to pose the greatest threat to coral reefs. Activities related to overfishing and destructive fishing, pollution, warming, changing ocean chemistry, and invasive species are all on the rise and threaten coral reefs. It is estimated that 65% of reefs are at risk from local threats with one-third of all reef-building corals are at risk of extinction in the Indian Ocean region alone. Scientists predict that all corals will be threatened by 2050.

“Projections suggest that climate-related threats will increase overall threat levels beyond 80 percent by 2030. We had the opportunity to experience the negative impacts that a slight change in sea surface  temperature had on the coral reefs in 1998 where more than 90% of our corals were bleached. In some places, the reefs were entirely destroyed, and in many places, reefs today are a pale shadow of what they once were. In 2016-2017 we had other minor bleaching events. We need to take action otherwise these beautiful and life-sustaining organisms could disappear before our own eyes and so threaten our existence.

“I am happy to note that many of the NGOs, including the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles, Nature Seychelles and Wise Oceans Seychelles have been undertaking significant research to restore degraded coral reefs. The Seychelles National Parks Authority is also helping with the coral restoration works. Such actions are needed to re- establish healthy coral reef ecosystems and ecosystem functions. But that does not mean that we will continue to turn a blind eye on what is actually existing. We need to take care not to destroy our coral reefs with anchors or from land based pollution sources. We all need to do our respective best and join efforts in preserving and conserving our reefs against risks and threats such as the Crown of Thorns Starfish, anchor damage, marine pollution such as plastic among others. As government we will continue with our policy of expanding and proposing new marine protected areas to preserve this vital ecosystem.

To mark this day, an exhibition will be held today at the Orion Mall in Victoria where the public will have the opportunity to learn more about the importance of corals reefs and also participate in many of the activities.   

“We need to take action and give a helping hand.

“Protect our coral reefs today for the benefit of tomorrow and a Happy Biodiversity Day!”