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New coral nursery to foster re-growth and boost reef health |11 June 2018

 

 

 

A new coral nursery has been set up by the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort and Spa as part of an active restoration programme aimed at increasing coral health, diversity, and abundance of the different species.

A joint project between the resort and non-governmental organisation Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS), the nursery will also serve as a snorkelling trail.

The resort’s general manager Daniele Fabbri officially launched the trail on Friday, to coincide with World Oceans Day which this year was celebrated under the theme ‘Preventing plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean’.

Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Wallace Cosgrow was among those present to witness the project which is fostering re-growth and increased abundance of the different threatened coral species.

Mr Fabbri said they came up with the idea following the recent disastrous situations of coral bleaching due to climate change.

He explained that the Hilton group is very supportive and very active in environment protection and conservation, being involved in various activities around the world.

He added that conservation is part of the group’s culture, beside its main field which is the hospitality industry.

Mr Fabbri also said such project also enables the hotel to be more connected to the local environment and community.

To conclude, he explained that the nursery is just part of a large project as there will be more in the coming months.

Minister Cosgrow said the initiative illustrates the amount of effort which is being invested by the private sector and the non-governmental organisations in the conservation of the environment.

He said that such projects will definitely help the government and country as a whole to restore and also reduce the threats to reef health.

Minister Cosgrow also acknowledged the ongoing effort of other non-governmental organisations and urged others to bring their help and support, thus creating a common force in tackling the issue and minimise the effects of climate change.

The new snorkelling trail which is 150 metres off the beach is 650 metres long and it is marked by five buoys which represent the different habitats.

Other than marine habitats conservation, the nursery will also be used for marine surveys, as well as an education material for both students and hotel staff.

 

 

 

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