Minister’s message for International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem 2025 |26 July 2025
Minister Joubert
‘Coastal biodiversity and climate buffer’
“The International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems is being observed by many tropical and sub-tropical nations and islands around the world to promote the value of mangroves in the environmental ecosystem and to increase awareness of how their disappearance could have disastrous effects on communities around the world, particularly small island developing states.
“Mangroves, known for its robustness in the face of climate change, also offer a variety of ecological services that promote socioeconomic activity and, as a result, support millions of livelihoods worldwide. Its protection to other coastal ecosystems, such as seagrass beds and coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems that support economic activities to various sectors of the society and lessen the effects of climate change on coastal regions.
“Seychelles, a small island developing state, continue to make great stride in its efforts to preserve these delicate but vital ecosystems, awareness of the value of the mangrove ecosystem has grown. With roughly 87% of its mangrove forests currently protected by various statuses, including the Nature Conservancy Act, Protected Areas Act, and World Heritage Site, the ambitious but attainable goal of protecting all of its mangrove forests by 2030 through its National Determined Contributions (NDCs) remains a reality.
“The celebration of the International Day for the Conservation of Mangroves falls during the Ramsar COP15 being held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and focus on these coastal ecosystems will be one of the highlights of discussion during the Convention. Further its national efforts, Seychelles is a member to both the Southern African Ramsar Regional Initiative, officially launched on July 24, 2025 during the Ramsar Cop15 and Seychelles has actively contributed to its launching and is member of the Steering Group.
“Another regional initiative that Seychelles is a member of is the Western Indian Ocean Mangrove Network under the auspices of the Nairobi Convention, which will officially be launched in October this year during the WIOMSA Symposium in Nairobi, Kenya and again Seychelles is member of the Steering Committee that worked on the Regional Mangrove Policy, which will be a useful tool for the countries in the region in their quest of the overall management of mangrove in their respective country.
“More wetlands made up of mangrove forests are being adopted and rehabilitated as a result of our collaboration with NGOs like Nature Seychelles, TRASS, and Wildlife Clubs, among others, and the private sector, including the Ephelia Constance Hotel Seychelles, ABSA Bank Seychelles, Airtel Seychelles, Zang Enterprise Limited, and Avani Resort and Spa, Canopy Hotel and Air Seychelles among others. This underpin the partnership and element of hope for our mangrove ecosystem in Seychelles to be managed in sustainable way.
“Through improved and sustainable use of this ecosystem, which greatly contributes to the sustainability of their socioeconomic activities, from fishing to the tourism industry, the community plays a crucial part in reaching these goals.
“Nevertheless, our future generation will not be able to enjoy the many advantages that this priceless ecosystem offers to humans if different stakeholders do not support and encourage the sustainable use of the mangrove ecosystem.
“By providing technical assistance to these organisations and the community involved in the management, conservation, and preservation of mangroves in the Seychelles, the ministry pledges to support initiatives.”
Flavien Joubert
Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change & Environment