Seychelles has unveiled its National Policy and Strategic Action Plan on Coral Reef Conservation and Management, aimed at safeguarding the nation’s vital coral reef ecosystems. Running from 2021 to 2025, the policy focuses on conserving coral reefs to ensure their resilience and continued provision of ecological, economic, and social services.
Key initiatives include:
- Governance: Establishing a steering committee to streamline fragmented marine conservation efforts and integrate coral reef priorities into national Marine Protected Area plans.
- Resilience: Promoting coral restoration using temperature-resistant species and minimizing human impact on reefs.
- Research and Monitoring: Standardizing reef monitoring systems and involving citizen scientists to create a comprehensive reef data network.
- Public Awareness: Enhancing understanding of coral importance through education campaigns, school programs, and public scorecards.
- Financing: Securing sustainable funding sources for conservation activities and enforcing laws to deter reef-damaging practices.
Seychelles’ policy underscores coral reefs’ critical role in supporting marine biodiversity and protecting the island’s environment, aligning conservation efforts with national development goals.