Seychelles protects the ocean and marine life

The Seychelles Islands are scattered off Africa’s east coast, in the center of the Indian Ocean, preserving one of the country’s most valuable assets: its ocean.

Seychelles’ dedication to environmental protection

It’s no surprise that the Seychelles Islands have sworn to protect their ocean, which is surrounded by blue waters and diverse marine life. The government of the island nation declared in March 2020 that the protected marine area would be expanded to cover 30% of its waters, an area larger than Germany.

The islands previously made headlines when they prohibited the use of plastic straws and bags in a bid to achieve their aim of becoming a plastic-free nation, with their most recent step being the ban on balloons, which will take effect on April 1, 2021.

Without the assistance of the local community, government, NGOs, and other conservation groups, the archipelago’s accomplishments would be meaningless.

1. Global Vision International

With two expedition bases in Seychelles, at Cap Ternay on Mahé and Curieuse islands, Global Vision International (GVI) organizes volunteer and international education programs. Both are located within National Marine Parks, with GVI volunteers contributing to numerous conservation-related surveys and working on crucial marine conservation initiatives.

2. Cousin Island Special Reserve

Cousin Island Special Reserve is one of Seychelles’ oldest maritime protected areas, and it has since been transformed into a thriving sanctuary for various indigenous species as well as an important nesting place for hawksbill turtles.

3. Island Conservation Society

Under the lease of the Islands Development Company, the Island Conservation Society (ICS) is responsible for conservation management on Alphonse, Desroches, Farquhar, and Silhouette, as well as consulting and managing environmental and conservation issues on the outlying islands (IDC).

4. Seychelles Island Foundation

The Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF) is a public trust set up by the local government to manage and safeguard two Seychelles world heritage sites, Aldabra and Vallée de Mai. Aldabra is the world’s largest elevated coral atoll and a haven for a variety of endangered animals.

5. Sustainability for Seychelles

Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S) encourages Seychelles residents, government officials, and partners to live more sustainably. The organization’s goal is to combine traditional Creole traditions that are in tune with nature with current technological breakthroughs that make life easier while minimizing environmental impact.

6. Ocean Project

The Ocean Project is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that was founded in response to the growing dangers to the oceans and seas of Seychelles. Their purpose is to safeguard the oceans and seas via education, action, and research, as well as projects such as beach clean-ups and campaigns to encourage people to use less plastic.

How can I help to protect the ocean?

We are entrusting you with our most prized possession by sharing our pure paradise with you. You can help us protect our waters by making small actions that may even improve your island experience.

Request plastic-free options

Switch to sustainable alternatives such as reusable water bottles, containers, and bags, and recycle as much as possible to lessen the detrimental impact plastic has on our ocean. Because plastic bags and straws have been outlawed in the Seychelles Islands, it is relatively easy to locate alternatives on the islands.

Consume sustainable seafood

As fish populations decline owing to increased demand, habitat destruction, and irresponsible fishing tactics, choose sustainable seafood to help alleviate the strong demand for overexploited species. Local fishermen offer sustainable options around every corner in Seychelles, an island paradise.

Leave no trace

Our ocean is home to a world of delights that you can explore and admire without harming any species or corals. As you stroll along the sandy shoreline, you can even assist in local beach clean-ups or organize your own.

Don’t buy anything that exploits marine life

We all want to bring a bit of paradise home with us, but it’s vital to know what you’re buying because some products contribute to the destruction of fragile coral reefs and endangered species. Avoid coral and shell jewelry, tortoiseshell accessories, and shark products as much as possible.

Avoid using items that hurt the environment

While protecting yourself from UV rays, remember to conserve our marine life by using non-toxic or mineral sunscreens instead of chemical sunscreen.

Educate yourself on marine issues

Once you’ve educated yourself on marine issues, you’ll realize how interconnected all life on Earth is, motivating you to protect it and share your knowledge to educate and inspire others.

Make a difference in your neighborhood and be an advocate

Your commitment to the water doesn’t have to cease when you leave for Seychelles. Advocating for ocean conservation and sharing sustainable suggestions with individuals back home can help you influence others in your community. You can even identify marine conservation marine initiatives near you and contribute to them.