Reforestation of Port Glaud district |11 May 2015

On February 12, 2015, the Port Glaud district experienced a sad episode in its history as fire destroyed five acres of forest.
The Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency with the help of workers from the forestry unit, national parks and the department of risk and disaster management worked days and nights to combat the fire.

Almost two-and-a-half months later, representatives of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency and some ordinary citizens returned to the scene to reforest the devastated area. This formed part of the series of activities organised to mark International Firefighters Week from May 4-9. This year’s theme was ‘Firefighters together for our community’.

Around 40 volunteers from different organisations including non-governmental organisations joined hands with firefighters of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency and the Airport Fire and Rescue Services as well as staff of Constance Ephelia Seychelles to plant around 100 saplings which are all endemic: Lantannyen fey, Bwa Koulev, Bwa dible and Kolofant.

The organisations and NGOs who took part in the activity are: Life guards, Port Launay community, Seychelles National Park (forestry unit), Port Glaud Wide Life club and ‘Nou La Pour Ou’.

As part of it corporate social responsibility, the Constance Ephelia Seychelles sponsored all beverages and food for all the volunteers.

Meanwhile, the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency has said it wants to work closer with the community aside from their professional mandate which is to prevent and combat fire.

The accompanying photos show the firefighters and other volunteers during the reforestation activity.

Contributed