MCSS and Kreolor collaborate on an ‘Adopt a Beach’ sponsorship programme |10 September 2022
Kreolor representatives handing over the cheque to MCSS representatives
The Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS) has announced its collaboration with Kreolor under its ‘Adopt a Beach’ programme for the 2022-2023 sea turtle nesting season.
As part of the corporate sponsorship, Kreolor is providing financial support to conservation efforts on Anse Intendance, one of five proposed Seasonal Protected Area sites* for the level of turtle nesting activity that it hosts.
The sponsorship agreement between the MCSS and Kreolor was signed by both parties on Anse Intendance on Monday September 5, which is around the time that sea turtle nesting activity usually kicks off.
As part of the collaboration, MCSS will provide training on sea turtles and their nesting behaviour, as well as practical sessions demonstrating monitoring methods.
Kreolor will assist by joining beach clean-ups, egg clutch survival data collection and other conservation activities.
Additionally, every turtle that is encountered on Anse Intendance will be sponsored by Kreolor, who will have the opportunity to name them and receive updates when they are encountered again.
Kreolor is an iconic Seychellois jewellery brand, which draws from and showcases elements of Seychelles’ natural beauty and biodiversity. It is thus well placed to highlight the conservation issues and efforts of key species featured in its collection, such as sea turtles. Private sector partnerships like this play an important role in mainstreaming conservation, and providing staff members with opportunities to encounter these threatened species and contribute to conservation efforts enriches the retail experience of their treasured jewellery pieces.
Speaking on the sponsorship collaboration, Kreolor’s brand manager, Isabelle Larue, explains, “The Marine Conservation Society Seychelles ticks all the boxes for us so there was no surprise when approached we said yes! An organisation with values we at Kreolor truly appreciate. The partnership has given us the opportunity to work together as a society to help encourage awareness and education on the importance of protecting these beautiful sea creatures. It is an absolute pleasure to be part of the project and we look forward to all the activities planned.”
MCSS, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this month, has partnered with the private sector since its inception and is pleased with its continued efforts in engaging Seychellois businesses in conservation.
MCSS’ chief executive, Chris Mason-Parker, explains, “We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Kreolor for the upcoming hawksbill turtle nesting season. The private sector has an important role to play in biodiversity conservation. In addition to direct financial contributions, the actions undertaken by business raises awareness of conservation issues and by becoming more environmentally conscious, help to promote a transition in employee and consumer lifestyles. We would like to thank Kreolor for its important contribution and for the vision it has shown in helping to protect Seychelles natural assets.”
Anse Intendance is one of the most important beaches for nesting sea turtles on Mahé, often hosting the highest level of hawksbill nesting activity over the season. MCSS hopes that with extra hands and funds, the suitability of this nesting beach will be preserved.
Contributed
*The proposed Seasonal Protected Areas are funded under the GOS-GEF-UNDP A Ridge to Reef Approach for the Integrated Management of Marine, Coastal and Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Seychelles Project.
