BSA primary’s Eco Club discovers Curieuse Island’s mangrove forest |28 July 2023

Pupils with their Bois de Rose plants

To commemorate the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, the

Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) hosted the Baie Ste Anne primary school’s Eco Club to yet another educational visit to the neighbouring Curieuse Marine National Park

on Saturday July 22.

Globally on July 26, we commemorate and honour the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems. On this day it is an opportunity which allows us all to reflect upon the

invaluable significance of these remarkable ecosystems and further allows us to renew our

commitment towards their protection and restoration.

Bridging marine and terrestrial environments, mangrove ecosystems provide vital benefits for the well-being of our planet.

We therefore continue to raise awareness about their importance and inspire collective action to protect and restore such fragile ecosystems.

Mangroves serve as essential habitats for an array of marine and terrestrial species. They offer refuge to countless fish, crustaceans, and birds, providing them with breeding grounds, feeding areas, and protection from predators. In this way, mangroves play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and preserving the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems.

Although the visit was not the first conducted by some of the pupils this year, members of the

club remain excited and eager to understand the various ecosystems found on Curieuse.

The pupils, accompanied by the Eco-School leader Karen Port-Louis, parents and teachers, were able to learn more on the vast mangrove forest found on the Island.

Guided by ranger Shira, she shared the importance, benefits and threats faced by mangrove ecosystems, especially to the mangrove forest on the island itself, such as pollution and climate change.

Curieuse is home to five mangrove species: Red Mangroves, Grey or White Mangroves, Cannon-ball Mangroves, Black Mangroves and Oriental Mangroves.

During their visit, the pupils also took part in a session of mangrove identification, trying to spot these 5 species.

Wrapping up the day, participants engaged in a tree planting of ‘Bois de Rose’ and a beach clean-up.

The accompanying photographs show some highlights of the activity on Curieuse.

Text & photos contributed