GVI aims to raise $5,000 for coral reef conservation project in Seychelles |12 January 2024
Global Vision International (GVI) has started a fundraising, which at the time of this publication, had reached $2,286. The award-winning organisation, which focuses on high-impact and high-quality conservation and community development programmes, aim to reach $5,000.
The goal of the project, titled Coral Reef Conservation in Seychelles, is to support critical marine conservation, surveying coral reef ecosystems, including megafaunas such as sharks and turtles.
It focuses on researching the well-being of coral reefs, overseeing the sustainable use and safeguarding of marine resources.
Simultaneously, the project engages in environmental education within communities and provides training and capacity building in marine research for partners and graduates in collaboration with NGOs, universities, and government agencies.
The initiative collaborates closely with the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority and local non-governmental organisations.
Seychelles, with its primary industries being fishing and tourism, relies heavily on its remarkable natural resources. However, the escalating challenges posed by climate change and poaching are putting these resources at risk, resulting in detrimental effects on both the marine environment and the livelihoods of the local population.
The enduring project plays a pivotal role in augmenting the lengthiest dataset on coral reef health in Seychelles, concurrently enhancing local research capabilities. Through its initiatives, the project has successfully influenced attitudes towards marine biodiversity, contributing to efforts in policy development by bolstering local networks.
So far the project has managed to help in regular beach and mangrove clean-ups, including Divers Against Debris (DAD) dives, address both washed-up and left by people. So far this year they have cleaned over 90 sites and collected over 700 kilos of waste.
They have also clinched data collection on fish, invertebrates, and corals, and conducted over 70 endangered species surveys in Seychelles as well as conducted over 400 bio-diversity surveys.
Expanding the country’s coastal programme, they have initiated baseline studies of the local ecosystem before extensive clean-up and restoration. Mangrove surveys revealed previous illegal dumping, and they have been collaborating with local authorities for large-scale clean-ups, addressing an estimated 100 tonnes of waste.
The project leader is Stephanie toe Water based out in The Woodlands, Texas United States. There have been 21 donors so far, with a monthly donor and the project has been going on for three years.
Compiled By Sunny Esparon
