Constance Ephelia marks International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems |29 July 2023

To mark this year’s International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, the Ephelia Green team organised a special mangrove kayaking tour, educational tour and planting activity for their valued guests and staff members.

From the in-house mangrove nursery, saplings were taken and transplanted within the Port Glaud Wetlands – Seychelles’ first Ramsar site. The Port Glaud Wetlands was declared a Ramsar site on November 22, 2004.

The Convention on Wetlands’ mission is to help with the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources across the globe. It was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975.

Constance Ephelia Mahé, Seychelles is aiming to improve the management of biodiversity within the resort and the surrounding areas, by enhancing collaboration with community partners.

In line with its mangrove management plan, the resort carried out several projects over the years to preserve this Ramsar site and to maintain it in a sustainable way for future generations.

The health, safety and environment project manager, Markus Ultsch-Unrath, said it has always been a joyful activity to bring visitors or community members into the marsh, experiencing nature, getting dirty and planting some trees for a bigger cause.

“Nowadays we are losing the connection to nature, thus such activities are essential to reconnect and appreciate all environmental services that especially mangrove ecosystems provide for us free of charge,” he added.

“Even guests are more and more interested to learn about nature and take part in nature activities to make their Seychelles experience an unforgettable one.”

Mangroves are extraordinary ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots, located at the interface of land and sea. They contribute to the wellbeing, food security and protection of coastal communities worldwide.

In addition, mangroves play a crucial role in climate mitigation as the carbon sequestration rate of wetlands is much higher compared to tropical forests. Their root system acts like a natural filter as well as a natural coastal defense against storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels and erosion.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the activities organised by the Ephelia Green Team to mark the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems.

Text & photos contributed