Absa Bank leads tree-planting and clean-up initiative for World Wetlands Day |15 February 2025

As part of the celebration for World Wetlands Day, Absa Bank, assisted by Nature Seychelles and

a team from the Climate Change and Energy department of the Ministry of Environment,

organised a tree-planting and clean-up activity at the Petit Barbarons wetland last Saturday.

This initiative is part of Absa Bank’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, following its

adoption of the wetland in 2023 as a contribution to climate action.

The event commenced with brief remarks from the principal Climate Adaptation Officer, Jean

Claude Labrosse, who expressed gratitude to Absa Bank for its dedication to restoring and

preserving wetlands.

He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in combating climate change and ensuring the resilience of Seychelles’ ecosystems.

He further stated that this initiative has set an example for other private institutions to contribute towards the cause, as climate change is not only a problem that the ministry will solve, but everyone in particular needs to play their role.

As part of the activities, participants planted over 100 mangrove saplings of various species to

support wetland regeneration.

In addition to the tree planting, volunteers conducted a clean-up exercise, collecting and properly disposing of waste found in the wetland area.

The joint efforts of Absa Bank, Nature Seychelles and other volunteers emphasised the significance of maintaining healthy wetlands for biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation.

The event also saw the participation of school children from Grand Anse school, who joined in the efforts to restore the wetland.

Furthermore, a guided wetland safari was conducted by Terence Vel from the University of Seychelles, leveraging his expertise on wetland ecosystems to educate participants on their ecological importance.

Absa Bank’s initiative aligns with global efforts to raise awareness about the crucial role of wetlands in environmental protection.

The organisation’s continued involvement in ecological restoration showcases its commitment to fostering a greener and more sustainable future for Seychelles.

Contributed