LocationsCollaborative Workshop Sets the Stage for Aligning Seychelles’ Biodiversity Strategy with Global Conservation Goals
November 29, 2024
On 27 November 2024, key stakeholders from government, civil society, businesses, the hospitality sector, and other industries gathered in Seychelles for a workshop co-organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) country office and the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change, and Environment (MACCE) with the aim of reviewing findings of three studies conducted under the Global Biodiversity Framework – Early Action Support (GBF-EAS) project. This initiative forms part of UNDP's ongoing support in developing and refining the country’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), a strategic framework to safeguard Seychelles’ biodiversity by aligning national strategies and plans with global conservation frameworks.
The workshop shared insights from the National Biodiversity Assessments for Marine and Terrestrial Ecosystems by John Nevill, the Feasibility Study on Biodiversity Finance in the Cruise Ship and Shipping Industry by Bertrand Rassool, and the Gaps and Needs Assessment of Policy and Institutional Mechanisms by Ian Charlette. These offer critical insights for updating the NBSAP to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which provides a roadmap to halt biodiversity loss, conserve ecosystems, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.
At the event, Mr. Denis Matatiken, Principal Secretary of MACCE, emphasised the significance of these studies for Seychelles, stating, “Today's workshop shared findings from innovative studies, gaps on biodiversity understanding, the need for alignment between local and global diversity policies and the need for innovative funding solutions for biodiversity conservation. These insights will serve as priority areas as we formulate our NBSAP.”
Key Insights from the Studies
1. Boosting Biodiversity Finance in the Cruise Industry
The Feasibility Study on Biodiversity Finance in the Cruise Ship and Shipping Industry explored opportunities to finance biodiversity conservation within Seychelles’ cruise sector. A key recommendation was the introduction of a Cruise Ship Environment Levy, designed to mitigate the environmental impacts of the industry, particularly waste management, and marine biodiversity pressures. Discussions at the workshop addressed whether the levy should be mandatory or voluntary, and how the collected funds can be efficiently directed towards conservation efforts.
2. Biodiversity Assessments: Addressing Pressing Threats
The National Biodiversity Assessment provided an in-depth overview of Seychelles' ecosystems, species, and the significant threats they face. The study identified pressing concerns such as invasive alien species, habitat loss, overexploitation, and climate change. While there has been progress in ecosystem restoration and raising conservation awareness, challenges remain in managing pollution, unsustainable development, and inadequate wastewater treatment.
3. Strengthening the Policy and Institutional Framework
The Gaps and Needs Assessment highlighted the slow integration of biodiversity considerations across key sectors such as tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and the blue economy. The study pointed out the lack of cross-sectoral collaboration, weak biodiversity monitoring systems, and limited financial support for conservation. Recommendations included strengthening sectoral integration, improving monitoring frameworks, and encouraging greater private sector involvement in biodiversity efforts.
Stakeholder Input Drives the Next Steps
The workshop provided an inclusive platform for discussion and collaboration. Wilna Accouche, National Climate and Environment Project Manager at UNDP, praised the multi-sectoral engagement, stating, “This workshop ensured thorough stakeholder consultation. Participants came from various sectors, fostering a whole-of-society approach to biodiversity conservation.” Attendees posed questions, shared feedback, and contributed ideas to create a more inclusive NBSAP. “These discussions will help shape an NBSAP that is both inclusive and actionable, ensuring that all sectors of society have a role to play in protecting Seychelles' biodiversity” she added.
Aligning Local Action with Global Goals: How the Updated NBSAP Will Benefit Seychelles
Seychelles’ biodiversity is integral to its economy, culture, and way of life. Updating the NBSAP to align with frameworks like the GBF ensures Seychelles’ approach to conservation is not only locally relevant but also globally connected. Ms Accouche explained, “In parallel to these studies, we are also drafting national biodiversity targets that will form the basis of the next NBSAP. Consultations such as this help incorporate recommendations and lessons learned into these targets.” This alignment will help Seychelles secure international support and funding for its biodiversity projects, creating more opportunities for sustainable development while maintaining the natural heritage.
With the findings from the workshop, the team working on the GBF-EAS project will now incorporate stakeholder feedback into the final recommendations for the updated NBSAP. This update will ensure that Seychelles' biodiversity strategy addresses the challenges of the present while positioning the country for a more resilient and sustainable future.