By Giacomo Abrusci
Photo Banner Caption: A school of fish swims over a seagrass meadow (Thalassodendron ciliatum), now known locally as gomon zerb levantay.
Photo Banner Credit: Seagrass Mapping and Carbon Assessment Project/The Pew Charitable Trusts
Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is leading a groundbreaking initiative to protect its seagrass meadows, a crucial ecosystem in the battle against climate change. Recognizing the vital role these underwater grasslands play in capturing and storing carbon, supporting marine life, and buffering storm surges, the nation has committed to safeguarding all of its seagrass by 2030 as part of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement. This commitment positions Seychelles at the forefront of ocean conservation and blue economy initiatives.
The importance of seagrass cannot be overstated. Coastal wetlands, which include seagrasses, mangroves, and saltmarshes, have the potential to sequester and store up to five times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests. This remarkable capacity for carbon storage makes seagrasses invaluable in mitigating climate change. However, these ecosystems face threats from coastal development and erosion. Protecting seagrass meadows is not only crucial for climate change mitigation but also for preserving the rich biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
In Seychelles, the Seagrass Mapping and Carbon Assessment Project, led by the University of Oxford in partnership with local organizations like Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) and Island Conservation Society, has been instrumental in these efforts. Supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the project developed a field-validated map for seagrass meadows and estimated their carbon storage capacity. This mapping initiative, a first of its kind, allows for more precise management and protection of these vital ecosystems.
SeyCCAT has played a pivotal role in raising public awareness about the benefits of seagrass. A notable achievement of their campaign was the development of words in Seychellois Creole for “seagrass,” which reflects the integration of environmental conservation into the nation’s culture and language. This initiative included community engagement, ensuring that the new terminology resonated with the public and became a part of the updated Creole dictionary. By involving the community in this process, the campaign fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of seagrass ecosystems among Seychellois.
SeyCCAT’s efforts extend beyond mapping and public awareness. They are actively working on developing a blue carbon policy for Seychelles, which will guide sustainable management of blue carbon ecosystems and explore financial opportunities derived from them. Moreover, they are also focused on seagrass restoration, employing measures to prevent certain economic activities that could damage these ecosystems.
Seychelles’ commitment to protecting its seagrass meadows is part of a broader environmental strategy. The nation has already achieved its target of protecting 30% of its exclusive economic zone, a feat accomplished through the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan Initiative. This success was made possible by effective partnerships, scientific research, and strong leadership.
In terms of climate change, Seychelles stands out as a small island developing state that is acutely aware of its vulnerability to environmental changes. By focusing on protecting its seagrass meadows, Seychelles is not only contributing significantly to global carbon sequestration efforts but also demonstrating a sustainable model for other nations to follow. The country’s endeavors highlight the importance of nature-based solutions in combating climate change and underscore the need for continued research and policy development in this area.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the efforts of Seychelles serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved through commitment, collaboration, and an understanding of the integral role nature plays in our survival. The preservation of seagrass meadows in Seychelles not only benefits the local environment and communities but also contributes significantly to global efforts to combat climate change, making it a vital endeavor for the health of our planet.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media