Seychelles seagrass conservation is moving from global commitment to local action, with authorities and partners advancing efforts to map and protect seagrass ecosystems.
Seychelles is among the first countries to map its seagrass meadows and has committed to protect them by 2030. The work involves partnerships between national institutions, academic organisations and international groups.
During the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Seychelles committed under its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to map the full extent of blue carbon seagrass and mangrove ecosystems within its waters. The country also committed to measure their carbon stock values and include these ecosystems in the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGGI) by 2025.
The Seychelles Seagrass Mapping and Carbon Assessment Project was initiated to deliver the seagrass component of this commitment. The project aims to assess the distribution and extent of seagrass habitats. It also aims to quantify carbon stored in below-ground sediments. In addition, it assesses the rate at which carbon accumulates. The project also aims to build scientific capacity to support future surveys and further development of seagrass mapping and blue carbon research.
During November to December 2021, two researchers from the University of Oxford conducted fieldwork in collaboration with SeyCCAT, the German Aerospace Agency, ICS, the University of Seychelles and other local entities. The work took place around Mahé, Praslin, Desroches and D’Arros under the Seagrass Mapping and Carbon Assessment Project funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.
At this stage, the main objective of the project has been to map the distribution of seagrass beds and to collect coring samples. These samples are used to calculate the amount of carbon stored in seagrass meadows.
The information gathered supports the scientific baseline required for the Seychelles government to include seagrass protection as a nature-based solution within its Nationally Determined Contributions.
Stacey Baez of The Pew Charitable Trusts said her organisation supports countries to meet climate objectives. She said: “We help countries to protect and restore seagrass and mangrove ecosystems as part of the contributions they make to meet climate objectives.”
The work includes contributions from the Ministry of Environment, Energy, Climate and Natural Resources (MECENR), the University of Seychelles and the University of Oxford. Partners support mapping efforts, research and conservation activities.
Seagrass ecosystems support food systems. Baez said: “If you eat fish, at least one in five would have spent time on a seagrass meadow.” She added that seagrasses are “crucially important for food globally.”
Seagrasses also contribute to climate processes. As marine plants, they absorb carbon dioxide and store carbon in underlying soil.
Seagrass habitats support marine species. Dugongs, manatees and sea turtles depend on these ecosystems.
Baez said: “Seychelles is almost there with that commitment for protection.” She added: “As a global leader, it shows ambition to other nations who may not be aware of the importance of seagrass ecosystems.”
Seagrasses are present along coastlines worldwide, except Antarctica. In Seychelles, marine plants including seagrasses and algae share the Creole name “Gomon,” although they are different types of marine plants. At least 10 species of seagrass have been identified in Seychelles.