Hifadhi Blu Project: Successful 2-Day Training to Strengthen Marine Protected Area Management

The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) hosted a pivotal two-day training session at its headquarters in Ile du Port, from 26th – 28th April, aimed at enhancing the management and protection of Seychelles’ marine protected areas (MPAs). This important event brought together experts from the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and Advanced Conservation Strategies (ACS), marking a significant step forward in regional marine conservation efforts.

This training is part of the broader Hifadhi Blu Programme, a regional initiative dedicated to improving marine conservation across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Central to this effort is the project titled "Developing and Strengthening Data Management for Improved and Effective MPA Governance," a three-year initiative funded by Hifadhi Blu. Its primary focus is to bolster the scientific research and enforcement capabilities of the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), ensuring more effective management of marine ecosystems facing increasing pressures from climate change and human activities.

The workshop served as a critical platform for refining project objectives and aligning efforts with the actual needs of SPGA and the wider conservation community. A highlight of the session was a comprehensive system mapping exercise, which enabled participants to analyze the current MPA framework, identify existing gaps, and prioritize areas for targeted intervention.

“Our goal is to support both scientific research and enforcement activities, which were identified as key gaps during our assessments,” stated SPGA CEO Allen Cedras. “This workshop is helping us map our objectives, strengthen them, and determine the most effective way forward.”

Ms. Deidre de Vos, WIOMSA representative, emphasized the importance of the exercise: “We reviewed the proposal submitted by SPGA and employed a prioritization technique to focus efforts where they are most needed. While much of what was proposed is relevant and necessary, the workshop allowed us to refine the focus areas, including staff capacity building, regional information exchange, and procurement of monitoring equipment.”

The project’s key objectives include building institutional capacity, procuring essential technical equipment and software, and establishing regional communication networks. These efforts are designed to enhance the scientific and enforcement measures of MPAs, ensuring their resilience and effectiveness in safeguarding Seychelles’ rich marine biodiversity.

Looking ahead, CEO Cedras expressed optimism: “At the end of this project, we expect to see significant improvements in both our scientific research capabilities and enforcement strategies, contributing to the sustainable management of Seychelles’ marine resources.”