SPGA Hosts Regional Exchange on Marine Protected Area Management

From 3rd to 13th November 2025, the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) proudly hosted a regional exchange programme, welcoming four marine protected area (MPA) professionals from the Maldives. This latest initiative builds on a series of recent exchanges, including a 10-day programme in October for ten MPA practitioners from across the western Indian Ocean, and a three-week placement for a delegate from Congo. Held under the theme “Strengthening Marine Protected Areas through Sustainable Financing and Innovative Management Tools,” the programme reaffirms Seychelles’ leadership in regional ocean governance and collaborative conservation.

Over ten days, participants engaged in a dynamic blend of workshops, field visits, and hands-on training designed to strengthen their technical capacity and strategic insight. Sessions introduced innovative financing models for MPAs—ranging from eco-tourism and public-private partnerships to corporate social responsibility initiatives—while also addressing the limitations of current management frameworks. Practical training on the use of the EarthRanger Software and the Integrated Management Effectiveness Tool (IMET) allowed participants to simulate real-time monitoring, conduct in-field mock assessments, and explore how data-driven tools can enhance decision-making and adaptive management in MPAs.

“By hosting this programme, SPGA continues to reaffirm Seychelles’ role as a regional leader in marine conservation,” said SPGA CEO Mr. Allen Cedras. “It demonstrates how technology and sustainable financing can converge to create scalable, impactful solutions for MPAs. Through shared knowledge and collaboration, we can collectively raise management effectiveness across the region. The lessons learned and partnerships forged during these ten days will ripple far beyond Seychelles’ shores.”