The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) has launched and adopted its first ever Research Strategic Plan. The aim of the Plan is to provide insight, guidance and details with regards to research and conservation activities to be implemented by SPGA, together with the support of its local, regional and international partners. The introduction of the Plan is expected to facilitate and enhance research and biodiversity conservation works relating to the many protected areas entrusted to the Authority.
Parks in the Seychelles, especially marine protected areas operate within socio-ecological systems which constantly face natural and anthropogenic changes and challenges ranging from climate change impacts on species, their habitats, pollution, amongst others. Hence why, these Parks require relevant data and research to enhance adaptive management to ensure their sustainability. The objectives of this Research Strategic Plan are to:
- Provide guidance on the priority areas for research
- Provide outstanding opportunities for collaborative research
- Strengthen research culture and create opportunities for capacity building
For the marine parks, focal areas include coral reef ecosystem assessment and restoration, fish diversity, abundance and density, baseline survey of seagrass ecosystems, coastal zone management, and enhancement of sea turtle population through various conservation and management strategies. Activities within the Plan have been categorized into short, medium, and long-term, with guidelines for conducting conservation and research activities also provided. These guidelines must always be adhered to, to ensure the integrity of research and conservation within the Parks.
You may view the Research Strategic Plan here: https://www.spga.gov.sc/sites/default/files/2023-11/spga-research-strategy-web.pdf
SPGA