WIOMPAN’s first ever international MPA exchange visit recently concluded, marking a significant step forward in marine protected area (MPA) management across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. This collaborative program, co-organized by the SPGA-Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority, the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Management Network (WIOMPAN), and supported by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), brought together participants from Mauritius, Mozambique, Tanzania, Madagascar, Comoros, and Kenya.
The 10-day exchange focused on enhancing management effectiveness, integrating technology, and building long-term partnerships. Through a blend of workshops, site visits, and practical training, participants gained valuable insights into scaling sustainable financing mechanisms and deploying cutting-edge tools like Earth Ranger and IMET for improved conservation outcomes.
Highlights included a workshop on EarthRanger applications for SPGA’s operations, science, and surveillance, and the use of IMET to assess performance, with visits to the SPGA Perseverance Command Centre and Ste Anne Marine National Park. The program also included expeditions to Curieuse Marine National Park and Île Cocos MNP for mangrove surveys.
The participants expressed immense appreciation for SPGA’s excellent planning and hospitality, concluding the fruitful 10 days with certificates of participation and tokens. This memorable event truly fostered enhanced learning and cultural exchange, contributing significantly to regional collaboration in marine conservation.