Domaine de Val des Près Wetland and Biodiversity Area
The United Nations Development Programme and the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council (SNHRC) are embarking on an ambitious and forward-thinking project aimed at transforming the Domaine de Val des Près Wetland and Biodiversity Area into a dynamic Educational Biodiversity Lab and Viewpoint.
The first pivotal step was taken yesterday morning when they visited the site for the bio assessment and mapping exercise.
The project aims to create a vibrant biodiversity, touristic and historical site, with the involvement of the local community and various partners.
Funded under the GEF Small Grants Programme: GEF/UNDP for an amount of US $50,000, the communitybased project in Au Cap district is specifically in the wetland passing through Domaine de Val des Pres property, in an area historically known as St Roch.
Furthermore, this project will bring together stakeholders in the area to enhance and create a place of high biodiversity value namely Domaine de Val des Pres (SNHRC), Maison Marengo Restaurant, Au Cap primary school, Au Cap district administration, Island Carbon Consult and the community.
Au Cap primary school will play a significant role in the project through its Environment Club, Tourism Club and Heritage Club. The students will participate in developing an educational mangrove activities workbook and potentially creating an App dedicated to the biodiversity area
In an interview with the local media, consultant Errol Renaud shared that the project was initiated two years ago and is now entering its first of three phases. This initial phase involves bringing in an expert to conduct a biodiversity assessment, establishing the different species present and evaluating the pollution levels.
The enhanced wetland ecosystem will be complemented with a long boardwalk with rails starting inside the Domaine de Val des Pres area, and a bridge leading to a small bird watching viewpoint.
‘In total we estimate that the project will cost US $150,000 and we hope to complete it by the first quarter of next year, before March or April,” said Mr Renaud.
Lindy Bastienne, National Coordinator for Small Grants Programme under UNDP, shared they wanted to venture out, where instead of funding only environmental organisations, to involve any organisation that has the environment at heart.
‘We wanted to do a small education centre and a place for people to relax,” explained Ms Bastienne.
Additionally, Benjamine Rose, executive director of the SNHRC, said they plan to put up educational display boards in the area to highlight the various species, turning it into a learning, living environment for locals and visitors alike.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the site visit yesterday.
Courtesy: Anika Cathene (Nation.sc)