Tourism Management and Protection of National Parks Sylvanna Antha Seychelles National Parks Authority Asia Pacific Regional Consultation on the Sustainable Tourism Programme of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP) on Sustainable Consumption and Production April 2014 Park Hyatt, Busan, Republic of Korea

The Seychelles Archipelago of 115 islands 41 granitic islands (Granitic and Carbonate Reefs) 74 Coralline islands (Carbonate reefs only) Most of the islands and reefs are found in the South and South East of the archipelago Most of the islands are wholly or partially surrounded by coral reefs Calculated 1690 Km 2 of Reefs Many reefs are not near land masses and the extent of many reef are not fully known.

Protected Areas Being Managed 6 Marine Parks 2 terrestrial Parks One special Reserve Legal Protective Status (National Parks and Nature Conservancy Act.

Main Tourist activities Excursions organised by tour operators Tour s Taxi Boats Yachting ( Entry fees & mooring fees) Diving Bed tax from hotels located within MPAs. Sale of Coco De Mer nuts

Other opportunities of generating funds Hosting marine expeditions eg: Earthwatch

Global Vision International - GVI

Sale of Souvenir Items Sale of Coco De Mer Adopt a tortoise programme (similar programme for Whale sharks by MCSS) Direct or indirect sponsorships Partnership

Tourism Activities and MPAs Many tourism related activities in the Seychelles could potentially affect coral reefs and are regulated to certain degree. More than half of the tourists that visits the Seychelles either dive or snorkel and as thus have a potential to greatly impact coral reefs. Yachting has also become very popular and this has increased negative impacts such as pollution and coral damage. Increase in the number of hotels located inside MPA have also increased problems such as pollution and sedimentation.

Challenges Coastal developments especially tourism - Sedimentation, pollution, erosion etc... Increased pressure from Fishers vs tourism Occasional oil pollution from ships (mild) (e.g. yachting) Lack of Human resource Climate change (coral Bleaching, coastal erosion, sea level rise)

What is being done? Increase of enforcement (incl. Development) Best practice for snorkelling and diving –SNPA and STB Glass bottom boat visit restricted to certain sites so as to restrict the area that could be directly affected by physical contact of snorkelers with the reef. All development, including tourism, requires an E.I.A study so as to limit the potential impact on the coral reef and marine environment Mooring areas are designated and Mooring buoys are installed. Education and Awareness

Memorandum of Understanding – Seychelles Tourism Board (marketing, link between SNPA and agencies Partnership on Environmental Protecting –e.g. Ste Anne Resort (reduction in poaching, monitoring (turtles, birds) Services for rangers – bed and breakfast Education and Awareness – Ephelia (incl. education board, presentations) Ownership (mangroves of Port Launay) Other partners- Planning Authority

Conclusion Marine Tourism brings revenue and jobs – contribution to economy Includes a number of challenges Management has to overcome challenges and ensure sustainability Responsibility of all stakeholders to preserve environment

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