Absa Seychelles and SPGA Launch Phase Two of Coral Planting Initiative

VICTORIA, Seychelles — Absa Seychelles in collaboration with the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority on Saturday embarked on the second phase of their coral planting initiative, which started following the signing of a memorandum of understanding last year. The event highlighted the continued commitment of Absa Seychelles and SPGA towards preserving and restoring Seychelles’ marine ecosystem within protected areas, through mitigation and adaptation measures against climate change. It also aligns with SPGA’s calendar of events in commemoration of the 52nd anniversary of the Ste Anne Marine National Park.

SPGA’s marine experts guided the Absa Seychelles staff through the coral planting process, whereby 350 coral fragments were secured onto reef star structures, ensuring that the transplantation efforts align with best conservation practices. In attendance were the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Flavien Joubert, SPGA’s chief executive, Allen Cedras, and finance director at Absa, Mweli Ndaba.

Mr Cedras stated that this is the final event in their series of activities celebrating the 52nd anniversary of Ste Anne Marine Park. ‘Today’s activity holds significant importance as the Absa Seychelles team will play a vital role in our climate change strategy by planting corals to enhance the ecosystem within the Ste Anne Marine Park.’ Mr Ndaba expressed that the event marks another important step in the partnership, adding that the coral outplanting forms part of Absa’s wider environmental sustainability journey. The first phase of the coral restoration project was carried out in Port Launay and, according to SPGA, it was successful.