Wetlands are vital ecosystems providing several ecosystem services, crucial in sustaining millions of livelihoods globally. Climate Change impacts expose their vulnerability to natural and anthropogenic pressures, resulting in the significant loss of these ecosystems, which has enormous consequences for communities around the World from a socio-economic perspective.
Global loss of wetlands that triples that of the loss of forest ecosystems remains a great concern to all stakeholders, especially to vulnerable communities, increasing the risk of climate change-induced impacts, such as floods and coastal erosion. SIDS like Seychelles is the most affected due to the lack of resources and expertise to address these calamities.
The key to reversing this trend lies in the global commitment of all stakeholders to synergies efforts and resources to save the remaining wetlands for future generations.
This year’s theme declared by Ramsar is “Protecting Wetlands for our common future” which is well aligned with the ongoing efforts by numerous organizations and individuals to restore degraded wetlands, escalate education and awareness programs, application of innovative conservation measures and strengthen protection frameworks at all levels. This theme appeals to bold actions from all stakeholders across all sectors, pledging global support in protecting wetlands for future generations.
As emphasized by the General Secretary of the Convention on Wetlands, Dr. Musonda Mumba, in this year’s message global collaboration is the key to persistently striving towards a future wherein all people, everywhere, can continue to benefit from the life-sustaining services that wetlands provide. By valuing and protecting wetlands today – and by inspiring one another in this united effort – our common future and well-being are ensured for generations to come.
Seychelles’ commitment under its NDC to protect 100% of its mangrove forest by 2030 remains its primary focus and is concrete evidence of its committed efforts nationally to protect wetlands for generations to come with more than 80% of mangrove ecosystems now under a protection status.
The affiliation of Seychelles to two regional initiatives, (the Southern Africa Ramsar Regional Initiative and the Western Indian Ocean Mangrove Network) shows its commitment to exploring and embracing opportunities to expand its collaboration at the regional level, aims at building capacity and also sharing our knowledge with our neighboring countries in the region.
Reflecting on our success as a SIDS brings the much-needed aspiration and energy to achieve more despite the enormous challenges that this country faces in its quest to sustainably manage its wetlands. The 2025 Wetlands Day celebration will witness the signing of the first “Wetlands of Hope Pledge” with six private businesses that are committed to protecting conserve and managing wetlands within their premises or elsewhere in the country, supported by the European Union under the Local Empowered Area Protection, LEAP 2 being implemented jointly by Nature Seychelles and the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment. A first of its kind in the region.
The Government will continue to support local initiatives aimed at maintaining and improving the ecosystem services of our wetlands. As the emphasis is on the future of our wetlands, the youth is a key stakeholder in achieving the goal of safeguarding our wetland ecosystems for our common future.
Valuing our wetlands will inspire required actions at all levels that will pave the way to ensure the continuation of their critical ecological and societal roles. The Ministry values the collective contributions of individuals and organizations as a nation committed to protecting wetlands for our common future.
