Seychelles Wetlands Policy and Action Plan 2019-2022

Seychelles Wetlands Policy and Action Plan 2019-2022 This document may be cited as: Government of Seychelles (2019). Seychelles Wetland Policy and Action Plan 2019-2022. Contents Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. 4 FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................................. 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 2 International Obligations ........................................................................................................................ 3 National Strategic and Policy Documents ............................................................................................... 4 Legal Foundations ................................................................................................................................... 6 Scope ....................................................................................................................................................... 8 Vision Statement ..................................................................................................................................... 8 Goal ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Policy Commitments ............................................................................................................................... 8 Policy Objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Policy Objective 1 ................................................................................................................................ 9 Policy Objective 2 ................................................................................................................................ 9 Policy Objective 3 ................................................................................................................................ 9 Policy Objective 4 ................................................................................................................................ 9 Policy Objective 5 ................................................................................................................................ 9 Policy Objective 6 ................................................................................................................................ 9 Policy Implementation ............................................................................................................................ 9 References ............................................................................................................................................ 11 Annex 1: Action Plan for Wetlands in the Seychelles ........................................................................... 13 Annex 2: Wetlands in Seychelles .......................................................................................................... 18 Annex 3: Ramsar Convention in the Seychelles .................................................................................... 26 Annex 4: Internationally Important Wetlands in the Seychelles .......................................................... 28 Annex 5 National Policy and Legislation Influencing Wetland Policy ................................................... 32 Acronyms and Abbreviations CBD : Convention on Biological Diversity EBA-SSC : Ecosystem-Based Adaptation through South-South Cooperation EIA : Environment Impact Assessment EMPS : Environment Management Plan for Seychelles EPA : Environment Protection Act GEF : Global Environment Facility GoS : Government of Seychelles IOSEA : Indian Ocean Southeast Asia Sea Turtle MOU IUCN : International Union for Conservation of Nature LUP : Land Use Plan MEECC : Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change NBSAP : National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NPNCA : National Parks and Nature Conservancy Act NPOA : National Plan of Action for Sharks PA : Protected Area PAA : Protected Area Act PAN : Protected Area Network SDG : Sustainable Development Goal SFA : Seychelles Fishing Authority SLRRA : State Land and River Reserves Act SSDS : Seychelles Sustainable Development Strategy TCPA : Town and Country Planning Act UNFCCC : United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNESCO : United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation 1 FOREWORD Wetlands are critical habitats worldwide and perhaps even more important to the Seychelles as small islands vulnerable to climate change. Wetlands provide our nation with vital ecosystems services: the overwhelming majority of our water comes from natural wetlands sources; coastal wetlands absorb storm waters from both land and sea and will provide important buffers to sea level rise; coastal wetlands provide nurseries for fish species that are important to commercial and artisanal fisheries and in-shore reefs make a key part of the Seychelles tourism product. More over the biodiversity in and around wetlands is special and irreplaceable, some of the most beautiful and unique environments are the riverine forests found within the National Parks and new species to science are still being discovered in our rivers and wetlands. Yet wetlands are under pressure, pollution, coastal squeeze, coral bleaching, and poorly planned development, illustrated by the fact that coastal wetlands are now considered the most threatened habitat in the Seychelles. We therefore need to act now to protect and manage these natural resources. Provisions are made for the protection and management of wetlands under various legislation ranging from protected area, fisheries and development control ordinance, and this document pulls together these diverse elements in to one coherent policy. This builds coherently on the recent progress in developing protected area and Integrated Water Management policies and associated draft legislation. This document goes a step further developing an action plan for policy implementation, the themes of the action plan relate directly to the policy objectives and actions focus on clear time defined outcomes. The action plan captures some important activities already being implemented related to the expansion of protected areas and the restoration of coastal and lowland wetlands and identifies the most important actions required to enable sustainable management. Significantly the policy and action plan acknowledges the crucial role that communities now have in managing water resources and wetlands. An increasing number of civil society groups are now active and involved in habitat rehabilitation, litter cleaning and tree planting. This action plan endorses and enables the adage act “think globally, act locally” 2 Introduction Wetlands are important ecosystems. They provide habitat for animals and plants and support a diversity of life. They are crucial to the functioning of the environment by protecting our shores, reducing the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and improving water quality. They also provide an important range of environmental, social and economic services. Their importance is recognised through the international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, also known as the Convention on Wetlands or Ramsar Convention. In Seychelles, “wetland” is defined as an area of mangrove, marsh, swamp or water (including springs, rivulets and rivers and constructed wetlands), which are permanent or temporarily submerged under fresh, brackish or salt water that is static or flowing, including areas of marine habitat to the full extent of the intertidal zone. By definition, wetlands make up a meaningful proportion of the EEZ. These include shallow marine systems, mangroves and intertidal, coastal wetlands and freshwater systems and these deliver vital ecosystems services. These services include supporting healthy fisheries, coastal protection disaster mitigation and climate change resilience and fresh water. Protection of the different types of wetlands are therefore crucial. There are four categories of wetlands; inland wetlands (including rivers and streams, lowland and upland wetlands), coastal wetlands (incl. mudflats and mangroves, seagrass and reef flats), coral reefs and constructed wetlands (include reservoirs). The wetlands are being threatened by a number of natural (e.g. climate change), biological (e.g. alien invasive species) and anthropogenic factors (e.g. pollution, reclamation). For the past 200 years, there have been significant loss of wetlands due to the pressures of development. Details on the status and trends are provided in Annex 2. The Seychelles National Wetland Conservation and Management Policy was initially developed in 2005 in response to the loss of wetland. Its main aim was to address and reverse the degradation of wetlands in the Seychelles. The Policy is outdated and there is a need to review and include the country’s national obligation under the different multilateral agreement which Seychelles is party to. This new Wetland Policy 2019 - 2022 acknowledges that wetlands are essential for sustainable development and that wise use is paramount. The policy also recognises that many if not most of the tools to enable wise use are available and attempts to draw the multi-sectorial assets together under a single policy as associated action plan. The action plan, provides the framework for policy implementation, and captures existing programmes of work, sets ambitious targets and grasps new opportunities such as the involvement and leadership of civil society to manage local resources of national importance. This policy was compiled on behalf of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change (MEECC) under the auspices of the GEF-funded project, Ecosystem-Based Adaptation through South-South Cooperation (EBA-SSC) and the Adaptation Fund Ecosystem based Adaptation in the Seychelles (EBA Project). 3 International Obligations Seychelles is party to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) with relevance to the management of wetlands in Seychelles. Prominent among these agreements are the:  Ramsar Convention, with its specific focus on and definition for wetlands;  Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) its work programmes, specifically those on inland waters, marine and coastal biodiversity and the Aichi Biodiversity targets;  The Bonn Convention on Migratory Species including: the Indian Ocean South East Asia (IOSEA) sea turtle agreement, the Dugong MoU and the Sharks MoU1 both of which make provisions for management of pertinent critical habitats;  The UNESCO World Heritage Convention;  The Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment and its pertinent protocols;  The South African Development Community protocols on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation;  Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) pertaining to the trade or export of some species, of relevance are marine turtles, some sharks and rays, Humphead wrasse Cheilinus undulates. There are also the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals which should guide the country’s approach to sustainable development. Of the above the CBD and its Aichi Biodiversity targets are addressed by the NBSAP described in the National Strategic and Policy Documents section whilst the approach to wetland management is more thoroughly addressed under Ramsar. The Bonn, World Heritage and Nairobi Conventions and SADC Protocol commitments are largely covered by the NBSAP, PA Policy, the SSDS and the specific management of certain PAs. The key international obligations for wetlands therefore are to be found under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation to ensure the conservation and wise use of wetlands (Annex 3). At present, there are 168 parties and Seychelles became a party to the Convention on the 22nd March 2005. To date, three sites have been designated as wetlands of international importance. Accession to the Ramsar Convention places various obligations on Parties. 1 Soon to be signed by Seychelles. 4 National Strategic and Policy Documents Seychelles has several strategic plans and policy documents with relevance to wetlands, these include: the Seychelles Sustainable Development Strategy 2012-2020 (SSDS), the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2020 (NBSAP), district land use plans, fishery plans, the national Blue Economy Concept, the Protected Area Policy (GoS 2014b) and the ongoing marine spatial planning process. The most salient are reviewed below. 1). Seychelles Sustainable Development Strategy 2012-2020 (SSDS). The SSDS directly addresses wetland management issues, reflecting the national awareness of the importance of these matters (GOS 2012; GOS 2012a). It has recently been determined that its content will be rolled into the new National Development Strategy. The SSDS includes an Action Plan composed of 13 thematic areas (Programmes) see Annex 5. 2). Seychelles National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2020 (NBSAP). The NBSAP (GoS 2014d) is the Seychelles action plan for the implementation of its commitments under the Convention on Biological diversity. The 2015-2020 document was structured to mainstream the Aichi biodiversity targets. The document identifies lowland wetlands as the most endangered ecosystem type in Seychelles2. 3). District Land Use Plans Land Use Planning Guidelines were finalised in 2013 and plans were drafted for all 25 districts. The ultimate intention being to make all the plans statutory, under the Town and Country Planning Act and its intended successor the Physical Planning Act. The LUP guidelines and draft regulations recognise 6 categories of no-development zone, of which 5 pertain to wetlands (see Annex 5 for details). 4). Fishery Plans The 2014 Fisheries Act makes provision for Fishery Plans to be regulated into law. Therefore, fishery plans such as the demersal fishery management plan (SFA 2015) for the Mahé Plateau and the new National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA)(SFA 2016) may through proposed fishery management measures have direct relevance to the management of the coastal environment. Intertidal zones and coastal wetlands can be of particular importance as nursery grounds for fishery and ecologically important species. 5). National Blue Economy Concept The Seychelles government produced a Blue Economy concept paper in 2013 (GoS 2013a)3 which was endorsed by the 2014 Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Apia, Samoa. The paper sets out the concept in the form of seven issues and seven opportunities (see Table 1), the issues identified clearly have relevance (shaded) to marine wetland management. 2 A National Biodiversity Policy is now in the early stages of formulation and provides an opportunity to enhance the national recognition and protection of wetlands. 3 A national position paper was also produced (GoS 2013). 5 Table 1: Blue Economy Wetland Management Analysis Issues Opportunities a Sustainable use of biodiversity a Shipping and port facilities b Food security b Fisheries c Unsustainable fisheries c Tourism d Climate change – Acidification, Blue carbon d Aquaculture e Marine and coastal tourism e Energy (renewable blue energy) f Pollution and marine debris f Biotechnology g Governance and International cooperation g Submarine mining 6). Seychelles Protected Area Policy The Seychelles Protected Area (PA) Policy (GoS 2014b) was completed in 2013 approved in 2014. Its vision is “To have a Protected Areas System on the land and in the sea that protects and conserves high conservation value, comprehensive and ecologically representative examples of the Seychelles’ natural diversity and cultural heritage and that provides ample opportunities for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the sustainable use of these resources.” It sets out the process to update Seychelles Protected Area Network (PAN) The PA Policy, once supported by revised legislation, offers considerable scope to support wetland management and EBA processes. 7). Water Policy A Seychelles National Water Policy and National Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Plan were approved by Cabinet in July 2017. The new policy provides the guiding framework for the management of Seychelles’ water resources in accordance with IWRM principles. In the process of developing the Policy and IWRM Plan it became clear that the development of a new, IWRM-based legal framework for water management is required, notably a new National Water Act which will replace the Public Utilities Corporation Act (1982) and Water Regulations (1979), which is limited to the regulation of water supply and management of sewerage and waste water. The Water Policy and associated Water Bill represents reform in the national approaches to water management including sustainable use, allocations of water to maintain ecosystem integrity, protection of catchments and control of pollution (see Annex 5) 6 Legal Foundations Seychelles has a complex legal framework pertinent to the governance of wetland areas, made more so by key pieces of legislation being under a protracted process of review. Governance of the development cycle is based primarily upon the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) (GoS 1972) and the Environment Protection Act (EPA) (2016), its 1996 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (GoS 1996) and related Sensitive Areas Atlas (Duncombe 1996 & 1996a). Legislation that provides areas, including wetlands, with different categories of protected/development status are the 1969 National Parks and Nature Conservancy Act (NPNCA)(GoS 1969, amended 1982), State Land and River Reserves Act (SLRRA)(1903, amended 1976) and the Nature Reserves regulations of the Wild Animals and Birds Protection Act (WABPA)(1966). Legislation also relevant in the context of wetlands are the Shell Reserves and Fishery Reserves under the Fisheries Act (2014). 1. Primary Legislation The TCPA establishes the Planning Authority which reviews and rules upon planning applications. The Act sets out the required standards for structures in terms of their design, materials, location, proximity to environmental features and safety requirements. The EPA (GOS 2016) and its EIA regulations set out criteria for the provision of environmental authorisation for development proposals including the need for category I or II environmental impact assessments depending on the proposed development’s scale, nature and its location relative to important environmental features. The EIA regulations identify 22 categories of Sensitive Area including inter alia wetlands, coastal zone and beaches. The two laws are intended to be complimentary and balance each other in the pursuit of sustainable development. The effective parallel operation of the two laws has been problematic on occasion however, in particular because clause 10 of the TCPA allows the Minister responsible for the land use portfolio to overrule all other decisions or objections. This is now balanced by an equivalent superseding provision, Section 81(3), in the EPA 2016. The EPA is also of note due to Section 15: Regulations for Protection of Water and Section 28: Declaration of Coastal Zone and its Protection both of which, though not previously utilised, offer excellent scope for the protection of wetlands and the mitigation of climate change. 2). Secondary Legislation. i). The National Parks and Nature Conservancy Act (1969, amended 1982) (NPNCA). The NPNCA (GoS 1969) is the principal national legislation for the creation of Protected Areas (PAs) for conservation purposes and forms the main structure of Seychelles Protected Area Network (PAN). The Act sets out four categories of PA which allow for varying degrees of human activity: Strict Natural Reserve (that has never been applied), Special Reserve, National Park and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The NPNCA specifies various penalties for infringements. See Annex 5 for summary of the areas protected and their relevance to “wetland” conservation and management. In 2013 a new Protected Areas Policy (GoS 2013b) was approved to be accompanied by new legislation. A new National Parks and Nature Conservancy Bill is currently in the final stages of development. 7 ii). State Land and River Reserves Act (1976). The State Land and River Reserves Act (formerly the 1903, Crown Land and River Reserves Act) (GoS 1976) lists 146 rivers and rivulets on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. The water courses are listed for protection in recognition of their importance for water provision and socioeconomic development. The Act defines rivers and an area of vegetation either side of them, the size of which depends on altitude, as reserves to provide a minimum level of catchment protection. This legislation is currently under review with the intention of developing a new State Land Act. 3). The Wild Animals and Birds Protection Act (GoS 1961)(WABPA), The Wild Birds Protection (Nature Reserves) Regulations (GoS 1966). The Regulations define a Nature Reserve as: “any island or place declared in the schedule hereto to be a nature reserve” and protect the majority of bird species, their eggs and nests. See Annex 5 for summary of the areas protected and their relevance to “wetland” conservation and management. 4). The Fisheries Act (2014). A new Fisheries Act (GoS 2014a) was promulgated in 2014 to replace its 1986 predecessor. However, the pertinent PAs were carried over from the old act to the new. The Act designates: i. Four shell reserves (1987 Shell Reserve Regulations), two on the coast of Mahé and one each on Praslin and La Digue, and ii. Three fishery reserves, on reefs adjacent to the main islands, where net use of any kind banned over the prescribed reef areas. See Annex 5 for summary of the areas protected and their relevance to “wetland” conservation and management. 5). The Protected Areas Act (GoS 1967) (PAA). The PAA is specifically designed to exclude persons/public access from certain areas. Its intended purpose being to manage areas for the purposes of national security. It has however also been utilised to declare two PAs for environmental reasons. 8 Scope The Purpose of the Wetland Policy is to: 1. Provide a basis for the sustainable management of wetland resources in order to provide ecosystems services, increase climate change resilience and enhance biodiversity 2. Drew together diverse legislation and policies to provide a coherent frame work for wetland management 3. Fulfil the country’s commitment to MEAs including, but not limited to, The Ramsar Convention Vision Statement “The wetlands of the Seychelles are managed sustainably to improve ecosystem services, to increase resilience to climate change and to deliver biodiversity” Goal The conservation and sustainable use of wetlands as a fundamental contribution to Seychelles’ Sustainable Development Policy Commitments The Government of Seychelles shall: 1. Protect wetlands because of their roles in providing diverse environmental services ranging from the provision of fresh water, disaster risk reduction, the specific unique biodiversity status of our freshwater ecosystems, and the socioeconomic and ecological importance of our coastal wetlands; 2. Take appropriate actions to fulfil its international obligations in the domain of wetlands as set out in inter alia the Ramsar Convention, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on Migratory Species in so much as they pertain to Seychelles and its national circumstances; 3. Implement its national commitments as set out in the Seychelles Sustainable Development Strategy, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and as embodied in the national pursuit and development of the Blue Economy 4. Adopt the principles of Ecosystem based Adaptation whereby the conservation, sustainable management and restoration of ecosystems can help people adapt to the impacts of climate change, where existing biodiversity cultural or landscape values shall not be negatively impacted by such intervention. 5. Protect, restore and enhance wetlands with the support of and implementation by Government Agencies, Arms’ Length Bodies, NGOs, CBOs and other civil society groups. 6. Take actions to reduce the imminent threats to wetlands, namely Invasive Alien Species, over-exploitation and built development and develop legislation, regulation and policy to mitigate these threats. 7. Facilitate the protection, restoration and recreation of wetland systems by supporting local, national and international funding instruments including the allocation of international donor funds for biodiversity conservation and Ecosystem based Adaptation. 9 8. Commit through the development, implementation and periodic review of the Action Plan to the conservation and sustainable use of its wetlands, including the designation and management of protected area classifications to conserve endemic and threatened wetland biodiversity and to cooperate internationally as appropriate to further those ends. Policy Objectives Policy Objective 1 Promote and facilitate research and monitoring that will enable a comprehensive inventory of wetlands to be compiled, provide information to guide management and to measure change over time, especially related to climate change. Policy Objective 2 Ensure that wetlands are effectively protected by increase and enhance implementation of legislation including improved area coverage, the development and implementation of management plans and legal enforcement. Policy Objective 3 Implement the restoration, rehabilitation and recreation of wetlands to enhance biodiversity, improve water security, increase climate change resilience and benefit public access and legislation. Policy Objective 4 Strengthen and align wetland management to National Plans and Policies and ensure that opportunities to fulfil the commitments to MEAs are maximised and reported. Policy Objective 5 To engender the involvement of Civil Society including NGOs, CBOs and other groups in the management and safeguarding of wetlands and engender active participation in catchment management and the wise use of water resources. Policy Objective 6 To increase public understanding and support for sustainable management of wetlands though education and awareness. Policy Implementation The policy will be implemented through the Wetland Action Plan 2019 -20 (Annex 1) which is a detailed, verifiable and time defined implementation plan based on the Policy Objectives. 10 Guiding Principles: The Action Plan should be implemented within the context of the following operational principles:  The Precautionary Principle  The Ecosystem Approach  Ecologically Sustainable Development  The Interdependence of Humans and Biodiversity. Institutional Framework:  The Department of Energy & Climate Change has a key role in facilitating and coordinating the work of actors and should act as a central repository for information however the scope of the work is beyond the capacity of any one institution;  The action plan is intended to guide and empower stakeholders to contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Wherever practical grass roots, non governmental and private sector agencies should be encouraged to participate in and lead actions in this plan.  Though various studies of different wetlands have been undertaken in the past; structured scientific data regarding ecosystem function, services, health and productivity are still lacking. This lack of structured data represents a key obstacle to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Further studies undertaken in a sound scientific manner are required; however, a paucity of scientific data should not prevent the protection and conservation of wetlands under precautionary principles.  Wetlands as defined in this policy are diverse and numerous cutting across many governance structures and portfolios. It is very important therefore that thorough stakeholder analyses are undertaken prior to each action to ensure that all affected parties are properly integrated. Duration, Monitoring and Review The Policy and Action Plan has an intended duration of 5 years (2019-2022). Implementation of activities should be reviewed in year 3 to enable optimisation of implementation within the timeline. The review should also provide the basis for revision of the Policy and action plan in year 4 to provide for the next cycle. 11 References References include materials cited in Annexes. Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. Profil d’Ecosysteme (2014). Hotspot de Madagascar et des Iles de l’Ocean Indien. Duncombe, M. (1996). Atlas des Zones d’Environnement Sensible des Seychelles, Tome 1. GoS 1996. Duncombe, M. (1996a). Atlas des Zones d’Environnement Sensible des Seychelles, Tome 2. GoS 1996. Gerlach, J. (2006). Terrestrial and freshwater Mollusca of the Seychelles Islands. Backhuys Publishers BV, Leiden, The Netherlands. ISBN 90-5782-176-1. GoS (1961). Wild Animals and Birds Protection Act. Act 37 of 1961. GoS (1966). The Wild Birds Protection (Nature Reserves) Regulations 1966. S.I. No. 27 of 19 66. Supplement to Seychelles Gazette (18th April 1966). GoS (1967). Protected Areas Act (Act 10 of 1967). Chapter 185, Laws of Seychelles GoS (1969). National Parks and Nature Conservancy Act. CAP 141 Laws of Seychelles, 1991 ED. GoS (1972). Town and Country Planning Act (1st January 1972). Chapter 237, Laws of Seychelles. Consolidated 30 June 2012. GoS (1976). State Lands and River Reserves Act (Act 23 of 1976). Chapter 228, Laws of Seychelles. Consolidated 30 June 2012. GoS (1994). Environment Protection Act (Act 9 of 1994). Chapter 71, Laws of Seychelles. Consolidated 30 June 2012. GoS (1996). Environmental Protection (Impact Assessment) Regulations 1996. S.I. 39 of 1996. GoS (2012). Seychelles Sustainable Development Strategy 2012-2020 Vol I. EU/UNDP GEF/GoS pp. 49. GoS (2012a). Seychelles Sustainable Development Strategy 2012-2020 Vol II. EU/UNDP GEF/GoS pp. 303. GoS (2013a). The Blue Economy Concept Paper. Blue Summit Documentation, Abu Dhabi, January 2014. Ministry Of Foreign Affairs. GoS (2014).Fifth National Report to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Environment Department, P.O. Box 445, Botanical Gardens, Mont Fleuri, Victoria, Seychelles. GoS (2014a). Fisheries Act, 2014. Act 20 of 2014. Supplement to Official Gazette 27th October 2014. (GoS 2014b). Seychelles’ Protected Areas Policy. Ministry of Environment and Energy. GoS (2014c).Fifth National Report to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Environment Department, P.O. Box 445, Botanical Gardens, Mont Fleuri, Victoria, Seychelles. GoS (2014d). Seychelles Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2020. GoS (2016). Environment Protection Act. Act 18 of 2016. Supplement to Official Gazette 5th September 2016. Lascelles B. (2014) Marine Important Bird Areas in Seychelles. Unpublished report, Nature Seychelles. Mahe Seychelles 12 Rocamora, G. & Skerrett, A. 2001. Seychelles. In: Fishpool, L.D.C. & Evans, M.I. (Eds). Important Bird Areas in Africa and associated islands. Newbury & Cambridge: Pisces Publications & BirdLife International. pp. 751–768. Senterre, B., Rocamora, G., Bijoux, J., Mortimer, J., & Gerlach, J. (2010). Seychelles biodiversity metadatabase. Output 4a: Consolidated Biodiversity Data Synthesis. Consultancy Report, Ministry of Environment-UNDP-GEF project, Victoria, Seychelles, 252 pp. SFA (2015). Mahe Plateau Demersal Trap and Line Fishery Co-management Plan. Discussion Paper August 2015 SFA (2016). Seychelles National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks. Valade, P. et al (2004). Inventaire des espèces de poisons et de macrocrustacés d’eau douce des principales rivières pérennes des iles de Mahe et de Praslin, République des Seychelles. Centre des Eaux Douces – Pole 13 Annex 1: Action Plan for Wetlands in the Seychelles In this Action plan the term “wetland” is defined as follows: “Wetland” means an area of mangrove, marsh, swamp or water (including springs, rivulets and rivers and constructed wetlands), which are permanent or temporarily submerged under fresh, brackish or salt water that is static or flowing, including areas of marine habitat to the full extent of the intertidal zone. Objective Activities Wetland type Implementation agency, organization or project Time line Priority Notes Policy Objective 1: Promote and facilitate research and monitoring that will enable a comprehensive inventory of wetlands to be compiled, provide information to guide management and to measure change over time, especially related to climate change. A wetland inventory maps and documents all known wetlands Compile a comprehensive national wetland inventory All CAMS with other actors 2019 22 High Inventory identifies protected status, designation, EIA status(possibly link to spatial database developed with ICS) Poorly known upland wetlands are documented Survey biodiversity and hydrology of poorly known upland wetlands on Mahe, Praslin and Silhouette Upland EBA Project, SNPA, 2019 20 High Surveys on Praslin should prioritize work on amphibian fauna Document Lowland wetlands (Phase 1) Survey and map lowland wetlands on Mahe, Praslin, Silhouette and La Digue Lowland CAMS, EBA project, MCSS, GEF 2019 20 High Document Lowland wetlands (Phase 2) Survey and map lowland wetlands (small islands) Lowland CAMS, private island owners / managers, ICS 2020 22 low Establish baselines for river flow on selected rivers Implement flow monitoring in two Catchments Rivers EBA Project / PUC/ UniSey 2019 20 Med Mare aux Cochons/ Mont Plaisir planned or underway through the EbA Improve information Undertake water, substrate biodiversity and ecological function assessment on selected sites Mudflats and mangroves CAMS. MCSS, UniSey, GVI, SNPA 2019 22 Low (e.g. Port Launay and Curieuse) 14 available on coastal wetlands lagoons and seagrass beds Improve understanding of coastal wetlands importance to fisheries Assess importance to fisheries (survey nursery grounds etc.) Mudflats and mangroves; Reef flats; Lagoons and seagrass beds SFA 2019 22 High Improved information on coastal wetland biodiversity Assess importance of coastal wetlands for native and migratory species (birds). Collate data on water birds Mudflats and mangroves; reef flats; lagoons and seagrass beds ICS/SIF, SBRC, Schools Wildlife clubs / school participation 2019 22 Med Migratory shorebirds IBAs are mostly on Outer islands / Island database can be used to manage data Improved information available to inform inshore marine protection Identify priority reef flats for management and or protection and assess value of current Shell Reserves/ Benthic mapping Coastal Reef flats Lagoons and seagrass beds CAMS, MCSS, ICS UniSey, SNPA TBA Low A large exercise, noting this would probably extend below low water mark Policy Objective 2: Ensure that wetlands are effectively protected by increase and enhance implementation of legislation including improved area coverage, the development and implementation of management plans and legal enforcement. Priority list of currently unprotected sites to be included in PAs Identify a shortlist of currently unprotected sites Recommend sites for protection based on biodiversity and ecosystem service provision All CAMS 2019 19 High From Phase 1 wetland survey Upland surveys Protection of priority wetlands Promote the PA designation of following known priority sites:  La Plaine Hollandaise  upper Caiman Catchment Upland, lowland SNPA, MCSS; PCU, CAMS (R2R project, EBA project) 2019 19 High Established priority for protection Relies on PA legislation enactment * Outer Islands Project Objective 15  Anse Police Wetlands  Farquhar*  Poivre*  Alphonse/ St Francois*  Desroches*  Denis Island**  North Island** ** Protected Area Finance Project Objective Complete management plans For existing protected wetlands Morne Seychellois (Mare aux Cochons)* Praslin National Park Curieuse* Recif Island* All PCU, SNPA, DOE (PA finance Project) 2019 19 High * Plans under development (PA Finance) Complete management plans for proposed protected areas Farquhar* Poivre* Alphonse/ St Francois* Desroches* Denis North Is Coastal ICS, GIF, PCU (Outer island Project/ PA Financing Project) 2019 19 High *Plans under development under OIP and ** PA Finance EIA processes reduce risks to wetlands from inappropriate development EIA regulations are implemented for all wetlands, wetland inventory used All Planning, MLUH, CAMS Ongo ing High Policy Objective 3: Promote the restoration, rehabilitation and recreation of wetlands to enhance biodiversity, improve water security, increase climate change resilience and benefit public access and legislation. Restore, rehabilitate or recreate 10 wetlands Restore wetlands in at least 5 catchments (Marshes, rivers) and 3 Coastal Areas re-profiling Upland, Lowland, mudflats and mangrove EBA Project; SSC project 2019 21 High EBA: Baie Lazare, Mont Plaisir, Caiman River catchment, Fond B’Offay, Mare aux Cochons / NE Point and Anse Royale. Anse Boileau and Cap Samy Policy Objective 4: Strengthen and align wetland management to National Plans and Policies and ensure that opportunities to fulfil the commitments to MEAs are maximized and reported. 16 Wetlands areas are included and protected under Land Use Plans Liaise with MLUH to ensure wetlands (using inventory) are incorporated in to land use plans All CAMS – all stakeholders 2019 22 High Ensure appropriate classifications and use of buffer zone to protect adjacent areas Inclusion of wetlands in NBSAP Ensure wetland priorities are included in next NBSAP All CAMS – all stakeholders 2020 Contingent on time line for NBSAP Align Wetland Policy with Water Policy and Implementation of the Water Act Representation on the Rivers Committee (interim) Participation in the board of the new proposed regulator (Energy and Water Commission) All inland wetlands CAMS (and other stakeholders) 1018 22 High Representation of Wetland interests Legislative review includes river protection Assess status of river reserves and identify scope for enhancement of status Rivers PUC, River Committee Pend ing revie w Low State lands and Rivers reserve act may be repealed. Status of LUPs will have a bearing (esp on Praslin) Improve (existing) Ramsar Site coverage Review extent of Ramsar site in Mare aux Cochons and consider extending the extent to include the catchment Upland and Coastal SNPA, CAMS, 2019 20 Med Increase a representative selection of Ramsar sites Prepare RITs to increase the number of Ramsar sites from 3 – 6 (to include 1 upland wetlands system, lowland and 1 Coastal) All CAMS, SNPA, ICS, MCSS 2019 22 High Potential sites include Praslin upland wetlands, Anse Police and a seabird islands all qualify Policy Objective 5: To promote the involvement of Civil Society including NGOs, CBOs and other associations in the management and safeguarding of wetlands and engender active participation in catchment management and the wise use of water resources. Establishment Water Shed Committees Watershed Committees are registered as CBOs and active on at least 4 catchments Rivers, freshwater wetlands EBA Project, R2R project On going High WSCs are active in Baie Lazare, Caiman River, Fond Boffay and Mont Plaisir Watershed Committees represented on Rivers Committee Reps on Rivers Committee and proposed board of the regulator TRASS SCHOOLS WCS Freshwater EBA project Ongo ing High 2 reps on rivers com 17 Policy Objective 6: Increase public understanding and support for sustainable management of wetlands though education and awareness. Celebrate relevant international environment days World wetlands Day, World Mangrove Day, World Water Day, Biodiversity Day, Environment Day All CAMS, SIF PCU, other actors 2019 22 Med Increase the number of compatible wetland activities Support groups organizing activities including: bird-watching, mangrove kayaking, planting native species, restoration of wetlands, litter picking All CAMS, NGOs, Water Shed Committees, Port Launay Environment Club etc. 2019 22 Med Port Launay Environment Club may be a good model Tourists involvement / hiking Increase the number of tourism related activities related to wetlands including hikes / Kayaking etc All CAMS, NGOs, SNPA 2019 22 Med Ecosystem service based education Provide specific educational materials regarding Ecosystem based service provision All CAMs / EBA Project 2019 22 Med Materials related to freshwater and climate change resilience Produce technical guides and Information boards Produce specific educational materials (printed, video, on line) detailing how to rehabilitate wetlands All CAMS / EBA project Web based resources Create or adapt a website focused on wetlands for the Seychelles (e.g. Facebook) All CAMS 2019 22 Med Note the implementation agency column in the table is indicative and identifies current projects/ ongoing works, areas of interest to certain organisations but is not a formal commitment or obligation to carry out works, where there is not a statutory obligation. 18 Annex 2: Wetlands in Seychelles Status, Trends and Threats to Wetlands Inland wetlands: • Rivers and Streams • Upland wetlands (>250m ASL)* • Lowland wetlands (<250m ASL)* Coastal wetlands: • Mudflats and mangroves • Seagrass (in intertidal zone) • Reef flats • Coral reefs (in intertidal zone) Constructed wetlands • Human-made wetlands (reservoirs) 1). Inland Wetlands The isolation of the Seychelles plus the great antiquity of the granitic islands means inland waters are of significant global biodiversity interest, they are however, to date, still relatively poorly studied. i). Rivers and streams. 146 water courses on the islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are listed for protection under the State Lands and River Reserves Act (1976)(GoS 1976) in recognition of their importance for socioeconomic development. Increasing demand for water means that ever greater quantities are being extracted from the upper reaches of water courses with ramifications for downstream biodiversity. The lower reaches of watercourses in many regions have been affected by human activity including enrichment and chemical pollution, canalisation and reclamation of flood plains etc… A 2003 study (Valade et al 2004) of the lower reaches of 12 selected permanent water courses (7 on Mahé and 5 on Praslin) identified 12 native species of crustacea, including the endemic crab (Seychellum alluaudi) and 17 native species of fish including the endemic Panchypanchax playfairii and the discovery of a new endemic species Parioglossus multiradiatus. Additional research is required on more widespread streams, their higher reaches and in particular on freshwater invertebrates to assess the true biodiversity interest of these habitats. ii). Highland wetlands are not well documented. Three sites are well known: Mare aux Cochons on Mahé, La Plaine Hollandaise on Praslin and the Mare Aux Cochons on Silhouette. All three sites were historically subject to extensive agricultural use and related species introduction but such activities have long since ceased. Rehabilitation work has been 19 undertaken at the Mahé Mare aux Cochons site which lies within the Morne Seychellois National Park and was designated a Ramsar site in 2010. The Silhouette site, also called Mare aux Cochons, lies within the Silhouette National Park (declared in 2010). The third highland wetland is La Plaine Hollandaise on Praslin Island, this area is currently unprotected by national legislation, though it has been earmarked for designation. More wetlands are known but not well documented, this includes a marsh on Montagne Planneau (upper Caiman River) which is currently unprotected and several recently mapped on Praslin wetlands including Glacis Nwar which are in the National Park. These sites appear to be important for two recently discovered amphibians the unnamed “Praslin Sooglossid” frog and the recently described Hypogeophis pti Small Praslin caecilian both of which are likely to have very small ranges. iii). Lowland wetlands are recognised as the most threatened habitat type in Seychelles (GoS 2014 & 2014c). It is estimated that some 90% of lowland wetlands have been lost to reclamation since the colonisation of the islands in 1770. Wetlands were a characteristic feature of many of the original coastal plains of the granite islands. Coastal dune formations created natural basins to the landward that prevented free drainage resulting in the formation of extensive inland wetlands. These habitats were historically used for agricultural purposes such as rice production. However as agricultural patterns and development pressures changed these areas were increasingly drained to meet the demand for flat land and this trend has continued into the 21st century. The largest remaining wetlands are Grande Barbe on Silhouette, Police Bay on Mahé and “La Mare Soupap” on the west coastal plain of La Digue. In 2010 Grande Barbe was, to a greater extent, incorporated into the Silhouette National Park, but it lies on the boundary adjacent to area that has been earmarked for tourism development. Police Bay, which represents the last undeveloped lowland hydrological system on Mahé had been identified for tourism development, from the information gathered during the EIA consultation and after, the public showed much interest in the management and protection of the species and ecosystems present in the area, government decided to declare a large part of the area protected. La Mare Soupap, although in part protected, lies in the centre of human development and habitation and hence faces diverse pressures (e.g. pollution and dumping) and has been significantly canalised in recent years. Other smaller and vestige lowland wetland areas on populated islands in the central archipelago are subject to ongoing ad-hoc reclamation, canalisation, dumping and pollution meaning this habitat and its natural denizens are in a particularly perilous state. To counter this wetland creation and rehabilitation initiatives have been undertaken on some smaller islands such as North, Fregate and Aride but these are far too small to replace the variety of lowland wetland habitats lost and continuing to be lost on the larger islands. Structured scientific research is required to assess the biodiversity interest and overall status of lowland wetlands so that priority measures can be undertaken to protect this most threatened of national habitat types. 20 Table A2.1: Description and Status of Inland Wetlands Habitats Typical/Key Native Species Status Lowland wetlands Flora: i). Native: Cyperus spp, Eleocharis dulcis, E. Variegata, Fimbristylis spp, Polygonum senegalense, Terminalia catappa Typha javanica, etc... Fauna: i). Endemic: Hypogeophis rostratus, ii). Native: Ixobrychus sinensis, Gallinula chloropus. Terrapins Pelusios subniger parietalis, Pelusios castanoides intergularis (status as native / non native debated) Most threatened habitat type in Seychelles due to reclamation, drainage/canalisation, pollution and dumping. Estimated more than 90% lost in the last 200 years and ongoing. Important habitat for endemic/indigenous biodiversity and migrant birds. Increasingly important for ecotourism. Highland wetlands Flora. i). Endemic: Allophylus sechellensis, Campnosperma seychellarum, Canthium sechellense, Gynura sechellensis, Mimusops sechellarum, Pandanus hornei, Randia lancifolia, Verschaffeltia splendida etc.. Fauna. i). Endemic: Trichoptera spp, diverse molluscan spp - both endemic and indigenous4 Pachypanchax playfairii, Grandisonia spp, Hypogeophis pti Sooglossus spp etc Poorly described 3 sites documented and several other little known. At least three sites fall within National Parks on Mahe, Praslin and Silhouette and two further sites have been proposed for protection. One site has undergone some rehabilitation. Vital areas for water catchment capacity and maintenance. Provides important habitats for endemic biodiversity. Increasing importance for ecotourism. Rivers and streams Fauna. i). Endemic: Allolestes maclachlani, Ecnomus maheensis, Hughscotiella auricapilla, Leptocnemis cyanops, Oxyethira sechellensis, Praslina cooperi, Seychellum alluaudi, Pachypanchax playfairii, Parioglossus multiradiatus, Hypogeophis rostratus, Tachycnemis seychellensis etc… ii). Native. Caridinia spp, Macrobrachium spp, Septaria borbonica, Sesarmops impressum, Varuna litterata, Neritina gagates, N. Pulligera, Anguilla bicolor, Ardea cinerea, Butorides striatus, Nycticorax nycticorax etc… Status of upper and mid-reaches of water courses has, in general, improved over the last 50 years with recovering catchment areas. Lower reaches are increasingly canalised and subject to enrichment pollution. Vital for potable water supply. Important habitat for endemic and indigenous biodiversity. Important habitat for diverse and abundant migrant birds. 4 See Gerlach, J. (2006) for full current account. 21 Inland wetlands are relatively poorly studied. A detailed Biodiversity assessment of the Grand Police wetland was recently undertaken by the Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles. 2). Coastal Wetlands i). Mudflats and Mangroves. The original mangrove forests on the East coast of Mahé were rapidly cleared after human settlement and the resulting mud flats progressively reclaimed to meet the need for flat land. Mangroves were also harvested for timber and bark, for example on Aldabra, well into the 20th Century. Total natural mangrove area continued to decline through much of the 20th Century but has been considered relatively stable since the 1980s at approximately 25km2. The various phases of land reclamation on the east coast of Mahé have served to create lagoons where a limited mangal flora (dominated by Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata) and fauna has re-colonised, these areas are however subject to repeated and significant disturbance. Despite this the habitat supports significant populations of crabs, molluscs and fish and hence provides important habitat for native and migratory wading birds. Eight species of mangrove naturally occur in Seychelles. The mangal fauna is characterized by limited species diversity when compared to its continental counterparts. In the central archipelago mangroves are restricted; the last continuous belt exists between Port Launay and Port Glaud on the west coast of Mahé. Curieuse supports a small but diverse mangrove area on its west coast and Praslin retains a few isolated mangrove areas around river mouths and in brackish areas behind the dune crest; other very small areas occur on other islands such as Cousin. In the outer islands mangroves are only found in atoll environments, which provide the sheltered lagoon habitat suitable for their establishment. The most extensive forests are found in Aldabra, Cosmoledo and Astove. ii). Sea Grass Beds. The extensive shallow submarine banks of Seychelles support significant sea grass areas. Many of the outer islands, such as the lagoons of Aldabra, Cosmoledo and Astove, support large sea grass communities. Sea grass habitats are also common around the granitic islands notably in the St Anne Marine National Park and off Grand Anse-Amities coast of Praslin. A brief survey of inshore sea grass bed substrate around the island of Mahé recorded 58 species of infaunal invertebrates. Sea grass beds are also essential for many marine herbivore species including megafauna such as the Green turtle and the Dugong5. Only sea grass in the intertidal zone, however, is considered for the purposes of this policy. There is evidence that sea grass beds around the populated islands are in decline due to a combination of anthropogenic factors – pollution, reclamation, coastal development and climate change. The historical exploitation of the main sea grass grazers, Green turtles, and ongoing fishery activities mean that the natural grazer/growth balance in sea grass beds has likely been lost leading to changes in community structure and health. iii). Reef flats. This habitat complex has been subject to intensive disturbance around populated islands. In the central archipelago reef flats are utilised for gleaning fisheries (e.g. 5 The Dugong (Dugong dugon) is restricted to Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. 22 octopus and shell fish) and shell collecting activities. In the last 25 years significant areas of this habitat have been lost to major land reclamations. Sedimentation and in some areas pollution are also factors of concern. Most reef flats consist of a patchwork of habitats: areas of sand and gravel interspersed between areas of coral rubble, coral outcrops, sea grass and algal growth. In their natural state these habitats are rich in life and commodity species such as octopus, lobster and sea cucumber. Mollusc fauna can be very rich with Cowries (Cypraea moneta, C. annulus, C. Lynx, C. caurca and C. helvola being common), Cones (Conus leopardus, C. litteratus, C. virgo, C. maldivus, C. betulinus and C. quercinus) readily found in the seagrass; whilst species such as Bittium zebrum and Smaragdia rangiana can be found in algal mats. Some of the reef flats and lagoon systems support internationally importance aggregations of water birds and qualify as important bird areas Four Shell Reserves declared in the 1960s were subsequently incorporated under the 1986 Fisheries Act (1987 Shell Reserve Regulations) but the areas are not managed or enforced. Reef flat areas are also covered by other Protected Areas most notably Aldabra Special Reserve, Four outer Islands with extensive reef flats (Poivre, Desroches, Alphonse/ St Joseph and Farquhar) are proposed as protected areas. v). Coral Reefs. Seychelles has some 1,700 km2 of coral reef the vast majority of which occurs around the south eastern islands. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-related coral bleaching event in 1998 had a major impact on Seychelles’ reefs. The reefs of the central archipelago were particularly badly affected with some 90% coral cover mortality. Fast growing Acroporas and Pocilloporas suffered most and a phase shift from live coral cover to coral rubble/macroalgae dominated-reefs was initiated. The outer islands were in general less badly affected with coral mortality more in the region of 40-50% and it has been postulated that this may reflect greater resilience due to reduced anthropogenic stress and an existing natural adaptation to greater temperature fluctuations. For the purposes of this policy however only coral growing within the intertidal zone is considered which outside of that covered by the reef flat category above can be considered a marginal habitat. In 2016 a third major bleaching event occurred which has reduced live coral coverage to generally less than 40% around the inner islands. Table A2.2: Description and Status of Coastal Wetlands Habitats Typical/Key Native Species Status Mudflats and Mangroves Flora: Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Ceriops tagal, Lumnitzera racemosa, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, Xylocarpus granatum, Xylocarpus moluccensis etc… Fauna: Terebralia palustris, Bivalvia spp: Gafrarium tumidum & pectinatum, Ctena divergens etc... Littorina scabra, Cardisoma carnifex, Scylla serrata, Geograpsus spp, Metopograpsus spp, Sesarma spp, Uca spp etc... Though significantly reduced from historical occurrence on populated islands mangroves areas are now stable or recovering in most areas. Mudflats have been lost to and altered by reclamation along the east coast of Mahé. 23 Periopthalmus kalolo, P. argentilineatus, Sula sula, Fregata spp, Dryolimnas aldabranus, Ardea cinerea, Butorides striatus, numerous wading bird species, Important habitat for diverse and abundant migrant birds. Sea grass Flora: Cymodocea rotundata, Cymodocea serrulata, Enhalus acocroides, Halodule uninervis, Halophila ovalis, Syringodium isoetifolium, Thalassodendron ciliatum, Thalassia hemprichii. Algae: Caulerpa spp, Codium spp etc... Fauna: Diverse species of invertebrates e.g.: polychaete worms, amphipods, molluscs, crustacean, bivalves, Gastropods etc... Grazing fish species e.g. Siganus spp. Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, Dugong dugon. There is evidence of decline in near shore sea grass beds around the main populated islands. Reef flat Fauna: Bursa bufonia, B. cruentata. Cerithium zebrum, Conus leopardus, C. litteratus, C. virgo, C. maldivus, C. betulinus, C. quercinus. Cypraea moneta, C. annulus, C. Lynx, C. caurca, C. helvola. Rissoina ambigua, R. plicata. Smaragdia rangiana. Strombus gibberulus, S. mutabilis. Holothuridae, lobster, octopus. Important habitat for migrant birds. Important for gleaning fishing practitioners and as a leisure resource. Coral Reef Fauna: Scaridae (23 species of Parrot fish: Serranidae, Lutjanidae, Amphiprion fuscocaudatus (endemic), Octopus, lobster spp, Eretmochelys imbricata, more than 400 coral species. Diverse elasmobranch populations including: Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, C. melanopterus, Triaenodon obesus, Himantura uarnak etc... Severely degraded by 1998 bleaching event (90% loss of live coral cover on Mahe plateau and 50% on outer banks). Important habitat for diverse biodiversity and specific assemblages. Recreation for local population. Table A2.3: Trends in Coastal Wetland Habitats Habitat Trend Notes Sea Grass ↓ ↘: Evidence of localised decline in inshore grass beds around main populated islands due to factors such as reclamation, dredging, siltation and pollution. Reef Flat ↓ ↘: Extensive land reclamation around the main granitic islands. ↘: Excessive disturbance, utilisation and increasing pollution. Coral Reef ↓ ↘: Ongoing loss of rugosity and phase shift following 1998 bleaching event. ↘: Recurrent bleaching events 2002, 2003, 2010 inhibiting recovery. ↘: Anthropomorphic stresses on intertidal zone coral includes: overfishing, sedimentation and physical damage and reclamation. 24 Mudflats and Mangroves ↔ ↗: Direct exploitation of mangroves has ceased and some localised natural expansion in area has been noted. ↗: Mangrove recolonisation of the east coast of Mahé. ↘: Mangroves and mudflats on Mahé east coast are disturbed and subject to periodic clearance and pollution events. 3. Constructed Wetlands Constructed (artificial) wetlands are included in this review, in part, because the integration of water and environmental policy reduces the distinction between natural, human enhanced and human-made wetlands and because the number of modified or enhanced wetlands is increasing. Human-made wetlands (worldwide) include freshwater wetlands such as canals, reservoirs, flood attenuation ponds, and saline / tidal exchange systems. For the sake of simplicity, this category primarily refers to wetlands constructed or extensively modified after 1950, to avoid confusion over sites which were modified historically such as the turtle pond on Curieuse or flooded guano pits. Within the Seychelles two conventional water storage reservoirs exist; La Gogue Dam built around 1976 in the northern part of Mahé, can presently hold one million cubic metres of water and capacity is being increased to 1.6 million cubic metres by raising the dam by 6 m. The smaller Rochon Reservoir at Sansouci has a capacity of 50,000 cubic metres of water. La Gouge is fed by water abstracted from other catchments, including Rochon; however, a barrage and pipe is being constructed to abstract water from the Mare aux Cochons River to recharge the reservoir. Gabion barrage wetlands are being built under the Ecosystem Based Adaptation project and one was completed in 2019 in the Baie Lazare Catchment on Mahe. The construction using rock filled gabions results in a semi-porous structure and water can leak in to the river. The structure(s) result in more even river flows between periods of rain and dry. The wetland at Roche Caiman is also a constructed wetland, arising from the settlement ponds used during land reclamation. 4. Key Threats to Wetland Habitats i). For Inland Wetlands the primary threat is change in land use; this is particularly prevalent in lowland wetlands and water courses. A secondary threat is posed by Invasive Alien Species and again this is particularly prevalent in lowland wetlands. Climate change poses a cross-cutting threat from change in occurrence and density of rain fall, rising sea levels and related salt water incursion, and the “squeezing” of species niches which in such small land areas may have little scope for migration. ii). For the coastal wetland including seagrass, reef flats and coral reefs, over-fishing constitutes the primary threat augmented in the populated islands by pollution and habitat 25 conversion or reclamation. Climate change is a cross-cutting and complicating factor; raised sea temperatures threaten corals and impact upon the distribution and life-cycles of various species, rising sea levels and increased storm surges threaten wetland habitats. Raised levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide a key driver of global climate change is also driving acidification of marine environments which is a longer term threat to marine biodiversity. Table A2.4: Key Threats to Wetland Habitats Ecosystem type Threats Direct and Indirect Drivers of Threats Implications Inland Wetlands Drainage/Can alisation Economic development Lack of planning, management and enforcement capacity. Loss of biodiversity and environmental services, increased sedimentation in marine environment. Sedimentatio n Change in land use, deforestation. Lack of management capacity Decline in water quality and related loss of biodiversity and environmental services. Pollution Economic development Lack of awareness Lack of management capacity Decline in water quality and related loss of biodiversity and environmental services. Invasive Alien Species Lack of awareness Loss of biodiversity and environmental services. Coastal Wetlands Over Exploitation Economics Lack of management capacity, inappropriate incentives. Unsustainable exploitation of resources, extensive future income loss and impact upon livelihoods, cost of living etc... Potential phase shift in some habitats. Pollution Economic development Oil exploration and extraction. Lack of management capacity Impact upon localised coastal habitats and production (much broader threat of oil shipping and exploration). Reclamation and/or coastal development Need for flat land to support infrastructure development Loss of nursery habitats for key species More sedimentation and pollution. Coral Bleaching Climate Change, Sedimentation, pollution, over exploitation etc... Economic loss in artisanal fisheries and tourism industry, rise in cost of living, potential for ecosystem phase shift and increased coastal erosion. Sea Temperature change Climate Change Change in occurrence and distribution of pelagic resources, change in weather patterns, increased frequency of coral bleaching events etc... Sea Level Change Climate Change Loss of biodiversity, coastal erosion, potentially disastrous socioeconomic impact as development centred on coastal plains. 26 Annex 3: Ramsar Convention in the Seychelles This objective is embodied in four main commitments6: 1. A Party is required to designate at least one site for inclusion in the list of Wetlands of International Importance and promote its conservation as part of the process of accession. A Party is further expected to continue to “designate suitable wetlands within its territory” for the list. Parties are to monitor their listed sites and communicate changes in ecological character to the Ramsar Secretariat. Seychelles has to date had three wetland sites designated to the list of Wetlands of International Importance: Aldabra Atoll, Port Launay mangroves and the highland wetland Mare aux Cochons on Mahé. 2. Parties are required to include wetland conservation considerations into their national land use planning with a view to promoting as far as possible “the wise7 use of wetlands in their territory” (Article 3.1.). 3. Parties also undertake to establish nature reserves in wetlands, whether or not they are internationally important, and promote training for wetland research and management. 4. Parties also commit to share information and consult with other parties regarding the implementation of the Convention especially as it pertains to transboundary wetlands, shared water systems, and shared species. For Seychelles only the third category of shared species is likely to apply. Ramsar Sites are Aldabra Atoll, Mare aux Cochons and Port Launay Coastal Wetlands (Annex 3) Table 3.1 Ramsar Sites Number Name Year Designated Type Criteria Area 1887 Aldabra Atoll 2010 Atoll, Mangrove and reef systems 1-9 inclusive 43,900 ha landmass: 18 800 ha lagoon area: 14 200 ha marine area (1km buffer region around the atoll): 8900 ha mangrove area: 2000 ha 6 The Contracting Parties further elaborated their responsibilities in Resolution 5.1 (1993) of the Conference of the Parties (Framework for the implementation of the Ramsar Convention). 7 “wise use”, which has been interpreted as being synonymous with “sustainable use”. 27 1905 Mare Aux Cochons 2010 High altitude freshwater wetlands 2,3,4 0.315 ha (open water and immediate area) 1432 Port Launay Coastal Wetlands 2004 Coastal Wetlands / Mangrove 1,2,3,4, 7,8 124ha Ramsar Criteria: Criterion 1: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it contains a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type found within the appropriate biogeographic region. Criterion 2: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities. Criterion 3: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it supports populations of plant and/or animal species important for maintaining the biological diversity of a particular biogeographic region. Criterion 4: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it supports plant and/or animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles, or provides refuge during adverse conditions. Criterion 5: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it regularly supports 20,000 or more water-birds. Criterion 6: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of water-bird. Criterion 7: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish subspecies, species or families, life-history stages, species interactions and/or populations that are representative of wetland benefits and/or values and thereby contributes to global biological diversity. Criterion 8: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it is an important source of food for fishes, spawning ground, nursery and/or migration path on which fish stocks, either within the wetland or elsewhere, depend. Criterion 9: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of wetland -dependent non-avian animal species. 28 Annex 4: Internationally Important Wetlands in the Seychelles Two international classifications for sites of biodiversity importance are applied within the Seychelles these are Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and Key Biodiversity Areas both classifications identify sites based on the presence of threatened species or large assemblages of species. Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) are identified as holding internationally important populations birds. An inventory of 20 sites qualifying as IBAs was published in 2001 (Rocamora & Skerrett 2001). In 2014 a further list of Marine IBAs including six islands and nine Marine (at sea) important bird areas were identified, however these have not been formally included in the IBA inventory and hence remain a “shadow list” (Lasseles 2014). Wetland IBAs are designated if thresholds for populations of water birds are exceeded. These are normally 10,000 breeding pairs or 20,000 non breeding water birds gathered together or 1% of Global or Regional populations of a species, normally scare or endangered species. Twenty sites qualify as wetland IBAs based on “A4” waterbird population criteria, these include large breeding seabird colonies or populations of non-breeding shorebirds and non breeding seabirds. A further four IBAs are designated due to the presence of endemic that are not associated with wetlands but these sites contain important wetlands, for example the Mahé Highlands IBA includes the Mare aux Cochons wetland. The IBAs are summarised in Table 6. Table A4.1 Summary of Important Bird Areas indicating Wetland Interest Final Code Site name IBA Criteria Designated on Wetland Criteria (A4) Contain Nationall y importan t wetlands Protecte d SC001 Bird Island (Ile aux Vaches) A4i, A4iii Yes SC002 Aride Island Special Reserve A1, A2, A4i, A4ii, A4iii yes SC003 Praslin National Park and surrounding areas A1, A2 Yes SC004 Cousin Island Special Reserve A1, A2, A4i, A4ii, A4iii Yes SC005 Cousine island A1, A2, A4i, A4ii, A4iii Yes SC006 La Digue island A1, A2 Yes SC007 Silhouette National Park A1, A2 Yes SC008 Frégate island A1, A2, A4i Yes SC009 Montagne Glacis - When She Comes A1, A2 No 29 SC010 Mahé highlands and surrounding areas A1, A2 Yes SC011 Conception island A1, A2 SC012 African Banks A4i, A4iii Yes SC013 D'Arros Island and Saint Joseph Atoll A1, A2 Yes SC014 Etoile island A4i Yes SC015 Boudeuse Island A4ii Yes SC016 Marie-Louise Island A4i, A4iii Yes SC017 Desnoeufs island A4i, A4iii Yes SC018 Farquhar - South Island and islets A4i, A4iii Yes SC019 Cosmoledo A4i, A4ii, A4iii Yes SC020 Aldabra Special Reserve A1, A2, A4i, A4ii, A4iii Yes Additional proposed IBAs Booby Island A4i Yes Lilot Fregate A4i Yes Recif A4i Yes Alphonse A4i Yes St Francois Island (inc. Bijoutier) A4i Yes Saint Joseph Atoll A4i, A4ii Yes Marine IBA (proposed) Coastal waters of Aldabra Group A4i, A4ii, A4iii Yes Coastal waters of Providence and Farquhar A4i, A4ii, A4iii Yes Amirante bank & Trench A4i, A4ii, A4iii Yes Seychelles Bank A4i, A4ii, A4iii Yes Waters around Ile Platte not defined Yes Waters around Coetivy not defined Yes Southern Saya De Mahla A4ii Yes Asquith Rise A4ii Yes Madingley Rise A4ii Yes Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Sites qualify as global KBAs if they meet one or more of 11 criteria, clustered into five categories: threatened biodiversity; geographically restricted biodiversity; ecological integrity; biological processes; and, irreplaceability. The KBA criteria can be applied to species and ecosystems in terrestrial, inland water and marine environments. Although not all KBA criteria may be relevant to all elements of biodiversity, the thresholds associated with each of the criteria may be applied across all taxonomic groups (other than micro-organisms) and ecosystems. Fifty seven KBAs have been documented for the Seychelles (Senterre et al 2010; CEPF, 2014). The inventory was informed by extensive literature reviews and field work in 30 particular botanical surveys in the granitic islands and collation of existing data from the outer-islands. IBAs, with the exception of the proposed at-sea marine IBAs, are also listed KBAs although the geographical areas do not always align. See Table 7 The summary of the KBAs indicates that 44 KBAs contain wetland of importance, most (37) are coastal wetlands including reefs, lagoons, sea grass beds and 7 are freshwater wetlands or contain freshwater wetlands. Table A4.2 Summary of Key Biodiversity Areas indicating Wetland Interest Code Site name Wetland present Type Protected SYC01 Anse Major / Anse Jasmin (marine area of MSNP) Y Coastal No SYC02 Anse Source d'Argent-Anse Marron No SYC03 Astove Y Coastal No SYC04 African Banks Y Coastal Yes SYC05 Cosmoledo Y Coastal Proposed SYC06 Farquhar - South Island and islets Y Coastal Proposed SYC07 Fond Azore southern slopes to Anse Bois de Rose Proposed SYC08 Fond Diable and Pointe Joséphine No SYC09 Fond Ferdinand Proposed SYC10 L'Amitié Forest No SYC11 Montagne Corail-Collines du Sud dry forests Proposed SYC12 Grand Anse-Petite Anse-Fond Piment No SYC13 Grand Police wetlands Y Freshwater Proposed SYC14 Assomption Island Y Coastal No SYC15 Bird Island (Ile aux Vaches) Y Coastal No SYC16 Conception island Y Coastal no SYC17 Cousine island Y Coastal No SYC18 Curieuse Island Y Coastal Yes NP SYC19 D'Arros Island and Saint Joseph Atoll Y Coastal Proposed SYC20 Denis Island Y Coastal Proposed SYC21 Desnoeufs island Y Coastal Proposed SYC22 Desroches Island - surrounding reefs Y Coastal Proposed SYC23 North Island (Ile du Nord) Y Coastal Proposed SYC24 Providence Island and Bank Y Coastal No SYC25 Alphonse Island and Lagoon Y Coastal Proposed SYC26 Félicité Island Y Coastal No SYC27 Frégate island Y Coastal No SYC29 Marie-Louise Island Y Coastal No SYC29 Sainte-Anne Island Y Coastal No SYC30 Saint-Pierre Island Y Coastal No SYC31 Iles Boudeuse et Etoile Y Coastal Yes SYC32 Saint-François and Bijoutier Islands Y Coastal Proposed SYC33 Ilot Frégate Y Coastal Yes 31 SYC34 Poivre Lagoon and surrounding reefs Y Coastal Proposed SYC35 Mont Signal No SYC36 Montagne Brûlée-Piton de l'Eboulis Proposed SYC37 Montagne Glacis - When She Comes No SYC38 Montagne Planneau (Grand Bois-Varigault-Cascade) Y (Freshwater) Proposed SYC39 Nid d'Aigle (ridge and eastern slopes) No SYC40 Recif Island National Park Y Coastal Yes SYC41 Praslin National Park Y (Freshwater) Yes SYC42 Silhouette Marine National Park Y Coastal Yes SYC43 Morne Seychellois National Park Y (Freshwater) Yes SYC44 Cap Ternay / Baie Ternay Marine National Park Y Coastal Yes SYC45 Ile Cocos Marine National Park Y Coastal Yes SYC46 Curieuse Island Marine National Park Y Coastal Yes SYC47 Port Launay Marine National Park and coastal wetlands Y Coastal Yes SYC48 Sainte-Anne Marine National Park (SAMNP) Y Coastal Yes SYC49 Silhouette National Park Y (Freshwater) Yes SYC50 Aldabra Special Reserve Y Coastal Yes SYC51 Aride Island Special Reserve Y Coastal Yes SYC52 Cousin Island Special Reserve Y Coastal Yes SYC53 La Veuve Special Reserve Y (Freshwater) Yes SYC54 Kerlan River Y Freshwater No SYC55 Anse Petite Cour Boulders No SYC56 Val d'Endor Y Freshwater No Table adapted and updated from CEPF Ecosystem Profile IBAs KBAs and Ramsar: The Criteria for KBAs, IBAs and Ramsar sites are similar and many are the same. Therefore, it is likely that most of the IBAs and KBAs with wetland interests could qualify as Ramsar Sites. 32 Annex 5 National Policy and Legislation Influencing Wetland Policy Table 5.1: SSDS Wetland Management Analysis* Programme 3 Land Use Coastal Zones and Urbanisation Objective 2.1 Develop and implement an integrated approach to the management of the coastal zone areas Programme 4 Biodiversity and Forestry Objective 1.1 To develop strategies to conserve, restore and sustainably manage important biodiversity areas which are outside the protected area network Objective 1.2 To establish a network of protected areas that conserves a representative sample of biodiversity and maintains key ecological processes across the landscape and seascape Objective 2.1 To strengthen research and improve our understanding of changes in biodiversity and its implications for ecosystem function (especially within the context of global change and ongoing restoration/mitigation processes) Objective 2.2 To develop a framework for adaptive management based on our improved understanding of ecosystem change Objective 2.3 To adopt and implement ecosystem-based approaches to halt biodiversity loss and limit or prevent ecosystem degradation Objective 3.2 Develop and implement forest rehabilitation and restoration programmes (incl. to protect and manage watersheds). Programme 6 Fisheries and Marine Resources Objective 1.2 To implement integrated management plans based upon available scientific data for demersal resources Programme 7 Water, Sanitation and Waste Management Objective 1.4 To ensure protection of critical watersheds and forest areas. Objective 2.1 To minimise pollution caused by wastewater Objective 2.2 To develop and implement appropriate sewerage treatment systems for Praslin and La Digue. Programme 12 Climate Change Objective 1.1 To advance our understanding of climate change, its impacts and appropriate responses.  GOS 2012; GOS 2012a Table 5.2: Analysis of No-development Zones under LUP Guidelines and draft regulations pertinent to wetlands Code Sub-category Description and Permitted uses Development density Notes P1 National Park Gazetted National Park area NDZ These interpretations are incorrect, National Park does allow for some development whereas Special Reserve is more restrictive. P2 Marine or terrestrial reserve All other gazetted areas (special reserves etc) for biodiversity conservation Limited development zone P3 Wetland, marsh, mangrove All types of wetlands NDZ Selection criteria and determination of boundaries not defined. This sub-category overlaps with the sensitive area status imbued to wetlands under the sensitive area atlas of the EIA regulations. P4 Protected beach front/coastline Sensitive and scenic coastline, beach areas, protected land/seascapes, recreational use only NDZ Potential relevance to EBA measures. 33 P7 Buffer zones Areas adjoining PAs or wetlands, river catchment areas, waterlogging and flood risks, steep slopes, parcels banned from development. Biodiversity conservation priority in these zones. Use limited to trails, no agriculture. NDZ Judging from LUP maps for Praslin, Anse Royale and La Digue, Buffer zones do not appear to be used to address water logging/flood risks adjacent to wetlands. Table 5.3 Components of Water Policy 2017 Relevant to Wetlands Policy B 1.1 The environment is recognised as a resource base and a legitimate user of water and government adopts all necessary strategies and actions to ensure that the environment is sustained. Policy B 1.2 The responsible water management authorities should, in their mechanisms for allocating water resources among many users, allocate sufficient water to maintain ecosystem integrity and biodiversity including marine and estuarine life. Policy B 1.3 The responsible authorities will take appropriate measures to rehabilitate, sustainably manage and protect catchment forests. Policy B 1.4 The responsible authorities continue to adopt necessary measures to prevent and control pollution (point and non-point sources) of ground and surface waters resulting from inland, coastal or offshore activities. Policy B 1.5 The responsible authorities follow a source-to sea approach to the management of water resources and takes the necessary measures to prevent negative impacts on the coastal and marine environment. Table A5.4 Protected Areas Summary Legislation: National Parks and Nature Conservancy Act Category Wetland Interest Special Reserves Aldabra (Designated 1981) Managing Agency: Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF) Notes: Largest PA in Seychelles, a UNESCO World heritage site (Biodiversity) since 1982 and a Ramsar site since 2010. Aldabra Special Reserve incorporates highly significant wetlands in the form of mangals, sea grass beds and diverse intertidal marine habitats. The marine area is being extended offshore which will give the Special Reserve a total area in excess of 2,500 km2. Key Threats: IAS, climate change and proximity to shipping lanes. Aride (Designated 1975) Area: Terrestrial 0.68km2. Marine: Approx. 6.4km2. Managing Agency: Island Conservation Society Notes: Marine area in the process of being expanded covers significant reef habitats < 6m depth at low tide. Small wetland areas offer scope for rehabilitation. Key Threats: IAS, climate change. Cousin (Designated 1975) (Also a Nature Reserve from 1966) Area: Terrestrial: 0.27km2. Marine: 1.7km2. Managing Agency: Nature Seychelles Notes: Marine area covers reef habitats below 6m depth at low tide. A small mangrove area occurs on the west coast and there are small inland wetland areas. Key Threats: IAS and climate change. 34 La Digue Veuve Reserve (Designated 1980) Area: 7.8 Ha (11.8 Ha). Managing Agency: Seychelles National Parks Authority. Notes: Area of 7.8 Ha extended by purchase of approx. 11ha of contiguous wetlands 1998-2001, this additional area has still to be gazetted. The habitat is highly degraded with significant pollution input and extensive canalisation. Key Threats: IAS, pollution, salt water incursion, climate change. Recif (Designated 2010) Area: 0.13km2. Managing Agency: Environment Department Notes: PA entirely terrestrial includes very small brackish inland wetland. Key Threats: Unknown National Parks Baie Ternay (Designated 1979) Objective: Protection of reef biodiversity and maintenance of public amenity. Area: Marine 0.86km2, Terrestrial 0.01km2. Managing Agency: SNPA Notes: Originally designated for protection of reef biodiversity. Key Threats: Tourism development, climate change. Curieuse (Designated 1979) Area: Marine 13.7 km2. Terrestrial 2.66 km2. Managing Agency: SNPA Notes: Marine area designated to protect reefs between Praslin and Curieuse. Has significant mangal ecosystem and some small inland wetlands. Key Threats: Climate change, potential tourism/mariculture development. Ile Coco, Ile La Fouche, Ile Platte (Designated 1997) Area: Marine 1.65km2, Terrestrial 0.05km2. Managing Agency: SNPA Notes: Designated in 1997 to protect the spectacular, shallow coral gardens that occurred there, much of this interest was lost to the coral bleaching event of 1998. Key Threats: Climate change. Morne Seychellois (Designated 1979) Area: Terrestrial 31.02km2. Managing Agency: SNPA Notes: Vital for preservation of water and soil cycles. Incorporates main national catchment area, the mare aux cochons highland wetland (a Ramsar site since 2010) and the Port Launay/Port Glaud mangal ecosystem, though fragmented by tourism development, a Ramsar site since 2004. Key Threats: IAS, climate change, water extraction, tourism development. Moyenne Island (Designated 2009) Area: 0.09km2. Managing Agency: Moyenne Island Foundation Notes: Terrestrial designation. No inland wetlands. Port Launay (Designated 1979) Area: Marine 1.54km2, Terrestrial 0.04km2. Managing Agency: SNPA Notes: designated to protect representative reef biodiversity. Key Threats: Tourism development, climate change. National Parks Praslin (Designated 1979) Area: Terrestrial 5.3km2. Managing Agency: SNPA Notes: with endemic palm forest and unique biodiversity. Designated for soil and water cycle protection incorporates important catchment areas and various rivers and streams. Includes the Vallee-de-Mai (Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site). Key Threats: Forest fire, IAS, climate change, erosion. Silhouette (Designated 1987 and 2010) Area: Terrestrial 18.6 km2. Marine 10km2. Managing Agency: SNPA/ICS Notes: Marine park includes coral reefs, ref flats, seagrass beds etc… the terrestrial park includes the highland wetland “mare aux cochons” in its entirety and the greater part of the Grand Barbe lowland wetland. Threats: Climate change, IAS, tourism development. Lack of management capacity. Ste Anne (Designated 1973, amended 1997) Area: Marine 9.96km2 Managing Agency: SNPA Notes: Important turtle rookery on St Anne Island, some marine habitats. Key Threats: Ongoing tourism development, pollution, sedimentation. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Grande Anse Mahe (Designated 2000) Area: Not available. Managing Agency: Environment Department Notes: Notable mangrove and watercourse habitats. Key Threats: Climate change, no current management. Legislation: Wild Animals and Birds Protection Act Nature Reserves Vallee-de-Mai (Designated 1966) Area: Terrestrial: 0.19km2. Managing Agency: SIF Notes: Designated as part of Praslin National Park in 1979. Incorporates important water course and catchment area. Key Threats: IAS 35 Cousin (Designated 1966) Area: Terrestrial 0.27km2. Managing Agency: Nature Seychelles Notes: See listing under Special Reserve. Legislation: Fisheries Act Category Wetland Interest Shell Reserves Mahe: i). Anse-Faure to Fairy Land. ii). North east Point to Carana. Praslin: iii). Pointe Zanguilles to Pointe Chevalier. La Digue: iv). Anse Severe to Anse Grosse Roche. (Designated 19878) Area: (i). 1.08km2 (ii). 2.99km2 (iii). 1.74km2 (iv). 1.58km2. Managing Agency: Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA). Notes: Mixed reef flat habitats. No active management. Key Threats: Disturbance, nutrient enrichment, climate change. Fishery Reserves Area: Area not quantified, boundaries specified. Managing Agency: SFA Notes: Designate reef areas where net use of any kind is banned. Key Threats: Non-enforcement, climate change. Legislation: Protected Areas Act Protected Areas African Banks and surrounding reefs (Designated 1987) Area: unknown Managing Agency: Department of Land Use and Habitat. Notes: by title includes marine wetland habitat to limits of surrounding refs. Key Threats: lack of management capacity, climate change. Ile Cocos, Ile La Fouche, Ilot Platte (Designated 1987) Managing Agency: SNPA Notes: See listing under National Park category. *Designated under the Fisheries Act in 1987, but actually in existence under previous legislation since the 1960s.