Management and funding
The sanctuary was opened in 1992 but was then managed by a different environmental organisation. Management failed some years later owing to lack of funds. In 2002, Nature Seychelles signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Government to manage the sanctuary, and took over management in 2003.
Nature Seychelles, previously Birdlife Seychelles, a not-for-profit association, took over the management of the Birdlife International country office in 1998. Our mission is to improve the conservation of local biodiversity through research, habitat conservation, monitoring, education and awareness, and advocacy and ecotourism.
Funding for the construction of the Environment and Education Centre building was provided by RSPB,and Seychelles Government funded a wing for the Wildlife Clubs of Seychelles, a youth environmental ngo that presently shares our office space and equipment. RSPB has committed a further £20,000 and the local private sector £20,000 for the development of a comprehensive management plan for the Centre.
It is envisaged that visitors' fees, project fees, membership contributions and donations will sustain the future management of the sanctuary.
Founded/opened
The sanctuary was opened in 1992. The foundation stone for the building Environment and Education Centre was laid by CE Birdlife International, Mike Rands and Mayor of Victoria in September 2003.
Description
The Roche Caiman Sanctuary (2.9 ha) comprises a freshwater wetland close to the sea. The site has resulted from reclamation works on the East Coast of Mahe carried out in 1986. It is found 3km. from Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, and is linked by highway to the south east of the main island of Mahe. It is situated opposite a recently constructed medium density housing estate and large school complex. The country's sports complex is on the other side of the reserve and a yacht marina is planned. It is the only urban wetland sanctuary of its kind in Seychelles.
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Key species/features
At present, the vegetation consists of coastal trees such as Casuarina, Terminalia catappa, Tabebuia pallida and a small number of Calophyllum inophyllum, with invasive reeds such as Typha and other dense emergent vegetation. There is a small area of mangroves but a previous connection to the sea is now closed and the mangroves are dying. The lagoons formed as a result of the reclamation works are today an important roost for waders. Abundant invertebrates dominated by dragonflies and damselflies inhabit the area; they include palm spiders, water stick insect and mangrove crabs. Vertebrates include two species of freshwater fish including an endemic species, frogs, skinks and eleven species of birds.
There is a small beach developing nearby which lends itself to the development of coastal activities. It is adjacent to the first marie park established in the Seychelles thereby presenting opportunities for marine education.
General
Although presently a low species diversity area, the site has great potential to be developed as a rich outdoor classroom by restoration and creation of new wildlife habitats that will support a rich diversity of wildlife. There are few such existing facilities that are easily accessible to schools, clubs or the public at present. The Centre provides exciting opportunities for environmental education, creating a focus for national conservation education and research activities, both terrestrial and marine, and could serve as a model for outdoor education.
Interpretation and exhibitry
There are plans to produce wayside exhibits (panels/signboards) that would display text and illustrations of wildlife found in the sanctuary, and facilitate guiding. These will feature next to trails, the board walk, alongside thematic gardens such as a heritage garden to explain the native trees and shrubs used, a medicinal garden containing local plants, a fern garden that will teach about this ancient family of plants. Similar signage will be placed next to the pond and heronry and be made using local and rustic materials that blend in with the environment - e.g. trees felled prior to construction commencing, locally quarried stone for the paths etc.
The centre building will also feature a display of preserved specimens such as washed up skulls, pin specimens of invertebrates such as insects and arachnids, seeds, shells etc. to interest and excite children and encourage them to explore further by means of hands-on activities and research.
A visitor's kiosk will be used for demonstration and sampling of rare local fruits, information provided on uses of medicinal plants found in the garden etc. creating a more interactive approach to guiding.
Formal (school and university) learning
The sanctuary will provide opportunities for school groups and Wildlife Clubs to learn more about freshwater biodiversity and ecology. Educational materials will be tailored to integrate components of the Science and Social Sciences Curricula. Our education staff already have experience in producing materials for outdoor education.
Informal (general public) learning
The sanctuary and centre building will provide facilities for informal education for school groups, clubs and tourists. These will include guided walks, talks and hands-on activities that will concentrate on the ecology and biodiversity of the sanctuary; independent exploration is planned for the future.
Educational booklets and leaflets will be produced in English and French to accommodate the majority of visitors anticipated. A Visitors' Code of Ethics will be produced to inform visitors about the regulations thay need to observe whilst visiting the sanctuary.
Professional
The Roche Caiman Sanctuary and Environment and Education Centre hope to continue regularly receiving, and accommodating, visiting scientists and researchers who would contribute to our research projects. Our Conference Room will be equipped to host presentations - e.g. research findings, and become an appropriate venue for scientific meetings presently being held outside the organisation because of lack of space.
Inhouse training for staff and annual training workshops for teachers and wildlife clubs leaders will, infuture be held at the Centre which has ample space and will in itself be an outdoor classroom.
Staffing
Nature Seychelles employs 14 fulltime staff, with six staff members presently based at the Centre. They comprise biologists, an economist, educators and Protected Area specialists.
There are two members of staff dedicated to CEPA activities, with input from other members such as the Science Coordinator. Nature Seychelles has established a good working relationship with the Ministry of Education and Youth and our two educators sit on the Environmental Education Coordination Committee (EECC) of the Ministry of Education.
Contacts
Mr Nirmal Jivan Shah,
Chief Executive,
PO Box 1310
T: (248) 711228
F: (248) 225121
E: wildlife@email.sc
Ms Colleen Morel
Education and Awareness Coordinator
PO Box 1310
T: (248) 764884
F: (248) 225121
E: nature@seychelles.net
Mr Terence Vel,
Wildlife Clubs Coordinator,
PO Box 1310
T: (248) 718351
F: (248) 225121
E: nature@seychelles.net