Wetlands in Seychelles proves successful against flooding

MFF project proves wetlands management works

Location: Mahe, Seychelles. 6th Feb 2014

The Roche Caiman Sanctuary in Mahe, Seychelles, focus area of recently-completed MFF project "Mangroves for Mankind", reports how a well-functioning wetlands system successfully prevented floods in surrounding areas. Through the MFF project, mangroves and reed beds were successfully restored since July 2013, and positively contributed to the health of the urban wetlands sanctuary.

According to the Nature Seychelles report, wetlands hold excess water runoff after a storm, and then release it slowly. Most wetlands have the capacity to do this, however, the size, shape, location, and soil type of a wetland determine the capacity to reduce local and downstream flooding.

"It's incredible what a well maintained wetland can do," says Dr Nirmal Shah, Nature Seychelles Chief Executive. "The wetland did not overflow, our road and its surroundings was not flooded, and we were able to go in and out of premises. This was not the case before. In the past, we have even once or twice had to tell members and staff to stay away because our road was inaccessible." (Read more about the Nature Seychelles report, Success! Nature Seychelles proves that wetlands prevent flooding)

 

Robin Hanson, Roche Caiman Wetlands manager explains how the wetland functioned against flooding. "In the case of the Sanctuary, the recent profiling of the wetland has deepened pools that hold water during the rains, while also allowing the design of outlets that slowly release the water."

MFF's intervention was to profile the site, and study how to make conditions suitable for mangroves. Through Nature Seychelles, the project implementing partner, water flow in the urban sanctuary was made to mimic natural hydrological (tidal) conditions in order to encourage mangrove growth.

The project has also transformed the sanctuary into an area where mangroves thrive. Careful planning was taken to create a landscape that enhanced the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process. Bird life such as herons and yellow bitterns are frequent visitors, and now that Roche Caiman's wetlands is thriving again, Nature Seychelles looks forward to the migratory season when migratory birds arrive at the Sanctuary. (Read related Case study on Roche Caiman Sanctuary).

The 1-hectare wetland includes both natural restoration and planted mangroves. Apart from mangrove planting, the MFF project included education and awareness activities for local communities. At least 100 school children and 20 adults were involved in the projects education activities on mangrove rehabilitation; coastal erosion and shoreline protection; and benefits of the mangrove ecosystem.

MFF in Seychelles appreciates the efforts made by Nature Seychelles to transform the wetland into an "outdoor classroom learning" setting, where adults and children enjoy conserving nature. Roche Caiman Sanctuary is becoming a place that community members come back to see their contribution in improving the environment.

 

The National Coordinating Body of MFF Seychelles supports the results of "Mangroves for Mankind", and recognizes it as an inspiration for replication. The NCB hopes to bring in more partnerships such as this to achieve the conservation targets in Seychelles.

For more information, please contact the National Coordinator for MFF in the Seychelles, Ms Lyndy Bastienne, at seychelles@mangrovesforthefuture.org.  

Aerial view of Roche Caiman Sanctuary

Aerial view of Roche Caiman Sanctuary, Roche Caiman, Mahe, Seychelles © Mike-King Harman 2014, 2014

Related Images

Related Documents

Mangroves for Mankind

Restoring mangrove habitats at the sanctuary in Roche Caiman

Author: MFF Seychelles

Publisher: MFF

Posted on: 31st Jan 2014

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