Restoring Nature from Ridge to Reef: A Community-Led Initiative in the Seychelles
In the Seychelles, protecting nature is not only an environmental priority but a necessity for the country’s future. As a small island nation facing rising sea levels, coastal erosion, droughts and ecosystem degradation, the health of forests, rivers and reefs is closely linked to livelihoods and sustainable tourism. On Praslin Island, an outstanding local initiative led by the Terrestrial Restoration Action Society of Seychelles (TRASS) is demonstrating how community-driven action can restore fragile landscapes from ridge to reef while supporting a responsible tourism model.
Through an ambitious rehabilitation effort, up to 30 hectares of degraded land have been restored by combining native replanting, invasive species removal and innovative forest recovery techniques. Once-barren upland areas affected by fires and erosion are gradually turning green again, helping to stabilise soils, protect waterways and reduce sediment flowing into mangroves and coral reefs. These ecosystems are essential not only for biodiversity and fisheries, but also for the natural beauty that defines the Seychelles as a world-class destination.
The project highlights an essential lesson in sustainable restoration: long-term success depends on care, patience and ongoing maintenance. While survival rates of planted species are high, continued soil improvement, erosion control and monitoring are needed to allow ecosystems to fully recover and thrive. At the heart of this initiative are more than 2,000 local volunteers whose commitment has driven the transformation of their landscapes. Their involvement strengthens environmental stewardship, supports food resilience through agroforestry and reinforces a shared responsibility for nature. By investing in ecosystem restoration, the Seychelles is protecting its natural heritage while shaping a future where tourism, community well-being and environmental resilience go hand in hand.
source UNDP Nature
