Sustainable Tourism in Marine National Parks The Seychelles Experience First Pan-African Conference on Sustainable Tourism Management in African National Parks and Protected Areas: Challenges and Opportunities 15-18 th October, 2012 Arusha, Tanzania Ms. Sylvanna Antha Seychelles National Parks Authority
The Seychelles Archipelago of 115 islands 41 granitic islands (Granitic and Carbonate Reefs) 74 Coralline islands (Carbonate reefs only) Most of the islands and reefs are found in the South and South East of the archipelago Most of the islands are wholly or partially surrounded by coral reefs Calculated 1690 Km 2 of Reefs Many reefs are not near land masses and the extent of many reef are not fully known.
Protected Areas Being Managed 6 Marine Parks 2 terrestrial Parks One special Reserve Legal Protective Status (National Parks and Nature Conservancy Act.
Main Economic activities Excursions organised by tour operators Tour Guides Taxi Boats Yachting ( Entry fees & mooring fees) Diving Bed tax from hotels located within MPA s. Sale of Coco De Mer nuts
Income from Various Sources in 2009 for SNPA 84% Marine Park Tickets Mooring Fees Hotel Contribution 4% 8% 4% Hire of Facilities
Percentage of Income from Different Parks in 2009 16% 52% Ste Anne Curieuse Bair Tenay & Port Launay Ile Coco/Ladigue 29% 3%
Other opportunities of generating funds Hosting marine expeditions eg: Earthwatch
Global Vision International - GVI
Product Development Resources include: - Diving and snorkeling - Biodiversity - Scientific Research Centre - Sale of Souvenir Items - Sale of Coco De Mer - Adopt a tortoise programme Potentials include: - Sponsorship - Partnership
Investment Opportunities Funding for species cards to improve on experience and increase interest Information and education centre for Curieuse Marine Park Production of brochures and leaflets Information boards along trails Research and publications on state of MPAs Blogs and forums to increase visibility Improvement of Research Centre
Marketing Tour operators Boat Operators Exhibition and presentations National Parks Authority Website Brochures, leaflets and newsletter Website
Seychelles Tourism Board - Encourage improvement of tourism products - Carry out market research and implement market strategies - Collaboration and corporation on marketing issues of Pas and biodiversities - Market PAs with STB as key partner - STB to assist SNPA in marketing Pas in international forums - Films, documentaries and articles in relation to SNPA - Publish SNPA logo on marketing documents
Opportunities for improvement in marketing Market research in existing markets types of visitors for each park expectations of visitors requirements (>$2000) Business Plan (Market and Investment strategy, research into development of new packages) (>$2000) Production of guide books for each park ($15000- $20000) Increased visibility through exhibitions
Tourism Activities and MPA s Many tourism related activities in the Seychelles could potentially affect coral reefs and are regulated to certain degree. More than half of the tourists that visits the Seychelles either dive or snorkel and as thus have a potential to greatly impact coral reefs. Yachting has also become very popular and this has increased negative impacts such as pollution and coral damage. Increase in the number of hotels located inside MPA have also increased problems such as pollution and sedimentation.
Challenges Coastal developments especially tourism - Sedimentation, pollution, erosion etc... Increased pressure from Fishers Lack of Human resource Occasional oil pollution from ships (mild) Climate change (coral Bleaching, coastal erosion, sea level rise)
What is being done? Increase of enforcement Best practice for snorkelling and diving Glass bottom boat visit restricted to certain sites so as to restrict the area that could be directly affected by physical contact of snorkelers with the reef. All development, including tourism, requires an E.I.A study so as to limit the potential impact on the coral reef and marine environment Mooring areas are designated and Mooring buoys are installed. Capacity building and recruitment of staff Education and Awareness
Conclusion Marine Tourism brings revenue and jobs contribution to economy Includes a number of challenges Management has to overcome challenges and ensure sustainability Responsibility of all stakeholders to preserve environment
Thank You for Your Attention!!!