MNA Prea calls for regeneration of wetlands
Bel Ombre MNA Nicholas Prea is urging the government to put in place stricter regulations to control developments around the country’s wetland areas.
“We must conserve wetland areas to safeguard wildlife, counteract climate change and reduce flooding,” says Mr Prea after attending the launch of the worlds first wetlands week at the ICC earlier this week.
Seychelles is often praised for its understanding of the importance of this fragile eco-system, yet in the past many marshes and swamps have been reclaimed to make way for development.
In many cases it is sad to see that it is often investors who are privileged to live close to those wetland areas and damage them.
Mr Prea welcomed the official announcement that Seychelles has now got two more designated Ramsar sites; the Aldabra Atoll and Mare Aux Cochons, situated in his electoral area.
This brings to three the total number of Ramsar sites locally, making the conservation efforts and a continued education programme more urgent priorities.
Mr. Prea argues that the government must stop the loss of any other wetlands, although the shortage of land is a national concern. “We should look more towards development models which incorporate and exploit the outstanding values wetlands can give to our natural environment and beauty," says Mr Prea.
Source: Regar 2-5-10