The Seychelles hosts vital nesting sites for endangered Sea Turtles, emphasizing the significance of targeted conservation efforts. By contributing to these initiatives, individuals can directly impact the survival of these iconic species while simultaneously safeguarding the overall balance and resilience of the marine environment. Marine conservation volunteering in the Seychelles serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between human actions and the health of our oceans, making active involvement in marine conservation a meaningful endeavour to those who participate.
Contribution to marine conservation in the Seychelles is crucial for several reasons, with a primary focus on ecosystem restoration and the preservation of marine biodiversity. The Seychelles, renowned for its breathtaking coral reefs and diverse marine life, faces numerous threats such as overfishing, climate change, and habitat degradation. Engaging in marine conservation volunteer programs enables individuals to actively participate in the restoration of fragile ecosystems, ensuring the long-term health of the oceans.
The Seychelles began formal conservation efforts in the late 1960s when the importance of preserving the archipelago’s unique and fragile ecosystems was recognized. For the past decade, voluntourism through Wildlife ACT’s North Island Seychelles program has been a vital component of marine conservation contributions on the island. We will also be assisting with the fairly new conservation programme being undertaken on Platte Island and look forward to introducing this beautiful part of the world with our global marine conservation volunteers.
Efforts to conserve endangered species, including the Aldabra giant tortoise, Sea Turtles and various seabird and marine species have resulted in collaborations and partnerships, with Seychelles actively participating in global conservation initiatives. Those who join in our Seychelles Programs can expect to contribute vital work to habitat restoration, endangered Sea Turtle conservation, and dedicated endeavours to conserve sharks and rays, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystem balance. These collective efforts underscore the Seychelles’ commitment to holistic marine conservation, embracing a multifaceted approach to safeguarding its unique and irreplaceable natural heritage.
Wildlife ACT offers two Marine Conservation Projects on both Platte Island and North Island in the Seychelles. These projects offer participants opportunities to volunteer to save endangered sea turtles and many other marine species and to get involved in professional tropical island conservation work. The North Island and Platte Island conservation projects are two of our unique marine volunteer programs to help save endangered species on both land and in our oceans.
Endangered turtle conservation forms a major part of these projects, with activities such as daily sea turtle patrols, nest translocation and turtle tagging, and capturing and recording data on juvenile or baby turtles around the islands. Marine conservation activities also include coral and fish identification, snorkeling surveys, seagrass mapping, coral reef restoration, Manta Ray and shark surveys, and marine mammal excursions. On land, tropical island restoration activities include baby Aldabra Giant Tortoise care, removal of invasive plant species, organic gardening, beach cleanups and vagrant and migrant seabird identification and monitoring.
A passionate team of experienced conservationists and researchers has devoted itself to protecting the natural environment of the Seychelles. As a Marine Conservation , you will be fully integrated into their conservation activities– working mainly in the natural environment and marine coastal area. The Seychelles islands are home to a variety of endemic and unusual animal and plant species. Nature conservation organisations in the Seychelles are combining nature conservation with ecotourism, in order to finance ecosystem restoration measures. This led to the launch of a number of nature and species conservation projects, in which volunteers work hand-in-hand with locals to promote marine biodiversity and conservation. Numerous unique animals have evolved in this safe haven, which is why this piece of paradise has been identified as a biodiversity hot-spot and a region of international importance.
North Island, Seychelles
Ages: 21 - 60
Our Seychelles volunteer project focuses on three key aspects: Endangered Species monitoring, Marine Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration. For a unique ecotourism experience which allows you to give something back by supporting a dedicated conservation research and volunteer team on a private tropical island paradise, come and support those volunteering in the Seychelles. Ecotourists live and experience land and marine conservation life on the exclusive North Island in the Seychelles – considered by many to be the most beautiful archipelago in the world with its luminous white beaches, granite outcrops and azure oceans.
Platte Island Seychelles
Ages: 20 - 65
Platte Island, a mid-ocean oasis 130 km south of the inner islands of Seychelles archipelago, has just commenced a unique and exciting ocean volunteer conservation project. As an ocean volunteer, you will spend much of your time in the calm tropical water around the island, helping to conserve an array of both land and marine wildlife, including the endangered Green Turtle and critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle. Volunteer to become a valued member of our marine conservation team on this spectacular coralline island sanctuary, encircled by a 13km fringing coral reef forming a shallow lagoon (or atol) holding over 8% of seychelles’s seagrass beds, creating ocean nursery to a breathtaking array of marine wildlife.