Mason's Travel News Gets a New Home
our News Page for the latest travel news from the Seychelles.
For more information about Mason’s Travel – Seychelles’ leading DMC – please visit masonstravel.com or feel free to contact us.
For more information about Mason’s Travel – Seychelles’ leading DMC – please visit masonstravel.com or feel free to contact us.
PROTECTED AREAS SAFEGUARD BIODIVERSITY
Every day up to 150 species become extinct. Protected Areas guard critical habitats for species so that they can thrive in nature, unimpacted by human disturbance. Recent studies have shown that, on average, the number of species found in Protected Areas is 10.6% higher than in areas outside of protected zones.
PROTECTED AREAS ARE IMPORTANT FOR TOURISM
Areas protected for their unique biodiversity, natural beauty or cultural significance are frequently popular tourist attractions. On average, visitors to Seychelles will visit 2.4 Protected Areas during their stay, with a 2017 survey indicating that 87.5% of all tourists will visit at least one Protected Area during their holiday.
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS BENEFIT FISHERIES
Marine Parks, and areas where fishing is not allowed, are surprisingly beneficial to the fishing industry. They allow for areas where fish populations can thrive and grow, before moving out into unprotected waters where they may be caught by fishermen. Since Marine Parks also protect the breeding grounds of many species, they ensure healthier, more sustainable fish stocks and allow individuals to grow to bigger sizes.
PROTECTED AREAS PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH
Protected Areas are economic engines. Tourism is the most important pillar of Seychelles' economy, as it contributes to more than 50% of the country’s GDP and supports 30% of its workforce. Fisheries are the second-most significant contributors to the nation's GDP - both industries are supported by Protected Areas in sustainable ways that prioritise longevity and the protection and cultivation of natural resources.
PROTECTED AREAS HELP TO SLOW CLIMATE CHANGE
The planet's oceans and forested areas are essential for regulating global temperatures and absorbing greenhouse gases produced by modern industry. In addition to helping to stabilise global weather patterns, protected forested areas also help manage erosion and flooding, which can wreak havoc on nearby settlements and economies.
PROTECTED AREAS PROVIDE ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER
Most communities rely on freshwater sources for their drinking water. Well-managed natural forests almost always provide higher quality water - these Protected Areas help to absorb pollution from the atmosphere and regulate soil erosion, which in turn means fewer sediments and contaminants in water sources.
PROTECTED AREAS BENEFIT LEARNING AND RECREATION
Protected Areas provide the settings for healthy outdoor recreation and exploration. In Seychelles, popular recreation activities include hiking, snorkeling, diving, fishing and time spent on the beach. Exploring Protected Areas offers tourists and residents alike the opportunity to understand and appreciate nature while enjoying exercise and improving their overall health and well being. Much evidence has been accumulated on the recuperative effects of spending time in nature. Well-managed Protected Areas also offer important arenas for research and an improved understanding of our planet.
Important Note : This is the current information that we have received from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Tourism and the Seychelles Tourism Board. The situation remains fluid and is subject to change.