The Seychelle Archipelago is composed of 50 coralline and 40 granitic islands in the Indian Ocean, and has a population of 80,000. The Wildlife Clubs of Seychelles (WCS), an NGO for young people, promotes conservation through environmental education. There are now 8,445 members in 40 clubs in schools around the islands. WCS offers educational programs and experience-based learning, with an emphasis on “hilltop to ocean” ecosystem management.
The Centre for Environment and Education attracts a steady stream of visitors, including approximately 50 school groups each year. Adjacent to the garden, Nature Seychelles and WCS designed a 7.5-acre wetland area, the Sanctuary at Roche Caiman. Species protected there include freshwater turtles, the endemic killifish, mud and water crabs, skinks and lizards, 11 of the Seychelles’ 18 dragonfly species, and many migratory bird species.
In support of the reclaimed wetland, Seacology will fund improvements to the visitors’ center. These include a redesigned exhibition hall, displays on various ecosystems, a library corner, art section, audiovisual equipment, and more.