Search

The proposed Darwin scoping visit will therefore convene a three-day workshop in Mahé for representatives of the Seychelles Government and all environmental NGOs to facilitate the development of a Darwin Initiative project focused on conserving Seychelles EDGE species and encourage progress towards a mutually acceptable conservation plan. The aim of the workshop will be to formulate a unified approach and collaborative strategy for the country’s government agencies and NGOs, and to identify specific roles within the proposed Darwin Initiative project. The workshop will also provide a forum for NGOs to identify Seychellois EDGE Fellows (aspiring conservationists who receive training and support from EDGE to study and conserve EDGE species), thus helping to build capacity and unity across the NGO community while actively working towards the conservation of these species. A conservation strategy report developed at the workshop will be used as a template for the Darwin Initiative proposal. The scoping visit will also provide an opportunity for a preliminary field assessment of important sites for Seychellois EDGE species. Both the SEAs and the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat are thought to be restricted to Mahé and Silhouette, and field visits will take place on these two islands.