In recent years there has been increased development along the east coast of Mahé, where successive land reclamation programmes have replaced what was once shallow reefs and mangrove forests, with several reclaimed islands. The latter has resulted in the creation of derelict inshore lagoons consisting of mudflats sustaining tiny patches of mangroves. Unattractive and neglected, these mudflats have suffered from significant loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functions and as such are considered by many as wastelands. Although significantly altered, these habitats still support an array of marine life, including crabs, molluscs and fish, hence representing an important habitat for diverse and abundant migrant birds. The loss of mangrove forests across Mahé over the years has coincided with increased scientific evidence that these wetlands are of paramount importance for biodiversity, food security and as buffer zone against the effects of climate change.

The Mangrove Management and Restoration (MMR) project aims at developing a rehabilitation and educational programme for Victoria wetland site (stretch of wetland between Ile du Port and La promenade) involving the following schools; Beau Vallon, English River, Independent, Plaisance and Perseverance. Firstly, the programme will feature the adoption of the mangrove area by the schools themselves, with the aim of using the sites as a learning ground, to improve the students understanding on this important habitat. Secondly, the programme will focus on restoring this site. It will be centred on a more comprehensive, simple scientific-based approach, where the students will learn how to conduct ecological surveys, record and monitor the growth rate of the seedlings that they plant during the restoration activities. They will also evaluate and analyse the health of the mangroves and develop a monitoring and management plan that could be shared with all the relevant community groups. The project will also include an education and awareness component where all the schools involved will showcase the results of their project, as well as the challenges and lessons learnt, to other schools and to the wider public. This would help to increase public sensitisation about littering and other environmental issues that could be addressed through a change of behaviour.

This MMR project strongly ties in with the low carbon energy thematic area, with a prime focus on Youth and Climate change. Additionally, the activities target multiple beneficiary groups in several schools, both public and private. It also seeks to include the other members of the community. To that end, it is aligned to the SGP OP6 ?Cross-cutting theme through promoting collaborations and social inclusion. It further supports efforts under the OP5 Seychelles Country Programme Strategy, to ?reduce Seychelles? vulnerability to climate change impacts?.