The Eden Project's Conservation Efforts in the Seychelles

Online, June 11, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The Seychelles boasts a fantastic range of exotic vegetation, many of the plant types are completely unique to the islands such as the Coco de Mer, the largest seed in the world. Like many destinations, the Seychelles is facing environmental problems from habitat loss due to an increase in tourism development. This development has also led to an increase in invasive species such as rats and cats which threaten some native species. Some natural forests around the Seychelles and under threat from newly introduced plants and invasive climbers.

The Eden project has been working with the Seychelles government for over ten years on projects to restore the islands' natural ecology. Some of the projects are to protect the Coco de Mer, specifically enabling Seychelles nationals to pursue a doctorate on population management of the plant, and research into its economic importance. There are also projects to boost the native flora of the Seychelles, including the establishment of the Plant Conservation Action Group.

Eden also attempts to raise funds for rare plants that are at risk of extinction, such as the Impatiens Gordonii. One interesting project recently launched is the Busy Lizzie 'ray of hope', where Eden resurrected the endangered species of the Busy Lizzie and is breeding and selling the plants, the funds raised will be ploughed back into ongoing conservation efforts in the Seychelles.

These actions help to protect the natural beauty of the Seychelles and these projects have also helped to protect the livelihoods of many locals of the Seychelles, such as agricultural workers.