SPGA Joins International Partners in Bremen for SEASTRONG Project Kick-off

The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority took part in the kick-off meeting of the SEASTRONG project, held in Bremen, Germany, from 20 to 24 September 2026. The Authority was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rodney Bonne, and Research Scientist, Ms. Dominic Jean.

SEASTRONG (The Role of Connectivity in Safeguarding Functioning Coastal Ecosystems under Global Change) focuses on the links between coastal ecosystems and how they can be protected in a changing world. The meeting brought project partners together to discuss the project’s overall objectives, its work packages, the responsibilities of each partner, planned activities and the next steps for implementation.

SPGA also shared field experience from a recent scientific monitoring capacity-building training in Seychelles, during which a range of monitoring and sampling methods were tested in the Port Launay and Baie Ternay Marine National Parks. Although the training was carried out under a separate project, it offered practical insights that fed into discussions on potential monitoring approaches for SEASTRONG.

The meeting gave partners a clearer understanding of their roles and responsibilities and clarified SPGA’s contribution to the different work packages. Partners also identified priority activities and upcoming tasks, and improved coordination among themselves.

Discussions also covered the next stages of SEASTRONG in Seychelles, including scientific monitoring, data collection and work on connected mangrove, seagrass and coral reef ecosystems.

Overall, the meeting strengthened collaboration among the project partners and set a clearer direction for the activities ahead.