BACKGROUND

This large four-year project, managed by the Island Conservation Society (ICS, a local NGO) runs from 2005-2009, and has a number of rehabilitation components. Amongst them are vegetation rehabilitation, the eradication of rats from several of Seychelles islands and subsequent introduction of rare bird species.

One of the islands agreeing to participate in the project is North Island, a 200ha privately-owned granite island. During the 19^th and 20^th centuries it was given over to the coconut industry but the large plantations were abandoned in the 1970s. In 2000 the new owners removed feral animals and started the vegetation rehabilitation programme, along with the development of a luxury eco-friendly resort. In 2005, as a component of the Rehabilitation of Island Ecosystems project, rats were successfully eradicated.

COMMISSION

PCA was contracted by ICS to work as a partner with the management of North Island, in order to provide advice and monitor progress of the extensive vegetation rehabilitation being carried out. This mainly involves:

·           The control of alien and invasive plants species

·           The multiplication of suitable native plants

·           Planting of native plants in chosen rehabilitation areas

·           Monitoring the extent and quality of the areas rehabilitated

·           Preparing a five-year Vegetation Management Plan for North Island

PCA and North Island work closely together on all aspects of the programme. Thousands of native plants are being raised on North Island and planted out in designated areas. Between 40 and 60 hectares are expected to be rehabilitated by the end of the project in 2009.

VEGETATION REHABILITATION ON OTHER ISLANDS

PCA also assists vegetation rehabilitation programmes on other islands. Working with Island Conservation Society (ICS), PCA members have provided advice for Aride Island (a long-established nature reserve, renowned for its seabird colonies) and for Alphonse, one of the flat outer coral islands.