Seychelles Opens Landmark Coral Restoration Facility
Written by Editor on 15th May 2025
Seychelles Opens Landmark Coral Restoration Facility
Africa’s First Land-Based Coral Aquaculture Facility Opens on Praslin Island
In a major milestone for marine conservation and climate resilience, Africa’s first land-based coral aquaculture facility has officially opened its doors on Praslin Island. The Assisted Recovery of Corals (ARC) Facility, built by Nature Seychelles, was inaugurated on May 9th by Principal Minister Jean-François Ferrari, who also serves as Minister for Fisheries & the Blue Economy.
Situated in Amitié, next to the Centre for Ocean Restoration Awareness and Learning (CORAL), the ARC Facility marks a breakthrough in large-scale coral restoration in Seychelles and the region. It aims to combat the devastating effects of climate change on coral reefs using advanced methods like microfragmentation and sexual reproduction to rapidly grow diverse and resilient coral species.
“Coral reefs are crucial to Seychelles for fisheries, tourism, and protecting our shorelines. The ARC Facility is a bold step toward securing their future,” said Dr Nirmal Shah, Chief Executive of Nature Seychelles.
Years in the making …
The project, years in the making, is backed by the Adaptation Fund via UNDP and the Seychelles Government, with additional support from SeyCCAT and the CMA CGM Group. It is powered by renewable energy and features specialized coral propagation tanks, wet and dry laboratories, a public education zone, and soon, a coral sexual reproduction lab.
More than just a research hub, ARC is envisioned as a space for science, education, tourism, and community involvement. “The facility will revolutionize coral reef conservation, making it more accessible for educational purposes and empowering local communities to adopt sustainable practices,” said Frederic Grivel of CMA CGM Group.
Minister Ferrari highlighted ARC’s broader impact, noting its potential to spur private investment in aquaculture. “This facility is a game changer—not only for conservation and climate adaptation but also for the future of aquaculture in Seychelles.”
The opening ceremony included speeches, facility tours, and live demonstrations of coral microfragmentation techniques. With new partnerships expected to be announced soon, the ARC Facility sets the stage for a new era in marine restoration across the Indian Ocean.
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