Revolutionizing Marine Conservation: Nature Seychelles Unveils Africa’s First Land-Based Coral Aquaculture Facility for Climate Resilience

On May 9, 2025, a significant milestone unfolded on Praslin Island with the opening of Nature Seychelles’ Assisted Recovery of Corals (ARC) Facility. This is Africa’s first land-based aquaculture center dedicated to rescuing coral reefs impacted by climate change. Held at the Centre for Ocean Restoration Awareness and Learning (CORAL), the event featured Principal Minister Jean-François Ferrari, who also oversees fisheries and the blue economy.

The ARC facility is a leap forward in the battle to restore vital coral ecosystems. For 15 years, Nature Seychelles has worked tirelessly on coral reef restoration. With cutting-edge methods like micro-fragmentation and soon, sexual reproduction techniques, the facility aims to enhance coral growth. This includes larger coral species often overlooked in restoration efforts, which could help boost biodiversity and resilience in Seychelles’ marine environments.

Dr. Nirmal Shah, the Chief Executive of Nature Seychelles, highlighted coral reefs’ importance. "We want to make coral reefs great again," he declared. He emphasized the need for funding, especially with decreasing overseas development aid. This is where private investments come in. The global aquarium trade offers significant opportunities for corals bred at the facility.

Minister Ferrari remarked on the uniqueness of this NGO-run facility, distinguishing it from existing government-operated aquaculture centers. He encouraged entrepreneurs and investors to collaborate with Nature Seychelles, believing there is enormous potential for growth through aquaculture and conservation.

The ARC Facility is not just a conservation hub. It blends scientific research with education, tourism, and community participation. With state-of-the-art equipment, including specialized tanks and laboratories, the facility operates on renewable energy, showcasing a commitment to sustainability with solar panels on its roof.

In recent years, the importance of coral reefs has grown, especially as we see escalating threats from climate change. Recent data suggests that coral reefs could decline by up to 70% if current trends continue, making efforts like those at the ARC Facility even more crucial. As awareness spreads on social media about coral conservation, reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting community support for such initiatives.

The ARC Facility in Seychelles stands as a beacon of hope, combining innovative aquaculture with critical conservation efforts to secure a healthier future for marine life. You can learn more about coral reef conservation from groups like Nature Conservancy.

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