Staff conducting marine surveys
Nature Seychelles/Dailus Laurence
PA Effectively manned - "The last band on the titanic"
Endangered species research
Nature Seychelles / Laurence Hoareau
The effective management of the Reserve depended on the willingness of core staff - 8 wardens and 1 science officer - to remain on the nature reserve despite the countrywide lockdown and restrictions. This staff chose to stay on the island to carry out MPA activities instead of being at home with their families. For context, Cousin Island is relatively remote. Staff live on the island without partners or families, and have the opportunity to get off the island over the weekend. However, during the Covid-19 lockdowns, their limited movement was further curtailed by restrictions.
- Available donor funding to retain core staff
- Committed staff
- A committed team that goes beyond the call of duty is required to run an MPA. However, they must also be remunerated for their work
- Management effectiveness can plummet depending on capacities to cope with extended periods of financial difficulties
- We need to continue to safeguard strategic natural assets and the essential services they provide so that resilience is maintained to help us bounce back from crises