The second edition of the Seychelles Nature Trail (SNT) made a spectacular return in august this year, reaffirming the islands’ status as a premier eco-tourism destination. Originally scheduled for 2024, the event was postponed to this year — but the wait proved worthwhile. With increased international participation, an enhanced trail route, and a vibrant infusion of Creole culture, the 2025 edition surpassed its inaugural launch.
On the sidelines of the event, VoyagesAfriq spoke exclusively with Allen Cedras, CEO of the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) — a key partner of the SNT. Cedras highlighted the success of the event and shed light on SPGA’s forward-thinking approach to conservation and tourism. He said the trail showcases the vital link between nature, people, and the economy.
“The SPGA is a government entity and it is mandated to manage all the terrestrial parks and gardens that fall within the jurisdiction of the government,” Cedras explained. “So we are the biggest entity in Seychelles, a government entity that manages protected areas and gardens.”
What makes SPGA stand out is its financial independence. Rather than depending solely on government funding, Cedras says the organisation sustains itself through services that flow back into the community. “We are financially independent because of the ecosystem services that we offer. By doing the protection and giving back to the community, we manage to raise enough funds to sustain ourselves.”
Working Beyond Preservation
While protection remains the core, SPGA’s work reaches far wider. Cedras points out that their role is just as much about building partnerships as it is about conservation. “We are also a partner with the community. We are also a partner with the business community, especially tourism,” he said. “We partner with universities to enhance our research capabilities. We partner with the Department of Tourism and other tourism entities to give visibility for Seychelles, but also promote the best practices that we have.”
This kind of collaboration ensures that the Nature Trail isn’t just about walking through a forest, but about encouraging people to take part in restoration and long-term stewardship.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The organisation is also investing in young people, giving them a sense of ownership over the islands’ natural heritage. “We have programs for the schools. We develop educational activities. We partner with them. We make them come and do activities in our parks,” Cedras said. “This entices them to be more proactive in nature protection.”
Some of these students eventually go on to build careers with SPGA itself. “A significant amount of our staff comes from the School of Maritime Academy, because they do attachment with us. They can start with a park ranger and end up becoming a manager.”
The Wider Impact
For Cedras, the work of SPGA goes far beyond the boundaries of the parks. “A lot of tourists come here because of our beauty, and the level of protection, the pristine environment, the fresh air, the clean environment. This is something that we do, and the result,” he said.
The ripple effects reach every corner of the economy. “Farmers, fishermen, shopkeepers, hoteliers, mechanics, all of it, because of our work, we have a domino effect on the Seychelles economy, and it is very significant.”
A Model for Others
Cedras is clear that effective governance underpins all of this. “We in Seychelles have a strong legal framework in terms of protected area management conservation. This is the basis. If you have a strong legal framework, it will cascade to a very good organization structure that will enable you to do your work effectively.”
By aligning national strategies with international frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Seychelles has built a system admired across the region. “The lesson learned is how to harmonize all of it,” Cedras said. “That is why the Western African countries and the rest of Western Indian Ocean countries look at us as champions : because we have managed to harmonize everything in a very comprehensive way.”
Looking Ahead
Beyond Seychelles Nature Trail 2025, the message from Cedras is that it’s about more than showcasing natural beauty. It’s about linking conservation with livelihoods, bringing young people into the fold, and showing how governance and community work hand in hand.
“We may not be making a lot of money,” he said, “but the effect of our work is evident . The growth of the system cuts across.”
