Despite the rainy weather, the Zanzibar and IUCN delegation continued their visit to Seychelles with a memorable visit to Moyenne Island on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, where they were warmly welcomed by Mr. Teddy and introduced to the Moyenne Island Foundation Society.
The visit provided the delegation with an opportunity to learn about the island’s remarkable history and its transformation into a unique conservation success story.
Mr. Bernard Pool, representing the Moyenne Island Foundation Society, shared the fascinating history of Moyenne Island, including the remarkable contribution of Brendon Grimshaw, who began caring for the island in 1962. Through decades of dedication, patience and a profound love for nature, Grimshaw transformed Moyenne into the extraordinary natural sanctuary it is today.
A key focus of the visit was the island’s ongoing conservation efforts. The delegation was briefed on initiatives to maintain a healthy natural population of giant tortoises, as well as efforts to eradicate Invasive Alien Species (IAS), particularly rats, which pose a threat to the island’s native biodiversity.
The delegation also learnt about Moyenne Island’s native and endemic tree-planting programme. The programme contributes to the restoration and maintenance of the island’s natural vegetation while providing an opportunity to better understand the ecological importance of the various native and endemic plant species found on the island.
Mr. Pool further highlighted the importance of partnerships in supporting the island’s conservation objectives. The delegation heard about the contributions of several organisations, including the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles (MCSS), which provided an overview of coral restoration efforts being undertaken on the reef to the north of the island.
The Island Biodiversity and Conservation (IBC) also plays an important role through its contribution to rat eradication and the monitoring of conservation progress. Meanwhile, the Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance (IOTA) contributes to the management and conservation of the island’s tortoise population.
The visit demonstrated the importance of long-term commitment, collaboration and partnerships in protecting Seychelles’ unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems. It also provided the Zanzibar delegation with an opportunity to gain practical insights into conservation approaches that could inform wider discussions and knowledge-sharing between island nations.
Following a productive and engaging afternoon on Moyenne Island, the delegation departed with a deeper appreciation of Seychelles’ conservation heritage and the continued efforts to safeguard its natural environment for future generations.
A group photograph at the end of the visit captured a memorable moment of the delegation’s experience on Moyenne Island.
