Constance Hotels Services Limited | Annual Report 2025

ANNUAL REPORT 2025

53

Mangroves Management

Mangrove Honey

up activities focusing on the regeneration of degraded areas and to learn about best management practices for mangrove wetlands and sustainable tourism. We have welcomed more than 2,000 students and community members for sustainability and environmental education tours over the past seven years, which represents a significant contribution to community education and awareness. Constance Ephelia, Seychelles, aims to improve the management of biodiversity within the resort and the surrounding areas by enhancing collaboration between the resort and community partners. In line with the ECO initiative, we have successfully implemented the following projects and activities: – Enhancing the conservation of biodiversity at Port Launay – Community-based management of the Port Launay Mangrove RAMSAR Site in Seychelles – Awareness campaigns within the community – Scientific research – Mangrove honey production – Educational tours and mangrove kayaking for guests and the community The aim of this project is to encourage the private sector to adopt a wetland and manage it through a public–private partnership in collaboration with community members. Through this taskforce, Constance Ephelia, Seychelles, will continue to set an example, inspiring other establishments to take similar initiatives and to play a more active role in wetland conservation.

In addition, the community plays a vital role in this project, as we consistently liaise with the local beekeeping association for guidance and the procurement of beekeeping equipment. By offering mangrove honey to our visitors, we raise environmental awareness and increase the visibility of sustainable practices among our guests, enhancing their overall experience. Mangrove honey is expected to become a distinctive guest attraction due to its uniqueness, being produced within a designated RAMSAR site. Furthermore, it contributes to non timber forest products and supports the sustainable use of mangrove ecosystems. The following conservation efforts are further strengthened through structured guest engagement initiatives, including reef awareness programmes and guided educational experiences. Through these initiatives, guests are encouraged to actively participate in the protection of marine ecosystems, contributing to conservation outcomes while enhancing their understanding of the fragile ocean environment.

Wetlands play a significant role in stabilising greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change, while acting as a buffer to coastlines against extreme weather and floods, and alleviating droughts. Apart from being among the most effective carbon sinks on Earth, they are also biodiversity hotspots and contribute to socioeconomic progress, as they act as fish nurseries that support fish stocks, along with providing opportunities for ecotourism activities such as kayaking and guided tours. Both Constance Prince Maurice and Constance Ephelia, Seychelles, are located in sites where we aim to improve the management of biodiversity within the resorts and surrounding areas by enhancing collaboration between the resorts and community partners. Community-based mangrove management plans have been established and successfully implemented over the past six years at the RAMSAR site, with more than 3,000 trees planted and monitored at Port Launay, Seychelles. Guests and community members are regularly invited to visit the mangrove nursery to learn about their contribution to the global ecosystem and the scientific approach adopted for the transplantation of saplings. As part of our Mangrove Management Plan at Constance Ephelia, Seychelles, all projects are implemented in collaboration with the Port Glaud Environment Club, a local NGO, Sustainability for Seychelles, the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, and are funded by UNDP-GEF and Mangroves for the Future (MFF). In addition, we maintain ongoing cooperation with governmental and private schools, together with the Wildlife Clubs of Seychelles, to invite students to participate in planting and clean

In 2023, we had the privilege to initiate a new project called ‘Mangrove Sweetness’. This initiative relates to honey produced by bees from the flowers of mangroves in the Port Launay RAMSAR Site. It is the first mangrove honey produced in the Seychelles. Our mission is to create a regenerative impact on the ecosystem through an innovative approach to beekeeping that inspires, empowers, creates value and connects with nature. As bees are highly effective pollinators, they naturally propagate pollen across mangrove ecosystems, making the area denser and healthier over time. The ocean and reefs are home to numerous sea creatures and plants, some of which are even used for medical purposes. Every possible step towards conserving marine life and protecting our reefs is therefore taken by our properties: – Ensuring that wastewater is not discharged into the ocean – Using ecological or organic fertilisers – Raising awareness among our team members and guests about the negative environmental impact of littering on beaches and in the sea – Ensuring that all waste is properly disposed of and that no debris is left on the beach – Raising awareness among guests and ensuring, in collaboration with service providers, that snorkelling and diving activities are conducted in a manner that does not harm coral reefs – Encouraging and supporting marine and coastal clean-up initiatives – Complying with local conservation policies, for example by promoting non-motorised water sports – Keeping boats clean and in proper working condition to minimise noise pollution – Planting trees, which help reduce runoff into the oceans and contribute to mitigating ocean warming and rising sea temperatures Marine Ecosystems

2015

2025