Costs of ecosystem restoration on islands in Seychelles

Nature Seychelles is helping island owners participate in an island restoration programme, which will ultimately translocate globally threatened coastal birds as well as rehabilitate other coastal biodiversity of global importance. This study estimates potential investment costs of restoring 11 islands in the Seychelles. Unit costs are calculated for specific management prescriptions and then used to derive total costs for each island. Results show that native coastal woodlands and plateaus are a least—cost priorities for habitat conversion across all islands. Owners will need to make careful investment decisions based on a number of factors including the cost of restoration, existing biodiversity and unique attractions, and potential for generating revenues to sustain conservation programmes.