Restoring glacis vegetation (Nov. 2014 - Oct. 2016)
Extended until October 2017

Glacis (inselberg) habitat is very diverse but threatened by invasive alien plant species. Many glacis areas have 80% or more invasive species, in spite of the harsh conditions found on glacis.

Previous experimental restoration carried out by a PCA research scientist has shown that it can have a rapid, very positive effect on the glacis biodiversity, when restored communities are maintained over an extended period. 

Our project is a collaboration between PCA and the Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA). We also work in partnership with the Port Glaud community.

Partially restored glacis area showing the bouldery nature of the habitat

The glacis site we have chosen to restore lies in the Morne Seychellois National Park not far from Morne Blanc and the Tea Factory and Tea Tavern. It is surrounded on 3 sides by cliffs. An area of 0.8 hectares had already been restored experimentally in 2011, with considerable success. The current project aims to restore a total of approximately 4.2 ha.

The main objectives of the project are:

1)  Remove all alien plant species and replace with native species capable of natural regeneration. Members of the local community have been offered training to raise some of the required native seedlings.

2)  The local community have been partly trained in the rehabilitation process and may undertake some of the subsequent maintenance (which is always necessary, but the work becomes less and less as time goes on!).

3)  A guardianship scheme is being set up whereby members of the community will be able to act as long term guardians of the glacis site. They will monitor the site and facilitate its recovery.

4)  A nature trail is being developed at the site, with information boards which will give local visitors and tourists who visit the site an understanding of the glacis vegetation and the restoration process.

SNPA staff carried out much of the initial clearance of alien species and planting of native species as it is tough and specialised work. They are also carrying out with major maintenance work during the project.


There have been opportunities for the local Port Glaud community to be involved in the early stages of the project, with members learning to identify native plants and how to identify and remove the unwanted alien plants, especially seedlings. They have also learned how to raise and plant native seedlings, e.g for their own gardens and properties.

The SNPA restoration team Feb 2015

Alien plants now cleared from THIS area!

Our main source of funding is the GEF-UNDP Small Grants Programme, but we have extra funding from the Government of Seychelles-UNDP-GEF Biodiversity Project. This funding enables us to carry out the important environmental conservation work which we could not support with PCA funds alone.

If you look up close, most of the vegetation is alien. It competes with the native vegetation and reduces its ability to regenerate.

This is the same area without its alien plants! It may look a bit bare now but after native seedlings are planted and regular weeding takes place, it will look more like it is supposed to - full of native plants and animals.