A new not-for-profit association in the island nation -- Friends of Seychelles Botanical Gardens (FSBG) -- has launched with the aim of educating people about the importance of conservation and the scientific values of the island nation’s gardens.

The group's launch was held Thursday at Seychelles’ Botanical Gardens in the central district of Mont Fleuri.

Marie Pierre Lloyd, the chairperson of the FSBG, explained that “the main purpose and role of the group is to support and promote the core functions and activities of the Botanical Garden and the Biodiversity Centre.”

Lloyd added that the group’s founding members are all ardent supporters of the island nation’s unique, pristine environment.

“We are also encouraging others to join us as we want to support and enhance the Botanical Gardens and Biodiversity Centre so they become centres of excellence,” she said.

The group's launch was held Thursday at Seychelles’ Botanical Gardens in the central district of Mont Fleuri. (Seychelles Nation) Photo License: CC-BY

The 15-acre garden is one of Seychelles’ oldest national monuments and is a living green heritage providing a quiet, green getaway with a 20-minute walk from the busy town centre of Victoria – the capital city.

The gardens, established by Mauritian agronomist Paul Evenor Rivalz Dupont in 1904, are managed by the National Botanical Gardens Foundation (NBGF) which also oversees the National Biodiversity Centre, which is responsible for ex-situ conservation of the island's endemic species.

The chief executive of the Foundation, Raymond Brioche, welcomed the friends of the gardens. “The association was much-needed and long-awaited. The group will assist us in the difficult task we have in educating the public on the real purpose of the garden. That is an area for conservation and scientific research and studies, rather than an ornamental garden or a park,” explained Brioche.

The group hopes to have individuals, students, families, corporate groups, companies as well as other botanical gardens abroad as members.

“Partners are crucial in assisting the friends to realise our goals and more importantly assisting us to educate the youth about the importance of our biodiversity for the future generation,” explained Lloyd.

Friends of the Seychelles Botanical Gardens are expected to enjoy benefits ranging from vouchers for free entrance at the Botanical Gardens and the Biodiversity Centre, having their names put on a golden plaque at Biodiversity Centre and on the group’s website as well as the planting of an endemic plant in their honour.