What happens to the soil that is eroded from the hillside and flows down the river and into the lagoon?

Delegates contributing ideas on causes and consequences of soil erosion, and ways they can benefit from preventing it

The Terrestrial Restoration Action Society of Seychelles (Trass) – the first environment non-governmental organisation on Praslin – will show exactly what happens through a new soil erosion project that was launched on November 6.

The 12-month initiative, funded by Mangroves For the Future, is entitled: Ridge to Reef –where does all the soil go? It aims to raise awareness and engage the community to take part in measuring soil erosion at Anse Possession on Praslin.

The project will show what really happens to the soil that is eroded from the hillside, and Trass also intends to raise awareness and understanding of the link between the mountain (ridge) and the sea (reef), how they interconnect, and to show that whatever happens on the hills affects the lower coastal zones.

The workshop on November 6 brought together members of different organisations and communities to introduce the project’s aims and activities and seek their input.

It also saw the presence of the environment principal secretary Didier Dogley, as well as young people and senior citizens on Praslin.

Mr Dogley launched the initiative and expressed his support for it.
Through group work, those present contributed new ideas and said what they think are the main causes of soil erosion, mentioning forest fires and tree-felling.

Pollution of drinking water, which can lead to health problems, the impact on coastal villages, water shortages, flooding and poor soil for agriculture were consequences of soil erosion that were pointed out.

Trass also stressed ways that we can benefit from preventing soil erosion, such as healthy coral reefs and healthy soil for food production, more plants to absorb carbon – which helps to lessen the impact of climate change and reduces landslides and flooding too.

After the workshop, all were satisfied with what they have learnt and are ready to go out and share their experience with others and encourage them to take part in environmental activities.

They also got to know all about Trass, ¬which was launched in September last year by a group of individuals concerned with the situation on Praslin, where 40% of the island is degraded.

They aim to take action against the degradation of sensitive tropical rainforest, mainly by rehabilitating areas and educating people about this alarming issue.

In its first year, Trass has also succeeded in securing projects on rehabilitation and invasive creepers.
Members have led tree-planting activities on Praslin and produced their first brochure and website: www.trass.org.sc

Trass welcomes the active involvement of all levels of the society, both nationally and internationally, in its fight to restore degraded land.

The NGO thanks all those who supported the workshop, especially the sponsors: Bon Bon Plume Restaurant, Berjaya Praslin Beach Hotel, Tamby Store, GMR Store, Grand Anse Petrol Station, Palm Beach Hotel, Mas Supermarket, Selvaraj Pillay, Athure Ally, C’est la Vie, Ah Yune Store, Seychelles Islands Foundation, Aldo Sacchi and Coco de Mer Hotel.

Contributed by TRASS (www.trass.org.sc)

Forrás: http://www.nation.sc/