Page 8 - Seychelles Report
P. 8
Country Profile
The Republic of Seychelles
Tourism and coral degradation
In addition to fishing, tourism is another main economic activity in Seychelles. The iconic beaches
of Seychelles have seen a rapid increase in the number of tourists over the years as depicted below.
Source: (Seychelles Coastal Management Plan 2019-2024)
The number of tourist arrivals has been on the rise in Seychelles. It is projected that by 2040 the
number will clock 400,000. While tourism contributes about 58% of the Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) with Seychelles’ coral reefs having a tourism value of about $0.3-0.9 million per km , rapid
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increase in arrivals has significantly contributed towards the degradation of the coastal ecosystem.
For instance:
• tourist ships running into coral reefs cause great damage to the reef development.
• The dredging of reefs for beach nourishment and channel elongation and maintenance has
increased coral reefs mortality.
• Throwing debris, including plastic products, into the ocean interferes and lower the marine life
quality.
• Increased development at the coastal region.
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