The Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa has operated tirelessly to monitor sea turtle numbers and protect the island’s beaches which are nesting grounds for Hawksbill and Green Turtles
Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, along with the Island Conservation Society (ICS), have been awarded a certificate of recognition from the Seychelles Sea Turtle Committee, in appreciation of the outstanding efforts and hard work in conservation that the resort has undertaken.
Alongside ICS, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, which is located on Silhouette, has operated tirelessly to monitor sea turtle numbers and protect the island’s beaches which are nesting grounds for Hawksbill and Green Turtles – species which are respectively critically endangered and endangered.
Over 93% of Silhouette Island has been designated as a National Park, while the waters adjacent to the island are part of a Marine Park.
Each week, the ICS team patrol the different beaches to record nesting turtle numbers, follow their movements using tags, and rescue weak turtles if necessary.
The staff also help hatchlings to reach the ocean safely when seen 
during patrols. Unfortunately, Silhouette’s beaches see hundreds of kilos of garbage washed up every year. This waste is a threat for turtles as they can confuse it with food or get entangled in the refuse. In order to avoid this, the beaches are cleaned weekly by ICS and Hilton Seychelles Labriz teams.
In order to highlight the importance and precarious nature of the natural environment, the ICS conservation centre on Silhouette aims to educate guests about the flora and fauna of the island. The Eco Center at Labriz encourages guests to explore the diverse Marine National Park that surrounds the island, and the Hilton Eco-guides allow guests on hikes to explore the island itself.
During their stay at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa guests also have the chance to witness the work of the ICS, based on Silhouette Island, next to the Grann Kaz Restaurant. This non-governmental organisation, founded in 2001, aims to promote the ‘conservation and restoration of island ecosystems, sustainable development of islands, and awareness of their vulnerability and vital importance to the planet’s biodiversity’.
Andre Borg, the general manager of Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa stated: “We are truly honoured to be recognised by the Sea Turtle Committee. At Hilton Labriz Resort and Spa we offer our guests a direct experience with turtles and at the same time we work determinedly to protect and conserve this wonderful yet endangered species. We will continue on our mission to enrich our environment and our guests’ experience through such action.”
Source : Seychelles NATION