Emma MEDERIC

Emma Mederic is a Seychellois conservation professional and currently serves as Senior Science and Conservation Officer at the Island Conservation Society (ICS). In this role, she leads the design and delivery of science and conservation programmes across Seychelles’ inner and outer islands, overseeing biodiversity monitoring, coordinating research, and supporting both policy engagement and community outreach.

Emma holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Marine Biology) with Distinction from Deakin University, Australia. She has worked with the Seychelles Islands Foundation, the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT), and the Seychelles National Parks Authority, gaining extensive experience in marine and island conservation. Her expertise spans marine turtle protection, coral reef ecology, invasive species management, fisheries monitoring, and climate change adaptation, as well as the development of partnerships linking conservation with sustainable development.

She is passionate about ensuring that the perspectives of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are represented in global and regional conservation dialogues. Emma has contributed to collaborations under WIOMSA, IUCN,CEPF, SeyCCAT and other Western Indian Ocean initiatives, actively promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building for island biodiversity management.

Emma is deeply committed to advancing science-based conservation in Seychelles. She believes in combining rigorous ecological research with strong community engagement, recognising that lasting conservation outcomes depend on the involvement and empowerment of local people. Her work reflects a holistic approach that integrates biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods and national development priorities.

With her background and dedication, Emma continues to play an important role in shaping conservation practice in Seychelles and contributing to broader regional efforts. Her vision is to help secure resilient island ecosystems that sustain both people and nature across the Western Indian Ocean.