Environmental Importance
Local NGOs sound the alarm as experts warn of the dangers this project presents to the Aldabra islands, including:
Imminent risk of invasive species being introduced to Aldabra atoll
Disturbance to the world’s largest population of the Aldabra giant tortoise
Degradation of one of the world’s most pristine marine environments and coral atolls
Disturbance to a crucial migratory pathway and calving area for humpback whales
Damage to nesting sites of regional significance for multiple species of sea turtle in the region, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle and the endangered green sea turtle
Risk of disturbance to nesting seabirds and protected migratory birds
History
916 AD
Beginning with its discovery by Arab traders in 916 AD, Aldabra’s history has been marked by a series of threats.
Over the centuries, Aldabra battled exploitation, particularly for turtle and tortoise meat. By 1870 the giant tortoises were almost wiped out. It was only through advocacy, by figures like Charles Darwin and Richard Owen, that the beloved tortoises were saved.
1960s
IIn the late 1960s, Aldabra faced another significant threat - the development of a British-American military base. Fortunately, following international outcry from leading scientists and conservationists - including Jacques Cousteau - the project was abandoned.
2010s
More recently, in the late 2010s, India sought to build a military base on Assomption, an offer the Seychelles government rejected in the face of widespread popular opposition.
Time after time, the Aldabra islands have narrowly escaped destruction. We hope to ensure that Aldabra never faces threats like these, ever again.
