Conservation
The outer islands epitomise the dream of untouched tropical splendour that has vanished in many parts of the world.
They are the ultimate tropical islands.
IDC recognises that the greatest assets of the outer islands are their pristine ecosystems. To this end, IDC has signed an agreement with Island Conservation Society (ICS), endorsed by the Seychelles Ministry of Environment, under which ICS advises IDC on conservation matters and runs conservation on key islands.
Under the agreement between IDC and ICS, it is recognised that there is a very high environmental importance to the islands for Seychelles, Seychellois and the world as a whole. Their ecosystems are fragile and subject to damage from ill-conceived economic exploitation. IDC as an organisation lacks specialist knowledge to implement restoration and conservation programmes to ensure protection of the islands and consults ICS in this regard.
Under the agreement between IDC and ICS, it is recognised that there is a very high environmental importance to the islands for Seychelles, Seychellois and the world as a whole. Their ecosystems are fragile and subject to damage from ill-conceived economic exploitation. IDC as an organisation lacks specialist knowledge to implement restoration and conservation programmes to ensure protection of the islands and consults ICS in this regard.
The goals of ICS and IDC are different but there is a need to reconcile potential conflicts between commercial requirements and conservation in order to ensure sustainable development.
There are significant costs attached to the implementation of programmes on remote islands but there are also opportunities for international funding through an appropriate conservation body in the form of an NGO. Meanwhile, the impact of global warming on small, low-lying islands could be considerable and awareness of potential consequences is essential.
IDC considers that it will benefit from more professional advice and assistance to handle its environmental responsibilities.
Conservation and development are not necessarily natural bedfellows. But IDC recognises that if the future of the outer islands is to be preserved for generations to come, the environment requires an economic value. Ideally, a live bird or turtle that is worth more than a dead one. Conservation must benefit the whole nation and must not be an end in itself. To this end if done right, IDC believes ecotourism could be a game-changer.
Foundations have been formed for partnerships on all IDC islands with representation from IDC, ICS, Ministry of Environment, tourism interests and other stakeholders. ICS manages conservation centres on Alphonse (since 2007), Desroches (since 2009), Silhouette (since 2011), Farquhar (since 2015). Dormant foundations have been created for other islands with a view to inviting other stakeholders to participate if and when there is funding to support conservation. Meanwhile, ICS became a member of IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) in November 2007.
Foundations have been formed for partnerships on all IDC islands with representation from IDC, ICS, Ministry of Environment, tourism interests and other stakeholders. ICS manages conservation centres on Alphonse (since 2007), Desroches (since 2009), Silhouette (since 2011), Farquhar (since 2015). Dormant foundations have been created for other islands with a view to inviting other stakeholders to participate if and when there is funding to support conservation. Meanwhile, ICS became a member of IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) in November 2007.
The outer islands could be jewels of the tourism industry. Yet they are fragile and could also be destroyed if they are not respected.
Poaching and illegal fishing, though less than in the past, still takes place. IDC believes this must be eliminated in the long term. The assets of the outer islands must never be plundered for short term gain. Unspoilt beauty is an increasing rarity in the world and the outer islands are priceless.
These islands are among the last islands on earth where untamed nature rules supreme. They are the last frontier in tourism in the Indian Ocean and with careful planning by IDC in consultation with its partners including ICS, they may yet prove to be as vital to the future of the Seychelles economy as they were to its past.
These islands are among the last islands on earth where untamed nature rules supreme. They are the last frontier in tourism in the Indian Ocean and with careful planning by IDC in consultation with its partners including ICS, they may yet prove to be as vital to the future of the Seychelles economy as they were to its past.
