Conservationists and botanists express concern over plans for Qatari-funded upscale resort on Assomption Island
The habitat of the largest giant tortoise population in the world is threatened by a Qatari-funded hotel development that aims to bring luxury yachts, private jets and well-heeled tourists to a remote island in the Indian Ocean, conservationists have warned.
They also fear there may be knock-on effects on the Aldabra atoll, which is a Unesco-protected ecosystem just 17 miles from Assomption. Aldabra is considered one of the world’s conservation jewels. It is most famous as a refuge for about 150,000 giant tortoises that bear the same name and are known for their longevity and immense size; males have an average weight of 250kg and a carapace of more than 122 cm.
Unesco said it had been informed by a third party about the potential project on Assomption, which might have an impact on the Aldabra atoll world heritage site. A spokesperson said: “Unesco is following the situation and has requested further information from the Seychelles authorities, recalling the need to protect the outstanding universal value of the site.” The UN body has sent a letter to Seychelles president Wavel Ramkalawan outlining its concerns.
Another organisation, the Seychelles Islands Foundation, called for an immediate halt of construction until a biosecurity management plan was put in place. The foundation said that while it was not opposed in principle to the economic development of Assomption, it should not be rushed. The IDC says it is following due process and helping the Seychelles economy. It denies that the Assomption development will interfere with the habitat of the Aldabra atoll and said that, in any case, tortoises have adapted well to development in the past, and restoration of native vegetation and provision of water sources for the hotel will benefit the giant reptiles.
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