Aldabra Atoll stands as wonders of nature, offering visitors a captivating experience and a glimpse into a truly untouched paradise
Aldabra provides a natural laboratory for the study of the process of evolutionary ecology and is a platform for key scientific discovery.
Aldabra Atoll- Aldabra Atoll, located in the Seychelles, is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the largest raised coral atolls in the world and is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and pristine natural beauty. The atoll is home to numerous unique and endangered species, including the Aldabra giant tortoise, which is one of the largest tortoise species in the world. Its diverse ecosystem encompasses vast stretches of untouched mangrove forests, stunning coral reefs, and expansive lagoons. Aldabra Atoll stands as a testament to the wonders of nature, offering visitors a captivating experience and a glimpse into a truly untouched paradise.
Aldabra atoll was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 19 November 1982. It is one of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Seychelles; and is managed by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF). The marine protected area extends 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) into the sea to ensure preservation of its marine fauna. Eco tourism is controlled and introduction of invasive species is restricted. Based on the evaluation process, UNESCO inscribed the site, a legally protected special reserve of 35,000 hectares (86,000 acres), on the list of World Heritage Sites under three criteria: Criterion (vii): Aldabra Atoll encompasses a large expanse of relatively untouched natural beauty where a number of important animal species and some plant species thrive, along with remarkable land formations, and its process provides a unique spectacle of natural phenomena; Criterion (ix): The atoll is a superlative example of an oceanic island ecosystem in which evolutionary processes are active within a rich biota. The size and morphological diversity of the atoll has permitted the development of a variety of discrete insular communities with a high incidence of endemicity among the constituent species that are typical of island ecosystems. The natural processes take place with minimal human interference and can be clearly demonstrated in their full complexity and Criterion (x): Aldabra provides a natural laboratory for the study of the process of evolutionary ecology and is a platform for key scientific discovery. The atoll constitutes a refuge harboring viable populations of a range of rare and endangered species of plants and animals, including the last giant tortoise and flightless bird populations of the Western Indian Ocean, a substantial marine turtle breeding population, and large seabird colonies which number in the tens of thousands. The substantial tortoise population is self-sustaining and all the elements of its inter-relationship with the terrestrial environment are evident.
Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) manages and protects the World Heritage Sites of Aldabra and Vallee de Mai. The foundation was established as a public trust in 1979, with the President of Seychelles as patron. The Board of trustees, appointed by the President, has 14 members, including not less than five representing organizations concerned with the conservation of wildlife and natural history or national academics of science.
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