Seychelles Celebrates 41 Years of Aldabra Atoll as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

MAHE – The Aldabra Atoll, part of Seychelles’ outer islands, marked 41 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2023. This atoll, along with the Vallee de Mai on Praslin Island, is managed by the Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF).

According to Seychelles News Agency, Aldabra is celebrated for its unique ecological and historical significance.

History of Aldabra

Aldabra’s history dates back to 916 AD when Arab seafarers first discovered it. The atoll, then known as Alhadra, appeared on a Portuguese map in 1509. French Captain Lazard Picault recorded the first visit in 1742, which preceded British colonization in 1814 and subsequent settlement in 1888. Following Seychelles’ independence in 1976, the Royal Society established a research station in 1971, and SIF took over management in 1979.

The Atoll’s Geography

Spanning 35 km by 15 km, Aldabra is the largest atoll in the Seychelles, with a total area of 155 km2. Its lagoon could encompass Mahe, Seychelles’ largest inhabited island. The atoll comprises four islands – Picard, Grand Terre, Malabar, and Polymnie, and is characterized by a rich marine life and a coral reef ecosystem.

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

Renowned for hosting the world’s largest population of Aldabra giant tortoises, estimated at over 150,000, the atoll is critical for the species’ survival. Since 1998, these tortoises have been under continuous scientific study. In 1978, a group was translocated to Curieuse Island, and one tortoise, Jonathan, is recognized as the world’s oldest at 191 years.

Fauna and Flora of Aldabra

Aldabra’s ecosystem supports various species, including the coconut crab, endemic birds, black tip reef sharks, green turtles, and hawksbill tortoises. The atoll is the second-largest nesting ground for green turtles in the western Indian Ocean. Conservation efforts have been key to maintaining its diverse fauna and flora.