Things seem to be going from bad to worse on Assomption Island. (3/6)

SEP 15 2025 · 17:53

Things seem to be going from bad to worse on Assomption Island. 🤯 The developers are planning to import non-native soil and plants -reportedly from Qatar (!!!) - directly onto the island. This goes against the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which clearly requires all landscaping materials to come from the island itself. This is a massive biosecurity risk. Imported soil and plants can carry insects, fungi, seeds, or pathogens, which could disrupt Assomption’s ecosystem and even threaten Aldabra via wind and ocean currents. 📄 EIA Guidelines (6.3.2.2): “No soil can be imported onto Assomption, no exotic plants will be used in landscaping, a nursery will be constructed on the island that will provide plants native to the island.” (EIA written by Island Conservation Society) The email flags serious concerns, and while ICS has raised the issue, it does not appear that they are actively enforcing the EIA recommendations. How will Seychelles Islands Foundation, historically defenders of Aldabra from invasive species, the Government, and the Island Development Company respond to this emerging risk? #ProtectAldabra