A non-profit environmental protection organization with the President of Seychelles Alik Ramkalavan as a sponsor, called for a halt to the construction of a five-star hotel on Assumption Island, located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra Atoll.
The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) manages and protects the uninhabited Aldabra Atoll, located more than 1,000 km southwest of the main island of Mahe is a proposal for the construction of a luxury property on Assump Island in the Aldabra group of islands, consisting of 37 of grand villas and four restaurants.The resort will be managed by the Rosewood Resorts group.
In a press release, the foundation said the facility was originally proposed for Coëtivy Island in the outer islands of the archipelago, but was moved without warning to Assumption Island instead of the 10- to 40-room ecotourism originally proposed for Assumption last year.
“What was proposed for Coëtivy ended in Assumption. The questions we ask now are how this change happened and at what point? And this was not reported?” We feel that there was a lack of adequate communication,” said the SIF president Bernard Georges.
The project, a partnership between the Islands Development Company (IDC) and Qatar-based developer Assets Development Company, was given the green light by the government following an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by the Islands Conservation Society (ICS).
According to the EIA, the development will occupy an area of 61 hectares. The EIA claims that potential impacts on sensitive habitats, including unique sand dune ecosystems and turtle nesting sites, were considered.
“These issues were addressed by setting back all buildings at least 40 meters from the high water mark and canceling all dune development except for designated walkways that were installed to access these sites to minimize the risk of trampling and other disturbances.”
Given the close relationship between the IDC and the ICS, those opposed to the project have called for an independent EIA to be carried out.
The foundation has expressed particular concern about the project’s marketing campaign, which contains content that represents species that are highly sensitive to human impact. “This misrepresents the true nature of the project and risks using Aldabra’s reputation to promote development that is inconsistent with the Aldabra Group’s tourism concept and experience.”
George said: “The plan needs to be reviewed and amended to suit Aldabra’s interests as well as the country’s. If that doesn’t happen, we will look at what options are available to us to ensure that our mandate is respected and protected.”