Aldabra Aldabra is the world’s second-largest coral atoll, in the Indian Ocean. It is politically part of the Seychelles and is part of the Aldabra group, which is part of the Outer Islands.
Aldabra was part of the British Indian Ocean Territory from 1965 until 1976, when the Seychelles became an independent state and were annexed. In the 1960s, the British offered to allow the United States of America to use the island as a military air base. But after an international outcry from ecological organizations, the specific plan was abandoned, while the natural environment of the island was put under full protection. Aldabra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 19 November 1982, and is managed by the Seychelles Island Foundation based on the island of Mahe.
In addition, there are several small islands located around a huge lagoon with coral reefs.In 1982, the atoll was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a natural monument,Even scientists need permission to visit the reserve, and tourists are additionally accompanied and monitored so that they do not disturb the fragile ecosystem.
Access : Coordinates: -9.416667, 46.35 /
Highlights :
- The earliest study on the flora and fauna of the islands dates back to 1910. There are 307 species of animals and plants on Aldabra. Reptiles are the distinctive land fauna.Sir David Attenborough called Aldabra “one of the wonders of the Earth”, and the island is also known as the “palace jewels” of the Indian Ocean.
- Visits are limited to an annual limit of 900 tourists : Visits to Aldabra Atoll are permitted, but the Seychelles Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization, strictly controls access to the protected area.
- Aldabra group in the Outer Islands. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982, the atoll constitutes a strict nature reserve, a Ramsar site and an important area for bird conservation. It combines several notable facts: it is the largest raised atoll in the world.
- Aldabra is home to the largest population of giant turtles in the Seychelles, the largest colony red-tailed phaetons and large colonies of ariel frigatebirds and Pacific frigatebirds.
Go next : Other Aldabra islands are open to visit, such as Picard, the lagoon is great for snorkeling and diving because it has a rich marine life, stingrays, sharks and sea turtles.
