VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) has welcomed the wish expressed by President Wavel Ramkalawan in his State of the Nation Address on Thursday for an enhanced protection status for the Aldabra Group. ‘We welcome this initiative and look forward to engaging with all parties in the preservation of the unique area which constitutes the Aldabra Group,’ SIF said in a statement.
As also announced, the development of the Assomption Island hotel and consumption project is progressing, with construction now officially underway. SIF and the Islands Development Company (IDC) have engaged in discussions regarding SIF’s role in the project. A follow-up meeting, requested by the developer, focused on clarifying SIF’s involvement, especially concerning conservation and biosecurity efforts on Assomption. To comprehensively address these concerns, it is proposed that SIF assume responsibility for these areas, with financial support from the developer.
The patron of SIF has initiated a tripartite engagement involving the developer, IDC and SIF, with a view to developing a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This proposed agreement will outline the terms of collaboration and ensure that conservation and biosecurity remain priorities throughout the project’s duration. The SIF board will deliberate on the proposed conditions for the MoU during its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for 28-31 March. SIF said the process remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as developments occur.
