Assomption Island Inquiry Hears Expert Testimony on Environmental Compliance

VICTORIA, Seychelles — Assomption Island inquiry proceedings continued yesterday as marine ecologist Dr Ameer Ebrahim of Ebrahim Consulting and field ecologist Richard Baxter, director of the Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance (IOTA), gave testimony before the Commission of Inquiry led by Judge Mathilda Twomey. The commission is examining all aspects of the Assomption Island project, including contractual legality and environmental compliance.

This inquiry matters to ordinary Seychellois because Assomption Island is part of their national heritage and sits near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra. The environmental integrity of these islands affects Seychelles’ reputation as a conservation leader and could impact tourism revenues that support the national economy. Proper oversight ensures development does not compromise irreplaceable natural assets.

Dr Ebrahim visited Assomption on December 11, 2025, to assess environmental compliance at the hotel site, producing two reports for the commission. Negative findings included no quarantine facilities for biosecurity checks, sinkholes being filled for villa construction contrary to ESIA requirements, and lack of geological surveys. However, positive findings confirmed no soil importation was observed and drone footage verified compliance with restrictions on foreign soil.

Assomption has historically been recognised for its exceptional biodiversity, particularly as one of the most important green turtle nesting sites in Seychelles. The island’s proximity to Aldabra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, means any development there carries significant ecological responsibilities. International best practices require stringent biosecurity measures when developing near sites of exceptional conservation value.

Richard Baxter testified that he first learned of the hotel project through colleagues at the Seychelles Islands Foundation. He raised concerns about biosecurity, citing the introduction of the Madagascar fody on Assomption, which later reached Aldabra. Baxter warned that impacts from Assomption may go unnoticed in Aldabra’s remote areas for months or years, making mitigation impossible. The commission will now hold in-camera sessions before resuming public hearings in March.

Conservation and development must be integrated to ensure both environmental protection and quality visitor experiences.

📷 Image source: Office of the President — statehouse.gov.sc