(Posted 04th September 2025)
As international media, reporting Africa wide on conservation issues on a regular basis, we are compelled to voice deep concern over recent events on Assomption Island, situated only a short distance from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra Atoll. Reports received from Mahe confirm that one of the endemic giant tortoise – a species iconic to Seychelles and featured on its national emblem – has been found dead, trampled during ongoing construction for an “eco-tourism” hotel development.
Added information also suggests that dredging has been witnessed on the island, something which is equally destructive and seems to have turned government supervision into a farce. Some sources on Mahe have even suggested that they suspect government collusion and point to official efforts of concealment of activities on Assomption Island such as strictly prohibited photography.
This development raises serious questions about Seychelles’ commitment to its reputation as a global leader in conservation. The government has long presented Seychelles as a small island state championing biodiversity and climate responsibility. Yet the destruction of endemic wildlife in the shadow of Aldabra undermines that credibility.
President Wavel Ramkalawan has, on multiple occasions, pledged that environmental stewardship would be a national priority. The current incident, however, suggests a profound disconnect between words and practice. Allowing protected species to perish during construction works reflects poorly not only on local enforcement but also on national leadership.
The controversy surrounding Assomption has already spilled beyond Seychelles’ shores. Disputes linked to the development are now scheduled to be settled in Qatar – a process that risks exposing the country’s environmental contradictions before an international tribunal. This is a sobering reality for a nation whose global image rests heavily on its role as guardian of fragile island ecosystems.
The trampling of a single tortoise may seem isolated, but symbolically it represents much more: the willingness to sacrifice irreplaceable biodiversity for short-term gain, the failure to uphold the sanctity of heritage sites, and the erosion of public trust in conservation commitments.
Seychelles stands at a crossroads. Environmentalists are watching. The world is watching. To retain its standing as a true leader in environmental protection, its government must urgently reconcile its rhetoric with its actions.
Added information can be found via Instagram / Friends of Aldabra which has reported the following details:
This is the FIRST time in 2025 that photo evidence has been LEAKED of Assomption Island. ?
We say ‘leaked’ because taking photos and videos has been strictly prohibited since construction began – a red flag in today’s world of instant livestreams. What was there to hide?
Well, now we know. The images reveal dredging – one of the most disruptive activities for marine ecosystems.
Even small-scale seabed or shoreline alterations in the Seychelles can cause lasting damage, wiping out sea turtle nesting sites, destroying vital seagrass foraging grounds, smothering coral reefs that host an abundance of life and accelerating coastal erosion.
Not to mention, ILLEGAL!
The leak has already sparked #panic in government circles, with officials making an emergency trip to Assomption. Let’s see what comes of it?
Share this post with your friends to spread the word. Elections are coming up and NOW is the time to be asking questions. Email your representatives and make some noise. ?
