Officials, stakeholders and scientists gather to mark 50 years of “one of the world's greatest surviving natural treasures” |25 April 2022

The conference was not only a chance to celebrate the anniversary, but also allowed the mingling of those who share common interest and dedication for Aldabra. Pictured from left to right: Sheriffa Morel, Marc Jean-Baptiste, Hon. Bernard Georges, Minister

Officials and scientists involved in the protection and management of Aldabra atoll have attended the research symposium, ‘Aldabra: 50 years of navigating the tides of science and conservation to build a resilient future for an exceptional atoll’.

The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) and the Royal Society joined together on Thursday April 21 to create a hybrid event in London to celebrate a momentous milestone for Seychelles. The Aldabra research station celebrated its 50th year of continuous operation last year on June 30, 2021, making it one of the longest running tropical research stations in the world. With over half a century of research shared, the symposium offered a look towards what must take place to address climate change and biodiversity loss, not only showing the lessons learnt from conserving this exceptional atoll, but incredible scientific work and dedication being carried out by an African small island developing state (Sids).

Opening the ceremony were representatives from the Royal Society and Seychelles, Professor Yadvinder Malhi CBE FRS, professor at the University of Oxford and Royal Society Fellow, who commented, “it is really pleasing to see the Royal Society and SIF working together in today’s programme, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the station. To look back on research that has been done, but also to draw attention to the importance of the scientific work still going on.”

Shortly followed by Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment Minister Flavien Joubert who remarked: “I am proud, as a Seychellois that we have continued to protect the atoll, and that despite being a nation that has struggled to prosperity, we didn’t sell out. We recognised early, and continue to recognise the value of our natural heritage.”

Speakers at the research symposium included scientists and conservationists from Seychelles, as well as former staff and visiting researchers, who have all worked or contributed to research on the atoll. The session topics all centered around past and current research taking place on Aldabra, paving the way for a clearer vision for this exceptional place. The sessions varied in topics, from managing endemic and iconic species, bridging the gap between information and actual implementation, the implications of invasive mammals (such as rats and feral cats) for the atoll and its ecosystem, as well as a look into the future and Aldabra’s adaptivity to climate change.

With the support of the British High Commission in Seychelles, SIF was able to secure the funding for an additional five Seychellois scientists and staff to join the Seychelles delegation, as well as the further support for 10 Seychellois students studying in the United Kingdom within the environmental field, who also had the opportunity to attend the event as future pioneers for conservation in Seychelles.

Approximately 140 people attended the in-person event at the Royal Society Carlton House Terrace, with a further 400 plus tuning in online via YouTube from around the globe.

Chief executive of SIF, Dr Frauke Fleischer-Dogley, took on the last scientific talk of the evening, and shared warmly: “it has been an experience, in itself, to share this day with so many of you who have been giving their whole life to the atoll. We thank you for that.”

To close the sessions, keynote speakers who presented throughout the day, came together for an engaging panel discussion, gathering questions from both the in-person and online participants. The session was chaired by Honourable Bernard Georges, chairman of the Seychelles Islands Foundation, and saw Dr Frauke Fleischer-Dogley, Professor Yadvinder Malhi CBE FRS, Professor Heather Koldewey, Professor Nick Graham, Professor Carl Jones MBE and Dr Fanny Douvere take on the discussion.

In his concluding remarks, Hon Georges added: “I don’t think I can leave this topic without thanking every scientist, every one of you, who have given so much to Aldabra over the years. Who saved it from a fate worse than death, and who are here today still, and are contributing with your presence and insights to the continuing work that Aldabra faces.”

The Aldabra 50th anniversary symposium ended in the late afternoon, and was followed by a short reception and poster viewing.

Press release from SIF