A non-profit environmental protection organisation, with Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan as patron, has called for construction of a five-star hotel on Assumption Island close to the Aldabra Atoll – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to stop.

The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) manages and protects the uninhabited Aldabra Atoll located over 1 000km southwest of the main island of Mahé. Aldabra comprises a chain of four main islands and is regarded as a pristine and outstanding example of a coral atoll. The SIF is contesting a proposal for the construction of a luxury facility, comprising 37 large villas and four restaurants, on Assumption Island – located within the Aldabra group of islands. The resort would be managed by the Rosewood Resorts group.

In a press release, the foundation said the facility was initially proposed for Coëtivy Island in the archipelago’s outer islands but was shifted to Assumption Island without notice – in lieu of a 10- to 40-room eco-tourism facility initially proposed for Assumption last year.

“What was proposed for Coëtivy has ended up on Assumption. Questions we are asking now are how has this change happened and at what point? And wasn't this communicated? We feel that there was a lack of adequate communication," said SIF Chairperson Bernard Georges.

The project, a partnership between the Islands Development Company (IDC) and Qatar-based developer Assets Development Company, was given the go-ahead by government after an environmental impact assessment (EIA) by the Island Conservation Society (ICS).

According to the EIA, the development would cover an area of 61 hectares. The EIA argues that potential impacts on sensitive habitats, including unique dune ecosystems and turtle nesting sites, were considered.

“These issues have been addressed by setting back all buildings at least 40 metres from the high-water mark and by cancelling all development on the dunes other than designated walkways installed to allow access to these sites while minimising the risk of trampling and other disturbances.”

Considering the close relationship between IDC and ICS, those opposed to the project have called for an independent EIA to be conducted. The SIF has requested a review and modification in line with the status of the Aldabra islands as a scientifically important area for endangered species.

The foundation voiced particular concern about the project’s marketing campaign, which features content showcasing species that are highly sensitive to human impacts. The SIF said: “This misrepresents the project’s true nature and risks exploiting Aldabra’s reputation to promote a development that does not align with the tourism concept and experience of the Aldabra group.”

Georges said: “The project needs to be reviewed and modified so that it aligns with the interests of Aldabra as well as the country. If this does not happen, we will then see what options are available to us to ensure that our mandate is respected and protected.”