Plans for a five-star resort on Assumption Island in Seychelles, near the Aldabra Atoll—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—have drawn sharp criticism from environmental advocates, including the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF).
The non-profit, with Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan as its patron, is calling for the project to be halted, citing ecological concerns.
The Aldabra Atoll, a pristine chain of coral islands managed by the SIF, lies over 1,000 kilometres southwest of the main island, Mahé. Known for its unique ecosystems and endangered species, Aldabra has long been a focal point for conservation. The proposed resort, set to be managed by Rosewood Resorts, would include 37 luxury villas and four restaurants spread across 61 hectares on Assumption Island, part of the Aldabra group.
Shift in plans raises questions
Initially slated for Coëtivy Island in Seychelles’ outer islands, the luxury development was relocated to Assumption Island without public notice. This decision has sparked concerns over transparency.
“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 Bernard Georges, Chairperson of the SIF.
The Seychelles government approved the project following an environmental impact assessment (EIA) conducted by the Island Conservation Society (ICS). The report highlights measures to mitigate environmental harm, including setting structures back 40 metres from the high-water mark and restricting construction on sensitive dunes. However, critics have called for an independent EIA, citing ICS’s ties to the Islands Development Company (IDC), which is a project partner alongside Qatar-based Assets Development Company.
Concerns over marketing and impact
Opposition to the project extends to its marketing campaign, which SIF argues misrepresents the ecological impact. “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,” SIF said in a statement.
Georges added: “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.”
