Seychelles’ natural heritage under threat-● Poaching of coco de mer nuts reaches Vallée de Mai |31 October 2009

Recent increases in poaching incidents are now also threatening the coco de mer trees in the Vallée de Mai. As a result, the conservation efforts in Seychelles’ “Garden of Eden” are totally undermined with far-reaching consequences.

Not only is the Vallée de Mai of great cultural and biological importance, it is also an icon of Praslin and an attraction that draws over 60,000 foreign tourists to the island each year.

The actions of a few unscrupulous individuals can threaten to undermine the pride of many, including a large number who gain directly and indirectly from the economic benefits this site brings to the island and to Seychelles in general. The tourism industry on Praslin brings employment and direct income to everyone on Praslin.

Being home to a Unesco World Heritage Site contributes substantially to tourist interest in visiting. But a coco de mer palm forest without nuts is not the same, and will not survive into the future.

From the beginning of this year, in the Vallée de Mai alone, five poaching incidents have been recorded during which at least 60 nuts – from jelly to mature nuts – were stolen.

Twenty-three were recovered during a major operation.
The theft is alarming, but most depressing for staff, guides and visitors alike was the loss in June of six nuts from the most beautiful and elegant female coco de mer tree, known affectionately as “Miss VdM”.

Located near the sales clerks’ desks at the entrance to the forest, this tree was the most photographed in the entire park and represented a symbol of Praslin’s pride in its natural heritage.

The private guide Michael Jean-Louis sadly recalls: “That morning when I came to the Vallée de Mai, I felt really sad when discovering the loss of the nuts. But then I got very angry at those people who do not care and have no respect for what God has given us here on Praslin.

“For just a few rupees they have destroyed what has taken years to make. I had monitored one particular nut to see how long exactly it takes to mature.

“You have to understand: I waited six years, three months and 19 days; then some unscrupulous person stole the nut. I felt really sad that day – I think we should start taking these people to justice.”

Since it takes about seven years for a coco de mer nut to mature, the scars of these actions will take time to heal. And the opportunity for six new trees to germinate has been lost.

But the tree and its offspring are not the only victims. Known as F8 in the Seychelles Islands Foundation’s (SIF) research records, this tree is included in various studies relating to the biology of coco de mer trees, including their reproduction, longevity and role within the broader Praslinois ecosystem.

Such research is fundamental to understanding and therefore effectively managing these magnificent trees, and ensuring that they are still standing in a healthy state when our grandchildren’s children come to see them. Having survived since the time of the dinosaurs, it would be a tragedy to see the future of this palm forest foreshortened by the actions of a seemingly uncaring minority.

The SIF, a not-for-profit public trust charged with managing both Seychelles’ World Heritage Sites of the Vallée de Mai and Aldabra atoll, asks for your help in the fight against the illegal poaching of the biggest seed in the world.

Help us so that future generations can also enjoy God’s gift.
Conservation is vital. Extinction is for ever!