IDC takes charge of Etoile, Boudeuse and African Banks |09 February 2023

Colony of sea birds on Etoile

By Laura Pillay

Upon the request of the government, the Islands Development Company (IDC) is assuming responsibility for three small islands within Seychelles’ territory, namely, Etoile, Boudeuse and the African Banks.

The three islands, which are environmentally protected, are all uninhabited, and were previously not under the responsibility of any entity or organisation.

Although granted protected status, law enforcement has been extremely difficult in the absence of human presence, to report and deter the activities of poachers.

Chief executive of IDC, Glenny Savy, noted yesterday that IDC will not be initiating any developments of these islands, except for environmental protection and conservation.

“We were observing a lot of exploitation of the birds, turtles and other species on the islands, so government has asked if we can take responsibility to help protect these three islands, to protect their environment,” Mr Savy stated.

Boudeuse and Etoile islands are situated near Poivre and Marie Louise islands where IDC already has a presence. As such, there is the possibility that IDC rangers and scientists working on those two islands will also be stationed on the small islands to carry out environmentally-related works.

IDC employees on Remire Island will support in doing the same for the African Banks, an island which at a point in time boasted a fairly large population of sooty terns.

According to Mr Savy this is no longer the case and the population of the bird species has plummeted in recent years, necessitating urgent conservation action.

The Boudeuse and Etoile sand cays are declared as nature reserves under the Wild Birds Protection (Nature Reserves) Regulations of 1966. The regulations prohibit the disturbance, catching, taking, shooting or killing of birds and tampering with, or destroying the eggs or nests of birds protected under the law. In addition, the regulations permit the President to appoint a number of wardens to reside in a nature reserve.

The African Banks hold important breeding grounds for seabirds and turtles.

Laura Pillay

Photo credits: IDC