Seychelles is an enchanting archipelago filled with talcum-powder beaches and rare plants and wildlife. It is also sinking due to climate change, threatening one of the world’s most pristine environments.
By Pamela Grant

Off the coast of east Africa, on the Indian Ocean, sits an archipelago of breathtaking granite and coral islands in the Indian Ocean. They are islands that contain natural treasures, but they are also the poster child for the impact of rising oceans due to climate change. The 115 islands of Seychelles have been called magical, beautiful, a haven for marine life, and one of the most ecologically interesting places on the face of the earth. Unfortunately, the islands also serve as an example of the tremendous loss of environment that is occurring as a result of climate change and rising oceans. For now, the white beaches lapped by the azure ocean waters, lush tropical jungles, unique biodiversity, and idyllic lifestyle are intact, making the islands an ideal destination for ecotravelers.

Waters Rising and Warming
Seychelles’ residents support themselves mostly through tourism and tuna fishing. Unique environmentally, it is also unique culturally. Seychelles has a matriarchal society, and French and Seychellois Creole are the official languages, reflecting a history of French settlement in the 18th century and the importation of African slaves. In 1976, the archipelago became the Republic of Seychelles, a country now focused on preserving its natural environment. One–third of the marine territory and one-half of the land area is already protected. The largest city by far is the capital city of Victoria on the island of Mahé which has almost 23,000 residents. Other main cities have populations under 4,200 people, so between the small population and the large area of protected lands, it is truly easy to escape. Mahé is the main island and along with the neighboring islands of Digue and Praslin, forms the cultural and economic hub.

Climate change is having a measurable impact on the islands in several ways. The start of the seasons is changing, and fishing has been pushed further out due to changes in the water temperature. Coral bleaching is a consequence of abnormally high water temperatures, and salt-water intrusion of coastal buildings is getting to be a more common occurrence. Eco-travelers have an unusual opportunity to visit a pristine natural environment and assist with preservation efforts through their choice of activities.

Dazzling in Every Way
Everyone agrees, Seychelles' tropical beauty is breathtaking. A visit to the splendid Morne Seychellois National Park is a natural choice to start a visit because it encompasses 20 percent of Mahé’s land area and is filled with coastal mangrove forests, holds the highest mountain called Morne Seychellois, and has an extensive trail network, making it possible to visit deep inland. It is also an excellent location for viewing the wonderful flora and fauna flourishing in its natural habitat, like the

Seychelles Scops Owl and the Jellyfish Tree, both once thought to be extinct. Several of the islands have sanctuaries where wildlife spotting is a joy. The giant Aldabra tortoises lumber freely around the Curieuse Marine National Park, and Bird Island, the northernmost island, is appropriately named because it is home to spectacular birds like the white fairy tern and black noddy tern, white-tailed tropical birds that nest at the foot of cedar trees, and millions of sooty terns that nest on open grass land. Watch where walking though because giant tortoises are slowly making their way around the island at will. The national bird, the Seychelles Black Parrot, is easily spotted on its native island of Praslin. The most unusual indigenous plant visitors see is the Coco de Mer which grows 100 feet tall and 40-pound bi-lobal seeds.

There are reserves on all the main islands, including the Aride Island Nature Reserve on the tiny island of Aride; the Sainte Anne Marine National Park near Victoria, extending over six islands, where green turtles feed on sea grass meadows; and the Veuve Reserve on La Digue Island, the only spot in the world where visitors can see the endangered Black Paradise Flycatcher. There are plenty of four-and five-star luxury resorts and self-catering apartments. To make the stay a bit more cultural, stay in a family-run guesthouse and get to know some of the residents.

Hiking is not the only way to experience Seychelles. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities that open up a whole world of ecotourism. In fact, there are ways to enjoy the sight of vividly colored tropical fish and coral reefs while contributing to marine conservation. Organizations like Go Eco bring volunteers together to enjoy the stunning biodiversity while collecting data for research purposes. Whether hiking or doing water activities, visitors are bound to end up on one of the beaches that are so dazzling white they are almost blinding. The large Anse à la Mouche beach is on a calm bay on Mahé. The Anse Bonnet Carré on La Digue is only accessible by foot, so visitors are almost guaranteed privacy while enjoying the shallow warm waters. The Anse Georgette on Praslin Island is another stunning powder-soft sand beach, and this one is ideal for swimming. This is just a sample of the many beaches that drive eco-tourists to say, “So many beaches…so little time.”

Get to Know the Creole Culture
There are other things to do besides laze on a beach in the warm sun. Mingling with the people and getting familiar with the unique culture of Seychelles is an experience, too. Roam the colorful Victoria market and talk to the locals while browsing the booths filled with fruits, vegetables, and local crafts. At the Domaine de Val des Prés on Mahé, experience the Creole culture in craft workshops, a typical 20th century working class home, architecture, food, and gifts solely made from coconut. It is one attraction of the Patrimwann, a name given to four attractions highlighting the Creole heritage. The other attractions are the Las Bastille, the Kreol Institute, and the Ecomuseum.

So many places on earth have been damaged by over development, and Seychelles was on its way to being one of them. Fortunately, the government chose to move in the direction of environmental protection, and that means a spot of paradise is preserved. We can only hope that the climate will cooperate too.

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