Management Implications
Aldabra’s remote, rugged and relatively
inhospitable environment imposes severe constraints on its conservation and management.
Financial resources and practical interventions are limited. Three management options for
the future conservation a giant tortoises on Aldabra are considered together with some of
their more obvious advantages and disadvantages: no intervention whatsoever; maintenance
of the status quo; and adoption of a more
pro-active approach.
General
Recommendations
Continued Monitoring
Monitoring of tortoises, goats and
rainfall should continue, preferably on a monthly basis. Vegetation needs to be monitored
much less frequently, perhaps every 5-10 years, in the wet season. Rainfall is of
particular importance to record, because it drives primary production, upon which all else
depends.
Analytical capability should be enhanced
through further development of a tortoise population model and easy to use spreadsheet, to
provide monthly, seasonal and annual tortoise population estimates from transect data.
Remote Sensing
The potential use of remote sensing for
the monitoring of vegetation and rainfall patterns should be explored. The existing
vegetation map of Aldabra and vegetation transect data provide excellent ground truth
information for further analysis and processing of satellite imagery, such as the 1995
SPOT image of Aldabra provided through regional co-operation and French technical
assistance.
GIS Development
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are
increasingly used as an analytical and decision support tool for resource management and
environmental monitoring. The Seychelles Government has recently established a phased
programme to develop of national GIS capability, which is to include all islands. Given
the wealth of information and background knowledge that exists about the atoll’s
environment and terrestrial ecology, and the power of GIS to integrate this information,
and gain real insights for understanding and management, Aldabra is a prime candidate for
GIS development.
Assured Funding for Monitoring and Scientific Research
Having established Aldabra as a World
Heritage Site, justified on the basis of its unique environment, conservation importance
and scientific interest; and recently having invested heavily in the rehabilitation of
research and accommodation facilities, it is only logical that scientific interest and a
scientific presence be maintained on the atoll.
Sustainable funding arrangements are
essential, both to ensure continuity of long term monitoring programmes, and to stimulate
and support further scientific studies on the atoll. Consideration should be given to the
identification and dissemination of research objectives and priorities, and the
establishment of an Aldabra Research Fund, to which interested parties would be invited to
apply.
Technical Backstopping and Networking
Collaborative links with the wider
conservation and scientific community, both nationally and internationally, are required
to ensure adequate supervision and assessment of long term monitoring programmes and to
advise on research objectives and priorities.
SIF has a pivotal role to play in
the co-ordination of these activities, but in order to maximise benefits, requires
independent and authoritative advice on technical matters and the communication of
scientific findings.
Technical backstopping and
networking arrangements have a vital role to play in the decision making process and
should be strengthened.
Information Pack
An up to date guide to living and working
conditions on Aldabra is required, as an aid to research planning and logistics for
scientists and others wishing to visit Aldabra. The guide would provide general
information about travel to and from Aldabra; what facilities and supplies are available;
and what should be brought. Subjects of interest include: Accommodation; Food and Drink;
Power; Field and Camping Equipment; Field Assistance; Boats and Engines; Diving Gear;
Laboratory Facilities and Supplies; Library; Communications (Local and Long Distance);
Medical Facilities; Emergency Evacuation Procedures; and Standard Charges.
