North Island’s New Environment Centre
Seychelles, 13 June – Much of the Seychelles’ attraction
lies in the wonders of its environment, from untouched beaches and coral reefs
to tropical forests and rare endemic species. Despite its size, this small
island nation is a pioneer in ecotourism, with the highest percentage of its landmass
protected in the world. Home to endangered species and abundant natural
splendour, it is no wonder North Island similarly seeks to protect its unique
biodiversity.
“The Environment Centre is literally and figuratively the
epicentre of North Island. Conservation lies at the very heart of our philosophy;
it is our raison d’être,” says CJ Havemann, Environment Manager. The new
facility is the hub of environmental activities on the island and serves as a
base for resident conservationists and environmental volunteers. Filled with
informative posters and artefacts on display, it is a treasure trove for
learning about the local environment.

Guests are encouraged to visit the island’s nursery and
plant a tree. North Island has cleared vast amounts of alien species and
planted hundreds and thousands of indigenous trees in their place, but there’s
still more land to rehabilitate – the perfect opportunity to offset one’s
carbon emissions in travelling to the island by helicopter. Guests are also
invited to join educational talks in the evenings to learn more about the
island’s fauna and flora and find out how they can assist in creating a ‘Noah’s
Ark’, to preserve that which allured them to the Seychelles in the first place.