A Second Female Ranger Joins ICS - Meet Naila Vidot

My name is Naila Vidot, and I am a young assistant ranger from Desroches Island. I have always been passionate about the ocean, the environment, and various animal species. Since a young age, I knew that my future career would have to align with these passions. As the renowned author Mark Twain once said, “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

My journey began when I started watching environmental documentaries in my spare time after school. And, I later enrolled in the Maritime Academy, where I pursued a two-year course in fisheries science and technology. Upon completing the program, I aspired to further my knowledge in the environmental field at the Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I could not secure a position there.

During my first year at the Maritime Academy, I completed a two-month work-based attachment with the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) in the Ste. Anne Marine National Park, where my daily duties included patrolling and monitoring. This experience was invaluable for a young learner like me.

At 19, I am embarking on a new chapter of my life as I move out of my parent’s home for the first time. This opportunity will not only allow me to build my confidence and social skills but also provide me with a chance to gain valuable experience in the environmental field. With the knowledge and skills, I acquire, I am confident that I can share my passion for the environment with my peers and my seven-year-old brother, who has recently developed an interest in wildlife.

Joining the ICS and visiting the Outer Islands of Seychelles, have always been a cherished aspiration of mine. Consequently, when the opportunity arose to join the Desroches team, it felt like achieving a dual objective. I am therefore confident that my experience on Desroches will be an exceptionally enriching one; especially since joining Lisa and James.
On my fifth day of joining the team, I had the privilege of accompanying them on their nightly ‘Wedge-tailed Shearwater’ breeding census, an ongoing project undertaken by the ICS. This provided me with the opportunity to witness my first nesting shearwater. Additionally, I had the delightful experience of feeding our renowned giant tortoises during the day. So far, my time on Desroches has been a truly memorable one.

I strongly encourage young individuals and anyone else to volunteer and participate in any environmental or wildlife activities scheduled shortly. This will allow them to gain a first-hand understanding of the awe-inspiring nature of being surrounded by the environment and the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit our islands.
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I fervently hope that more people will have the opportunity to experience island life and turn their dreams into reality.