​The Island Conservation Society (ICS), a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), earlier this year, participated in the 2024 Africa Conservation Forum (ACF) held in Nairobi, Kenya. This forum, which occurs every four years, serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and connecting key stakeholders dedicated to nature and biodiversity conservation across the African continent.

In previous years, the IUCN sub-regions of Africa—Eastern and Southern Africa (ESARO), West and Central Africa (PACO), and the Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (MED)—each organised their own Regional Conservation Forums. However, this year marked a significant shift as IUCN, inspired by the successful IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress held in Kigali, Rwanda, in July 2022, combined all three sub-regions into a single, unified Africa Conservation Forum.

Held over five days, the 2024 ACF centred around the theme: "African solutions for nature and people – creating transformative responses to the biodiversity and climate crisis in Africa.” The forum brought together over 700 representatives, including IUCN members, government officials, business leaders, indigenous people, local communities, and scientific experts, to evaluate conservation progress across the continent, revisit priority goals, and propose strategic directions for Africa’s key stakeholders to address the most pressing environmental and biodiversity challenges over the next 20 years.

The ACF emphasized the necessity of cooperation across countries, governments, communities, and sectors to effectively tackle the intertwined crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Other key discussions at the ACF included the promotion of agro ecological practices, nature-based solutions, and the empowerment of local communities through education and sustainable development initiatives.

ICS's participation underscored the importance of integrated, people-centered conservation solutions, particularly for unique ecosystems such as islands that are often vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities. Emma Mederic, Science Officer (Projects) at ICS, highlighted that "The Africa Conservation Forum offers a unique opportunity for originations like ours to collaborate with a diverse array of stakeholders and align our initiatives with broader continental conservation strategies. We are committed to advancing sustainable practices that protect both our island ecosystems and the marine environments they support."

A notable outcome of the forum was a renewed call to action in preparation for the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress in the United Arab Emirates in 2025. This call emphasizes the urgency of implementing transformative and integrated actions addressing the biodiversity-climate-energy nexus.
ICS is poised to leverage the connections and knowledge gained from the ACF to influence global conservation agendas and advocate for increased support for island and marine conservation projects. As the environmental challenges facing Africa and the world continue to evolve, platforms like the ACF remain crucial for fostering collaboration, innovation, and a unified approach to conservation.
Contributed by Emma Mederic, Science Officer (Projects) 

Volunteering on Aride Island has been an incredible and unforgettable experience, though not without its challenges. In my first few weeks, I was plagued by mosquitoes and even got stung by a centipede. However, the discomfort of the bites was far outweighed by the island’s breathtaking beauty and the opportunity to work alongside knowledgeable conservationists and rangers. Their passion and expertise deeply enriched my understanding of island and bird conservation.

The island’s untouched flora and fauna left me in awe; I could hardly believe the abundance of certain species, such as the skinks scurrying around and the seabirds nesting just outside my house. My time on Aride was bookended by remarkable experiences: my first week saw the translocation of 50 giant Aldabra tortoises via helicopter, and my last week was highlighted by snorkeling with whale shark. In between, I participated in the sooty tern and seabird censuses, which allowed me to explore every corner of the island and witness huge seabird colonies, including roseate terns. I also loved the weekly task of monitoring the breeding success of brown noddies and white-tailed tropicbirds, as well as helping with surveys of the bronze-eyed geckos on the island.
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Despite the challenges, I completely fell in love with Aride Island and am already planning my return.

Hi! My name is Emma and I recently completed a 9-week long data collection period on Aride Island, Seychelles which will form the basis of my MSCi Conservation and Biodiversity Degree with the University of Exeter.
My project is focused on the implications of Giant Aldabra Tortoise Herbivory on ecological structure and function across the island, and its secondary impact on the diversity and density of seabird populations (which have been decreasing in recent years). This follows the reintroduction of the species to Aride 6 years ago after their disappearance in 1978. My research was conducted at a series of 6 study sites over different parts of the island: 3 tortoise inhabited (Plateau, Lodge Hill and East Hill) and 3 tortoise uninhabited (Beach, Boathouse and West Hill), where I observed tortoise feeding habits, sampled tortoise dung and conducted vegetation and seabird density surveys.
I will be analysing my data to determine differences in vegetation structure and seabird populations between tortoise-inhabited and uninhabited areas to determine whether tortoise reintroduction can be used as an ecological tool for ecosystem restoration.
My experience on the island was unforgettable and I feel extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to conduct my research in such a unique, diverse and beautiful location. The staff were all extremely friendly and helpful to me and my research partner, Sophie Richterová. 
 Thank you Aride and ICS Seychelles, and best of luck with the new tortoise arrivals!

I have visited and got to know different countries and experience nature from around the world. But nothing has affected me as deeply as Aride. The experience is an unforgettable one. 

I have some knowledge of plants and on the Island, I was able to make my own small contribution in plant propagation, but I also learnt a lot. The breeding season was spectacular and those who were on the island showed me a new world and I thank them very much.

The comforts are not 5-star hotel-like but I had no problems. It's not for everyone, but it's not so bad either and the connection to the outside world was there often. 

And if there was no connection, I talked to those who are now my new friends, which is even better!

The initial idea was to take care of nature, but I return home with the feeling that nature took care of me. If you have the chance, you like nature and are not afraid of a lack of comfort, you cannot miss the opportunity to spend a few months in Aride. 
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As for me, I will go back as soon as I can!!!

Every year two students from the Seychelles Maritime Academy are given the opportunity to experience life on an island of Seychelles through a partnership with the Island Conservation Society (ICS). This year, two 2nd year students from the Fisheries Science Course spent two months on Aride Island as part of their internship. This is what the students had to say about this unique experience:
 
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Leah Celestine, 18 year-old
“Aride was quite different from what I’d imagined. It was much more peaceful and pristine. However, living on the Island, had its challenges, such as the lack of clean drinkable water, electricity and signal. There are also no shops on Aride, which is why frequent boat trips to Praslin are essential even in rough weather, which can be a bit scary!
On the other hand, this has been an eye-opening experience. It was an opportunity for me to work with wildlife, learn more about nature, learn how to protect it and appreciate what it has to offer. Whilst on the island, tasks such as daily tour guiding helped me gain confidence to speak in front of a crowd, and improve my socializing skills, whilst also helping me to step out of my comfort zone.

At 18 years old, this was also the first time I lived alone, away from my parents and this has strengthened my independence and helped me to budget and plan ahead.
Teamwork is also a great aspect of living on an island. With only 8 people on the island, the more muscles we had to do a task: the better. For example, we covered more ground as a team whilst doing vegetation clearance and planting.

I would surely encourage other people to volunteer on Aride Island as my two -months have been nothing less than fascinating. I got to work with different seabirds. I watched baby sea turtles as they emerged on their first quest to reach the ocean. I spent hours admiring the breathtaking scenery. And I met some amazing people along the way. I will miss many of these things but certainly not the mosquitoes!”

           Melissa Servina, 18 year-old
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“I spent two months on the island during which I gained lots of knowledge and self-confidence. Working on Aride, I had to help out with the visitors and as a shy person, this helped me to become more confident and independent.  Aride is beautiful and peaceful, but this also brings other setbacks.  I did not expect that we would not have electricity throughout the day, as well as phone network problems.
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Twice a week, the boat left to go to Praslin Island and I had to budget how I spent my money on food, as well as try to save up. Our regular tasks included helping with the boat and assisting the Rangers in their work, such as bird monitoring.

One of my favourite memories I'll cherish forever, was when I helped to release sea turtle hatchlings and saw them crawling their way to the ocean. Aride truly has made an impact on me. It made me realize how passionate I am about the environment and gave me the motivation to keep following my dreams.
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To those who have not been to this island: Aride is a dream, and it should be on your bucket list!”

To apply for an internship, students should contact their respective schools or contact Island Conservation Society (ICS) on the different social media platforms to receive more information. ​

Recently, we had a visit from Jo Lilicrap, one of our volunteers in 1991, on Aride Island Nature Reserve.
This is what she wrote:

"I loved being on the island from my first day there, despite the relative hardships of life on Aride. I didn’t leave the island much during my time there, so we relied on the boatmen to buy our supplies every week, and we could also pick and eat fruits and vegetables grown on the island. We were also fortunate that Ogilvey fished regularly and cooked us gorgeous Creole fish and other #Seychelles dishes. If the boat was going to #Praslin, we would get up early to pick fruit and vegetables to sell—I specifically remember picking chillis, a job I didn’t particularly enjoy. Another job I disliked was hand washing bed sheets with well water, something I was expecting to relive when I visited in April this year, and which I happily avoided!
This time round, it also felt like luxury to have a flushing toilet, shower, fridge, and ceiling fan. Something we had in 1991 that is not available today was an ‘oven’ which could be placed over the stove flame—we regularly cooked cakes and homemade pizza; talking to the staff on Aride, I think it’s something they would appreciate having! Other differences were the introduction of tortoises and magpie robins, a fuller canopy on the plateau and a few more buildings.
Despite the differences, so much felt familiar when we arrived on Aride. The beauty of the beach still amazed, the heat and humidity still made everyday tasks tiring, the mosquitoes still left their mark, and the noise of the waves and birds still lulled us to sleep.

I left the island feeling very relaxed and knowing that Aride is such a special place that must be protected for future generations. I hope I will be able to return soon to witness the ongoing work there."

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My stay on Desroches Island as a volunteer for ICS was a delight. I learned what the necessary conservation work on a remote island is like. The importance of an organisation that keeps track of different species and their breeding behavior is tremendous. After a learning phase I was able, to contribute my part in the weekly tasks of the team. I conducted turtle patrol to determine, if Green turtles had came to the beach during the night to lay their eggs. I also helped collecting data about the number of different sea birds and their behavior as well.
I am grateful, that organisations like ICS invest time and energy in protecting endangered species, like the beautiful Wedge-tailed shearwater, whom a regularly visit to their nests at nightfall became one of my favorite activities.

​I also learned a lot about tortoises and their behavior since another one of my tasks was
 feeding and caring for the hatchlings and juveniles in the sanctuary. On these occasions, I could interact with the visiting guests. I have rarely seen creatures as lovely as these little fellows, which made the "work" a real joy. However, the sheer amount of tortoises in the juvenile pen made the food collection a challenging task; unfortunately tortoises do not like palm leaves! I even witnessed a tortoise laying eggs, which is a very rare sight. Sadly, for the safety of the hatchlings we had to move the nest, because she laid in the middle of the road. But my team was sure that the eggs would survive the move. 

I definitely got sensitized in regard of my behavior as a consumer of one way plastic packages and
bottles, when we did the beach cleanup together with a group of other people from the island. That time, we collected a jaw-dropping 183 kilos of waste, which is a huge number, especially knowing that next month the beach will again be polluted.

My report would not be complete, if I would not mention the few downsides the live on such a
remote island brings with it. I learned what it means, to live with almost no internet and to be dependent on the materials available on the island. I like to think of this as part of the experience but it should not be underestimated.

Besides that, I was very happy with the accommodation of course and the delicious meals I could enjoy every day. I also made some amazing friends and spend a wonderful time with them.  I will definitely not forget my time on Desroches.

Thank you everyone! 
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Peter

The Island Conservation Society (ICS) is an NGO which has the mandate to conserve and monitor the dynamic and vulnerable island ecosystems of six of the Seychelles Inner and Outer Island group, namely, Alphonse, Aride, Cosmoledo, Desroches, Farquhar and Silhouette. Each Conservation centre has a small team of dedicated and experienced conservationists that work with the Island Conservation Society Head Office, Island Development Company (IDC) and tourism establishments to achieve their collective conservation goals.

The Alphonse Island group is comprised of three sand cays, each dominated by unique habitats that are ideal for nesting and roosting seabirds. The resource-rich lagoons surrounding each island and the abundant life in the deep oceans provide an abundance of food for seabirds. ICS has been monitoring the population numbers and breeding success of all nesting seabird species in the Alphonse Group, including Red-footed boobies, Wedge-tailed shearwaters and Black-naped terns since they began working on Alphonse in 2007.

Until 2019, Red-footed boobies roosted in large numbers of up to 20000 individuals on St. Francois Island throughout the year but had never nested in the Alphonse Group. For several years, conservationists were so convinced that this was the perfect place for the red-footed boobies to nest that they considered using artificial red-footed boobies placed on artificial nests in an attempt to encourage the large population to start nesting there. But before they got a chance to test this theory, one pair of Red-footed boobies decided for themselves and laid an egg high up in a Casuarina tree in 2019. Since then, the number of nesting pairs has increased every year with 16 currently active nests. This is great news because it means that this species is showing signs of recovery after many years of population decline.

Wedge-tailed shearwaters nest in small burrows in the sand or soil, making their defenceless chicks particularly vulnerable to predators such as rats and cats. Despite the predation pressure from these alien invasive species present on Alphonse Island, this seabird nested here in small numbers for many years before being given a helping hand by the ICS conservation team. In 2017, they placed rat and cat traps around the shearwater colony to protect the chicks during the breeding season. This innovation has been incredibly successful, with the number of chicks leaving the nest at the end of the breeding season going up from only 9 before the traps were placed to over 50 in the last two years.

Although the shearwater colony on Alphonse is increasing, the colony on Bijoutier is facing a different challenge. This small island has been shifting several meters in an easterly direction every year for more than 20 years, losing its ideal nesting habitat as it moves. As a result, the number of nesting pairs has gone from 80-90 to only 20-25 in the last few years. As the sand builds up on the new, and eastward side of the island, it presents opportunities for other species that thrive on long beach crests such as sea turtles.  As the pioneer vegetation continues to establish, however, the amount of nesting habitat for the wedge-tailed shearwaters will hopefully start to increase.

St. Francois is also an important nesting area for the Black-naped tern, making up 5% of the national breeding population. Black-naped terns lay their camouflaged eggs directly onto the sand which makes them particularly vulnerable to predation and disturbance. St. Francois has ideal nesting habitat for this species because it is free of invasive species such as rats and cats and also has very limited human activity, especially on the beaches. The ICS conservation team regularly visits St. Francois throughout the year and monitors the breeding success and behaviour of this species.  Although variable, the breeding population seems to be stable.

As the threats from climate change become more apparent, such as rising sea levels and increased strength of storms, sea birds are some of the species most vulnerable. By keeping track of population size and breeding success, the ICS team can stay ahead of any threats that may arise, allowing these incredible birds to not only survive but thrive.

Contributed by Kaeleah Andrews, Assistant Conservation officer of Alphonse Group