After years of relying on small backup generators, Aride Island has made a transformative leap towards sustainability by installing a state-of-the-art solar Photo-Voltaic plant.  This milestone project, made possible through generous donations from ICS’s international partners, including the Cadbury Trust, the Bower Trust, and ICS (UK), marks a significant step forward in energy self-sufficiency and the island’s conservation obligations.

Previously dependent on intermittent generator power, the Island Conservation Society (ICS) staff and residents now benefit from 24/7 clean energy. The new solar setup is a 3-phase 42 kWp plant of 99 solar panels, 18 kW of battery inverters, and 92 kWh of lithium-ion battery storage.

Anthony Bentley, Reserve Manager at Aride, highlights the dramatic improvements:
"Our lives have changed dramatically. We used to rely on generators with continuous issues, limited to just 10 hours of power daily—noon to 2 PM and 6 PM to 2 AM. Now, we enjoy full nights of uninterrupted sleep with ceiling fans running, and no one needs to wake up at 2 AM to turn off the generator!"
The benefits extend beyond comfort: fully functioning fridges and freezers ensure that perishable food stays fresh, and chilled drinks are readily available. “The quality of life has improved significantly,” Bentley adds.

The plant supplied and installed over five days by local Seychellois-owned company Energy Solutions Seychelles, promises longevity with solar panels expected to last 25 years, lithium-ion batteries and inverters for up to 15 years. To maximize efficiency, a climate-controlled room now houses the batteries and inverters, ensuring optimal performance through regular maintenance.

The next big sustainability project on Aride is the installation of its first desalination plant. Currently, drinking water is transported from Praslin, but plans are underway to install a desalination plant, providing the island with a self-sufficient, potable water supply.
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This solar initiative is more than a technological upgrade; it embodies Aride Special Reserve’s commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that this pristine natural reserve remains a beacon of sustainability for generations to come.

​2024 was a year for birds due to the sheer volume of sightings across Seychelles. These birds often migrate from Europe and Central Asia to Africa, with some stopping on the islands to rest or sometimes they are blown off course. Each observation contributes to a growing archive for Seychelles which is maintained by the Seychelles Bird Records Committee (SBRC). This long-term data helps to build our understanding of the migratory patterns and supports conservation efforts for these species, many of which face threats worldwide.

Aride Island Special Nature Reserve is renowned as an important seabird colony site in the Indian Ocean, boasting the largest population of several seabird species globally. Yet, this year, it was a tree species unique to the island that captured the spotlight: the Rothmannia annae, commonly known as the Wright’s Gardenia or ‘Bwa sitron’ in Creole.
Wright’s Gardenia is endemic to Aride, meaning this small granitic inner Island of Seychelles of approximately 72 hectares, is the only place where this plant species occurs naturally in the world. This extremely limited geographical distribution means that the tree is classified as Critically Endangered and is featured on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the past, this sturdy wood was harvested for firewood and hence in the late 1990s and early 2000 it became rare and then disappeared on all the islands of Seychelles, except for Aride.

The protection of this species has always been important for the Island Conservation Society (ICS) - which manages Aride Island, not only for aesthetics but also for biodiversity conservation. The Wright’s Gardenia has arguably, one of the most spectacular and scented flowers amongst the endemic trees of Seychelles. The white flowers tinged with tiny dots of purple and magenta has been immortalized on the 25 rupee note of Seychelles and stamps of Seychelles. The fruit itself is not a lemon or “sitron’ as its Creole name suggests, as - although folkloric says it is edible – it does not have many purpose in the local cuisine. Albeit its lack of purposeful use in modern times, ICS have collaborated with many organisations and individuals to reintroduce this endemic plant species on other islands. Hence, the Wright’s Gardenia can be spotted on islands such as Fregate, Silhouette and even on Praslin and Mahé.

On Aride, the Wright’s Gardenia grows best in rocky, nutrient-poor soil, mostly around the highest parts of the island.  Every five to seven years a detailed census is undertaken to locate and tag each tree growing on the island. This year, it took a team of eight staff and volunteers, 272 hours to find all the trees through dense foliage and challenging terrain. Once a Wright’s Gardenia tree is found, it is given a metal tag with its number on it, or if it is an old one, its tag number is recorded. A GPS point is recorded so the spread of the species across the island over time can be charted. Its height is also recorded, and any surrounding saplings, fruits and seedlings are counted. 

The result was astounding: a total of 2,913 trees, nearly 1,000 more trees than found in the last census in 2017. Some trees had over 1,000 seedlings, which indicates that this species is thriving on the island.  

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.

At just 21, Saddiqua Fanny-Al-Abdulla has chosen a path that few young women would consider—becoming a conservation ranger on remote islands in the Seychelles. Her journey began after secondary school when she enrolled at the Maritime Academy, choosing to pursue her passion for the ocean and conservation over more traditional career options.

“I had done 5 months of work based attachment on Cousin Island, and that opened my eyes to what conservation really entails," Saddiqua says. The experience solidified her desire to work in conservation, particularly on secluded islands. After completing her studies, she secured a position as a ranger on Cousin Island, where she worked for 3 months. This early exposure helped Saddiqua gain valuable experience, particularly in terrestrial conservation.

Her second chance to work on another island came through a transformative 9-month internship on Fregate Island where, she had the unique opportunity to deepen her expertise in the terrestrial field, focusing on turtle monitoring, habitat rehabilitation, and wildlife monitoring, including birds, invertebrates, and reptiles. She then completed a Marine Scholarship programme with WiseOceans on Mahe where she gained hands on experience in Marine Conservation through reef surveys, CoralWatch, Invertebrate Surveys and Seagrass monitoring.

Earlier this year, she joined the Island Conservation Society (ICS), and her first assignment was on Aride Island. Saddiqua embraced the challenge. “The highlight of my stay on Aride was being able to do Seychelles Magpie Robin monitoring again," she shares, because it is one of her favourite birds. Her time there, however, was brief, and soon she was posted to Ile Platte, a more remote island where ICS had recently established a new conservation center.

The first view of Ile Platte's lagoon from the plane amazed Saddiqua. “I was intrigued and itching to explore it,” she recalls. Since arriving, Saddiqua has immersed herself in both marine and terrestrial conservation efforts. The island’s lagoon is rich in marine biodiversity, and Saddiqua’s team has already identified five species of rays and two species of sharks, among other creatures. At high tide, she switches her focus to terrestrial work, which includes monitoring tortoises and birds and collecting important data for national conservation records.

Working alongside the Island Development Company (IDC) and with the island's hotel staff, Saddiqua finds no shortage of things to do. Her love for nature extends to photography, which she enjoys in her free time, capturing the beauty of Ile Plate.
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Living away from her family, including her 12-year-old brother, has not been difficult for her. “I have everything I need here to live and work comfortably because it is not my first time away from home,” Saddiqua explains. For now, she’s content on Ile Plate, looking forward to exploring more of what the island has to offer, but remains open to whatever new island adventures may come her way. Until then, Saddiqua hopes more people can experience island life and conservation as she has.

There’s a nostalgic song by Thomas Alexis which we were taught as children and often comes to mind whenever we prepare to leave Aride Island. It goes like this.
“Annou pous nou pti pirog, dan delo, dan delo…
Annou pous nou pti pirog, pou al lapes pwason tou kouler, laba dan fon lanmer.”
 
The song captures the joy of fishermen as they happily push their traditional “pirogue” into the sea to go fishing. It evokes the simple life of the islanders and the necessity of going out to sea. But here on Aride Island, even if the traditional canoe has been replaced by the much lighter and more modern Rigid inflatable boat or RIB, (bright orange in colour!), pushing the boat to leave the island is not such an enjoyable experience - especially during the rough and windy South-east monsoon.
 
Aride Island, located near Praslin Island is a Special Reserve managed by the Island Conservation Society (ICS). A small team of seven to ten staff live permanently on the island, which has only one accessible beach close to their living quarters. Life on the island fosters a deep respect for nature, as daily activities are shaped by their surrounding environment. From the constant chorus of birds to the hundreds of curious lizards and watchful geckos, the island is teeming with wildlife, and the human presence is just a small part of a larger natural world.
 
However, some luxuries are required and thus, a trip to Praslin Island is a weekly necessity. Aride’s rugged and secluded terrain, particularly during the Southeast monsoon, when the strong wind and current expose jagged coral heads and large boulders, makes leaving the island difficult and some days even impossible.
 
Only the brave few and those that truly need to would leave once a week for a shopping trip to Praslin. On that day, the islanders gather early in the morning, some clutching their amulets or after offering a quiet prayer for protection. Loading the orange RIB with empty fuel containers, bottles, a few bags and litter, they wait patiently in the surf, watching the waves and listening to the boatman’s signal to launch. Thereafter a tense ritual lasting several minutes pursue. Splash! Splash! Splash! Each waves are followed by grunts mixed with a few foul words and comments as the battered islanders try to keep the boat steady. Finally, the boatman shouts, “Annou!” (Let's go!), and with seconds to spare, he starts the engine, and as if on cue the passengers fumble onboard, soaked but relieved.
 
Despite the exhilaration of finally departing, it's not without risk or discomfort. The small orange boat skids past one wave at a time, revving regularly. Huddled together, the brave few have their eyes peeled on the next incoming wave and rarely have time to assess the cuts and scratches or the aching and soaring they may have endured, as this is a vital part of life on Aride. The journey to Praslin takes about 45 minutes, a ride fraught with drama as the boat navigates through open water, past Île au Fou, and close to Anse Kerlan, and finally landing in the shallow and calmer beach of Grand Anse. Upon arrival, the boatman calls the island to confirm the group’s safe passage, bringing relief to those left behind. This journey is repeated each week, alternating passengers so everyone has a chance to visit Praslin for groceries and reconnect with family and friends.
 
Living on Aride is an exercise in resilience, dictated by the rhythms of the sea and the whims of the weather. It’s a lifestyle that requires respect for nature’s unpredictable forces—a far cry from the carefree joy of pushing a pirogue, as celebrated in that old children’s song.
 
Contributed by Sharon Meriton-jean
 

Gloria, a recent volunteer on Aride Island, describes her experience as one of the most enriching and transformative adventures of her life. Surrounded by stunning views, unique wildlife, and a vibrant conservation community, she found herself constantly learning and adapting.

"I didn’t study conservation at university," Gloria explains, "so working on Aride meant every day brought a new discovery." Observing the behaviors of native birds and learning about the conservation efforts on the island were among the highlights for her. Each day was filled with the excitement of something new, as she quickly became immersed in the daily tasks of island life.

Some moments required teamwork and resilience, like the memorable hike to the far side of the island to launch a supply boat bound for Praslin. "We needed everyone to help push the boat through the waves," she recalls. "The hike through the forest and along the cliffs to reach the boat was an adventure with a happy ending!"

Yet, life on Aride wasn’t without its challenges. Gloria remembers one particular instance of getting lost while coming down a hill—a test she laughingly admits she didn’t win but would take on again in a heartbeat.

Perhaps the most unexpected surprise was the sense of peace and quiet she found within herself. "The nature, the color of the sea, and the tranquility of life here were unlike anything I’ve felt before," she says.
For those considering the unique opportunity of volunteering on Aride, Gloria has a few words of advice. "Come with an open mind and be prepared for the unexpected. Physical training is important too—it’s a demanding but rewarding experience that I would highly recommend to anyone."
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Aride Island has left Gloria with a deep appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and conservation, and countless memories she’ll carry with her forever.

​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.