Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 17, 2025

Island Conservation Society (ICS), author of the Environment Impact Assessment (ESIA) for Assomption, welcomes the decision of the present Government and the Ministry of Environment to issue a prohibition order to the developers in view of non-compliance and breaches of the several conditions of the ESIA. Whilst irreversible harm has already occurred due to the non-compliance with the conditions and mitigation measures set forth in the ESIA and the Notice of Acceptance (NOA), ICS is hopeful that measures can be implemented swiftly to begin assessment and rehabilitation of the ecosystems on the island. 

The completion of biodiversity assessments to fully document the flora and fauna of the island remains one of the most important aspects highlighted by the ESIA. Until a comprehensive assessment of the whole island covering the different seasons on the island has been completed it will be impossible to ensure that operational activities on the island do not pose additional dangers than those already impacted by the construction activities. 

ICS is confident that if the proper measures highlighted in the ESIA and supporting documents are implemented during both construction and operational phases of the development, both development and nature can coexist on the island and ICS is keen to support Government and the developers in their efforts to ensure that all the measures set forth in the ESIA and NOA are fully adhered to and completed to the highest level.

ICS which had previously been excluded from oversight over the biodiversity assessment and implementation of the biosecurity management plan, now looks forward to being actively engaged in the processes and the way forward with all other relevant stakeholders.

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