Friends of Aldabra has held another meeting with the government following a visit to Assomption Island earlier this week, as questions remain over plans for a proposed hotel development.
In a video update, members of the group said following the visit on Monday, 1 December, the government’s intentions regarding the project were still unclear.
“we still had lots and lots of questions because the government’s plans in regards to the hotel development on Assomption Island still remain unclear” said Victoria Duthil
Aside from the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), which has been mandated to oversee biosecurity on Assomption, Friends of Aldabra was the only non-governmental organisation invited to take part in the visit. The Island Conservation Society (ICS), which carried out the environmental impact assessment as part of the conditions prior to construction, was not present.
Friends of Aldabra said it supports the stop notice issued and enforced by the government.
The group said it met this week with Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, Mr. Pierre Laporte, to discuss the financial and investment implications of the proposed development for the government of Seychelles. It also referred to the potential role of international attention, including initiatives such as the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan and the debt-for-nature swap, which supports marine protected areas around Aldabra.
Friends of Aldabra added that it met with other stakeholders during the week and held a public gathering to discuss its vision for the future of both Aldabra and Assomption. The group said it still has more questions than answers and will continue engaging with the parties involved to seek clarity.
Friends of Aldabra reiterated that it is opposed to the planned luxury hotel development on Assomption Island, as well as to large-scale developments it believes could be harmful to Assomption and Aldabra.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar-based Assets Group, Mr Abid Butt, who spoke to the media last year before the start of construction, said at the time that less than five percent of the island’s area would be dedicated to the project. He said the proposed resort would include up to 40 villas, a spa and gym, all-day dining facilities, an outdoor cinema, a children’s club, a beach club and several dining options.