Enhancing Our Heritage

Monitoring and Managing for Success in Natural World Heritage Sites

Final Assessment Aldabra Atoll

Seychelles

August 2007

1 INTRODUCTION

Aldabra atoll The Seychelles is an archipelago in the Western Indian Ocean, spread out within an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 1.3 million km2. It consists of some 115 natural islands with a total land area of about 445 km2. The islands are of two types, granite islands in the northern portions and limestone islands in the southern portions. Out of a population of 82,000, 90% lives on the main granitic island of Mahé. Aldabra, which is a raised coral atoll in the south, has a land area of 153 km2, but together with the lagoon and the channels occupies a total area of 346 km2. The atoll measures 34km x 14.5km, and Mahé island would fit inside the lagoon of Aldabra. The distance between Mahé and Aldabra is over 1000km. (See maps)

Aldabra became a Special Reserve in 1981 and a World Heritage Site in 1982. It is a prime example of a raised coral atoll and is renowned for the following: o Giant tortoises (about 100,000 – the largest population in the world) o Relatively rich terrestrial biodiversity for an atoll, with a high proportion of endemics o Diversity of marine habitats and rich marine biodiversity, especially fish o Huge seabird colonies (red-footed booby and 2 species of frigate bird) and large numbers of shore birds o Nesting green turtles and juvenile hawksbill turtles o “Mushroom” islets of eroded limestone o Limited human disturbance due to its remoteness

Under current Seychelles legislation, ‘Special Reserve’ with respect to the Aldabra site is defined as “an area set aside, in which characteristic wildlife requires protection, and in which all other interests and activities are subordinated to this end.” It therefore fits IUCN Protected Area Category 1a. However, a limited amount of educational and nature- conservation oriented tourism is allowed, so that in effect it could perhaps be classified as Category 2.

Aldabra’s isolation, rough terrain and scarcity of fresh water have been primary factors deterring large human populations from settling. Although Aldabra forms part of a group of raised limestone islands and atolls (the Aldabra group), the other islands are either no longer inhabited or very sparsely so. On Aldabra there is a small Research Station with a small resident population and a varying number of visiting scientists.. About 10 people, mostly Seychellois and employed on contract terms live here, who are responsible for the day-to-day running of the World Heritage Site

1 Aldabra’s management The headquarters for Aldabra’s management agency (Seychelles Islands Foundation) is based on Mahé, 1000km away from Aldabra. This distance has profound consequences for management of the World Heritage Site.

Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) was set up by Presidential Decree in 1979. Management consists of a government-appointed Board of Trustees with 14 members, of which members resident in Seychelles (currently 9 in number) meet once a month throughout the year. All Board of Trustees members are requested to attend the Annual General Meeting. The Chief Executive is also a member of the board. .In addition there is a Scientific Sub-Committee, of currently 11 persons with biological/scientific and/or conservation expertise, which meets regularly to advice on any science and conservation issues. SIF is also responsible for the management of Seychelles’ other World Heritage Site, Vallée de Mai, on the granitic island of Praslin, famous for its Coco-de-mer palms.

Funding for Aldabra atoll comes mainly from entrance fees to the Vallée de Mai and SIF raises others funds on its own. This unique arrangement between two World Heritage Sites, one of which is lucrative and one of which is running at a loss, also has consequences for management.

Over the last 25 years, Seychelles Islands Foundation has successfully managed the atoll, to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem processes on Aldabra in a good state. It has also achieved many of its management objectives for Aldabra (such as controlling feral goats), maintained long-term monitoring programmes, carried out research, and ensured a limited and controlled visitor education programme. To some extent the flexible, rather ad hoc approach to management has worked reasonably well, but many difficulties and inefficiencies remained, so that ensuring more effective management will surely enhance the value of the site.

As a result of Aldabra’s rather unusual characteristics as a World Heritage Site, management may have rather different functions from other sites. Aldabra may need less interventionist management than some World Heritage Sites as it is already in a comparatively outstanding state has no local or indigenous population, and natural processes are given priority. To a major extent management’s focus needs to be caring for the atoll and protecting it, while at the same time ensuring that there are sufficient funds to run the site, conduct research and monitoring, provide protection from human interference and other threats, and if possible restore natural ecosystem functioning by removing alien species. It is noteworthy that the most significant threat to the atoll (global climate change) is out of management’s control.

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3 Contents

Introduction 1

Site assessment details 5

Completion of the Tools Tools 1: Identification of Site Values and Management Objectives 7 Identification of Major Site Values 9 Documentation of Management Objectives and their Relationship to 20 Site Values

Tool 2: Identification of Threats 22

Tool 3: Relationships with Stakeholders/Partners 30

Tool 4: Review of National Context 34

Tool 5: Assessment of Management Planning 42 Management Planning Information Sheet 42 Adequacy of Primary Planning Document 44

Tool 6: Design Assessment 54

Tool 7: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs 63 Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Staff 63 Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Budget 69

Tool 8: Assessment of Management Processes 74 Summary 89 Tool 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation 90 Summary Assessment of Current Management Plan Implementation 94

Tool 10: Assessment Work/Site Output Indicators 102

Tool 11: Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity 111 Biodiversity Health Outcomes Data Sheet 113 Ecological Integrity summary for Aldabra 128 Monitoring Plan Template 130 Monitoring Outcomes of Management 135

Tool 12: Outcomes of Management – Principal Objectives

Conclusions 139

Acknowledgment 141 4

SITE NAME: Aldabra Atoll

Assessment Details Comments Dates of previous Initial Management The report of the Initial Management assessments Effectiveness Assessment Effectiveness Assessment was submitted in September 2002. Date this July 2007 The commencement of the assessment assessment was delayed due to unforeseen staff commenced changes at the Headquarter of the Seychelles Islands Foundation. Date completed December 2007

How was the Internal consultation The consultation included interviews assessment with previous staff e.g. island completed? External consultation in a managers, rangers as well as written e.g. through stakeholder workshop and contributions by the present Research workshops, external interviews, Information officer. consultants etc. from the Scientific Review The Scientific Workshop reviewed Workshop 2005 the monitoring programmes etc as a AGM Board Meeting recommendation from the first MEE November 2007 assessment. At the AGM 2007 the EoH final assessment was presented and partly reviewed. Name of principal Frauke Fleischer-Dogley Mr. Chong Seng was involved in the assessors Lindsay Chong Seng EoH project since its inception in Seychelles. Others involved Katy Beaver Mr. Renaud terminated his Scientific Committee employment with SIF and Dr. Pierre Pistorius – Research Fleischer-Dogley started employment Officer Aldabra in July 2007. With support from Robyn Administrative staff provided James (central EoH project information on budgets and staffing team) for the review. Other Comments It is proposed that future assessments should be done in stages so that it does not seem so onerous to do a complete assessment at once. External deadlines for each phase would assist this process. UNESCO should apply this methodology as a compulsory process when assessing the effectiveness of management of World Heritage Sites with externally determined timeframes.

5 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

Context

6 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

Tool 1 Identification of Site Values and Management Objectives

World Heritage Site Values Aldabra is listed as a World Heritage Site based on the following nomination (revised World Heritage criterion numbering in parentheses):

Criterion ii (now ix) The atoll is a superlative example of an oceanic island ecosystem in which evolutionary processes are active within a rich biota. The size and morphological diversity of the atoll has permitted the development of a variety of discrete insular communities with a high incidence of endemicity among the constituent species that are typical of island ecosystems. The natural processes take place with minimal human interference and can be clearly demonstrated in their full complexity. Criterion iii (now iiv) Aldabra atoll encompasses a large expanse of relatively untouched natural beauty where a number of important animal species and some plant species thrive, along with remarkable land formations, and its process provides a unique spectacle of natural phenomena. Criterion iv (now x) Aldabra provides a natural laboratory for the study of the process of evolutionary ecology and is a platform for key scientific discovery. The atoll constitutes a refuge harbouring viable populations of a range of rare and endangered species of plants and animals. These include the last Giant Tortoise and flightless bird populations of the Western Indian Ocean, a substantial marine turtle breeding population, and large seabird colonies which number in the tens of thousands. The substantial tortoise population is self-sustaining and all the elements of its inter- relationship with the terrestrial environment are evident.

A recent report 1 has suggested minor adjustments to the above statements, including specific mention of Aldabra’s exceptional marine ecosystem.

Biodiversity Values It was noted that the key World Heritage values for Aldabra are listed under the revised World Heritage criteria iiv, ix and x, relating to its natural beauty, significant biodiversity and on-going ecological processes, relatively free from human interference. As a result, the final list of site values is dominated by Biodiversity Values. It has been realized for some time that terrestrial targets have been the main focus of research and monitoring (including those marine species that must come to land to breed). The

1 Seychelles Islands Foundation: “State Party Periodic Report 2001” for UNESCO. Page 16

7 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

result is a knowledge gap for the current status of marine and intertidal ecosystems around and within the atoll. This is brought out in the Information Gaps section below.

Other Natural Values The inclusion of Other Natural Values in the table raises the issue of Aldabra as a geological example of world significance. At the time of its inscription as a World Heritage Site, Aldabra was not listed under criterion i. It has been suggested 2 that this should be reconsidered on the basis of Aldabra’s significance as a classic atoll formation and arguably the largest raised coral atoll in the world; also on the basis of its on-going geological processes and significant geomorphic features.

Cultural and Social Values The value of Aldabra as a site for scientific research and monitoring has long been recognized. Its value for educational purposes, through strictly controlled nature conservation tourism, has also been part of management policy. It has been realized, as a result of this assessment exercise, that perhaps the cultural values of Aldabra have been neglected. Even though the relics of earlier settlement of the atoll are not significant in global terms, at a national level the history of human endeavours on Aldabra is worthy of more attention.

Overall management objectives (taken from the Management Plan)

1. To preserve and protect the ecological integrity of Aldabra’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including the flora and fauna, biological and genetic diversity, natural ecological and evolutionary processes, physical features, historical and cultural features, and scenic beauty.

2. To advance and facilitate the continuation of scientific research and environmental monitoring, with priority designated to the conservation, maintenance and restoration of the biological and genetic diversity of Aldabra’ s native species, their communities and ecosystems.

3. To ensure that the primary purpose of the limited tourism on Aldabra is conservation education, by means of accurate and entertaining interpretation of the natural and cultural features of the atoll.

4. To increase the environmental awareness of all staff on Aldabra, so that they can contribute actively to bringing about the three goals delineated above.

2 Seychelles Islands Foundation: “State Party Periodic Report 2001” for UNESCO. Page 17 8 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

GAPS • Marine ecosystems require significant research and monitoring to update information on their status (with the exception of coral reefs, which are already being studied). • Atoll-a wide terrestrial vegetation survey and monitoring is required. • Intertidal systems require further analysis, and certain features need monitoring. • Inland water pools need to be re-surveyed.

RECOMMENDATIONS • Ensure that the above gaps are filled within the next 10 years. • Ensure that actions recommended in the management plan with respect to rehabilitation and/or maintenance of the remains of earlier human settlement on the atoll are taken up.

9 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

Identification of Major Site Values

Information Sources The majority of the site values are natural and most of them have been studied at one point in time. However the information available is not necessarily up to date. The literature list compiled below comprises of references which are general since one will find information related to most of the site values in each of the publications. Specific references that relate to mainly one site value are included in table 1.

General Amin M., Willets D., Skerrett, A., 1995, Aldabra World Heritage Site, Seychelles Islands Foundation, Camerapix , Nairobi, Kenya

Beaver, K. and Gerlach, R. , 1998, A management plan for Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles, Natural World Heritage Site, 1998-2005, Seychelles island Foundation, Seychelles

Beaver, K., 2005, Science Programme Review 15-16 March 2005, Seychelles Islands Foundation , Seychelles

Dupont, R., 1907, Report on a visit to St. Pierre, Astove, Cosmoledo, Assumption and the Aldabra Group of the Seychelles Islands, Government Printing Office, Seychelles

IUCN, 1976, Proceedings of a Regional Meeting on the Creation of a Coordinated System of National Parks and Reserves in Eastern Africa, Seronera Lodge, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 14-19 October 1974, Nairobi, Kenya

Piggott, C., J., 1969, A Report on a visit to the Outer Islands of Seychelles between October and November 1960, Government of Seychelles, Land Resources Division, Directorate of Overseas Surveys, England

Seaton, A.J., Beaver, K., Afif, M., 1991, A Focus on Aldabra, Ministry of Education, Government of Seychelles, Seychelles

Stoddart, D.R. and Westoll, F.R.S., 1979, The terrestrial ecology of Aldabra, Biological Science Volume 286, pp 1-263, Number 1011, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, UK

Stoddart, D.R. (Ed) (1984), Biogeography and Ecology of the Seychelles Islands, Dr. W. Junk Publishers, The Hague, The Netherlands

Stoddart, D.,R., 1997, Bibliography of Aldabra and nearby Atolls, Third Edition, Seychelles Islands Foundation, Seychelles

10 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

Identification of Major Site Values

Major Site Values World Heritage Values Information sources used for determining the values

Giant tortoise population Aldabra Monitoring Database (monthly data entries of tortoise transects), modeled by David Bourne + R. von Brandis

A “Flagship” species and Largest population of giant Austin J. J., Arnold N. and Bour R., 2003. Was there a second adaptive important indicator tortoises in the world (approx. radiation of giant tortoises in the Indian Ocean? Using mitochondrial DNA to investigate speciation and biogeography of Aldabrachelys (Reptilia, species for the state of 100,000) estudinidae). Molecular Ecology 12, 1415–1424 the terrestrial (criterion ix) environment. Bourne D, Gibson, C., Augeri, D., Wilson, C., Church, J., Hay, S., 1997, Aldabra revisited, http://ergodd.zoo.ox.ac.uk/aldbarasum.htm Links with a specialized vegetation type known as Bourne D, Gibson, C., Augeri, D., Wilson, C., Church, J., Hay, S., 1999, The Rise and Fall of the Aldabran Giant Tortoise Population, Proceedings of the Royal Tortoise Turf. Society, London, Biological Sciences: 266, 1091-1100

Bourn D., Coe M.J., 1979. Features of tortoise mortality and decomposition on Aldabra. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London B, 286, 189–193.

Biodiversity Values Coe M.J., Bourn D., Swingland I.R., 1979. The biomass, production and carrying capacity of giant tortoises on Aldabra. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London B, 286, 163–176.

Hamilton J. and Coe M., 1982. Feeding, digestion and assimilation of giant tortoises (Geochelone gigantea (Schweigger) on Aldabra Atoll. Journal of Arid Environments, 5, 127–144.

Gerlach J., Canning L., 1998a. Taxonomy of Indian Ocean giant tortoises (Dipsochelys). Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 3, 3–19. 11 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

Major Site Values World Heritage Values Information sources used for determining the values

Gerlach J., Canning L., 1998b. Identification of Seychelles giant tortoises. Linnaeus Fund research project. Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 3, 133– 135.

Terrestrial habitats Rich biological diversity:- Brandis v.,R., 2005, Digital Herbarium, Seychelles Islands Foundation Pemphis scrub; Diversity of habitats / Mixed scrub (open, closed vegetation types for a remote Brandis v., Rainer, 2005, Annual Research Officers Report, Permanent Vegetation Monitoring Plots, Seychelles Island Foundation & coastal); atoll Tortoise turf; (criterion x) ERGO, 1997,. Aldabra revisited: final report on the 1997 Aldabran giant tortoise population and vegetation study. Oxford: Environmental Research Thespesia / Lumnitzera; Group Oxford Limited. Report to the Seychelles Islands Foundation, Victoria, Sporobolus grassland Mahé: 89pp. Rare and threatened flora Relatively high proportion of Fosberg, F.R., Renvoize, S.S. & Townsend, C.C., 1980, The flora of Aldabra and e.g. Aldabra lily endemic taxa neighbouring islands, Kew Bulletin additional series 3, London: (criterion x) Hnatiuk, R.J., Merton, L.F.H., 1979, A Perspective of the vegetation of Aldabra, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B, Biological Science, Vol 286, 1011, 79-84

Gibson, C.W.D. Phillipson, J. The Vegetation of the Aldabra Atoll: Preliminary

Analysis and Explanation of the Vegetation Map, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences, Vol 302, No. 1109 ( Jul. 20, 1983), pp.201-235, Great Britain

12 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

Major Site Values World Heritage Values Information sources used for determining the values

th Relatively high proportion of Avibase – Bird Checklist of the World Aldabra, following Clements 6 edition (udated 2007) www.bsc-eoc.org/avibase/avibase/.jsp?region endemic taxa (criterion x) Benson, C.W 1967. The birds of Aldabra and their status. Atoll Res. Bull. 118: 63-111, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, DC, USA

Benson, C.W., 1971, The Land Birds of Aldabra, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B, 260, 417-527

Penny M. & Diamond, A.W., 1971, The White throated Rail Dryolimnas cuvieri on Aldabra, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B, 260, 529—548

Penny M.1974. Birds of Seychelles. Collins, London

Reville B.J., 1983. Numbers of nesting frigatebirds, Fregata minor and F. ariel, on Aldabra Atoll Nature Reserve, Seychelles. Biological Conservation, 27, 59-76

Ridgway R., 1893. Descriptions of some new birds collected on the islands Aldabra and Assumption northeast of Madagascar by Dr. W. l. Abbott. Proceedings U.S. National Museum 16: 597-600

Rocamora G. and Skerrett A., 2001. Seychelles. Pp751-768 in L.D.C. Fishpool and M.I. Evans, eds. Important Bird Areas in Africa and associated islands: Priority sites for conservation. Newbury and Cambridge, UK: Pisces Publications and BirdLife International (BirdLife Conservation Series No 11).

Skerrett A., Bullock, I. and Disley, T., 2001. Birds of Seychelles. Christopher Helms (publishers) Ltd., London UK

Wanless, R. M.,2002, The reintroduction of the Adabra Rail Dryolimnas cuvieri aldabranus on Picard Island, Aldabra Atoll, Master thesis, University of Cape Town 13 Wanless, R.M., 2003, Can the Aldabra White Throated Rail Dryolimnas cuvieri aldabranus fly? Atoll Res. Bull. 508, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, USA

Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

Major Site Values World Heritage Values Information sources used for determining the values

Coastal/intertidal Important feeding and Hirth H. and Carr A., 1970. The green turtle in the Gulf of Aden and the Seychelles Islands. Verhandelingen der Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van habitats breeding area for marine Wetnshchappen. Afd. Natuurkunde 58(5):1-44. Sandy beaches (green turtles, seabirds and shore- Last P. and Séret B, 1999. Comparative biogeography of the Chondrichthyan turtle); birds in the Indian Ocean faunas of the tropical south-east Indian and south-west Pacific oceans. In : Mangrove (2 species of (criterion x) Proc. 5th Indo-Pac. frigate bird, red-footed Macnae, W., 1971, Mangroves on Aldabra, Philosophical Transactions of the booby); Royal Society of London Series B, 260,No 836, pp 237-247, Great Britain Intertidal area in lagoon (significant populations of Mortimer, J.A. 1984. Marine Turtles in the Republic of Seychelles: Status and Management. Publication of the IUCN Conservation Library: Gland, shorebirds e.g. crab Switzerland. 80 pp.+ 4pl. plover); Mortimer J.A. 1985. Recovery of green turtles on Aldabra. Oryx 19(3): 146-1 Lagoon islets (various 50. terns and other seabirds) Mortimer J.A. 1988. Green turtle nesting at Aldabra atoll: population

estimates and trends. Biol. Soc. Wash. 8:116-128

Betts M., Monitoring of islets (seabirds)

Burger A. E., 2000. A Census of Red-footed Boobies, Greater Firgatebirds and Lesser Firgatebirds on Aldabra Atoll in March 2000. Report to Birdlife Seychelles, The Second Dutch Trust Fund and Seychelles Island Foundation.

Burger A.E. and Betts M., 2000. Population of Red-footed Boobies, Greater Firgatebirds and Lesser Firgatebirds breeding on Aldabra Atoll. Unpublished manuscript.

Diamond, A.W., 1971, The ecology of sea birds of Aldabra, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B, 260, 561- 571, Great Britain 14 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

Major Site Values World Heritage Values Information sources used for determining the values

Diamond, A.W., 1974, The Red-footed Booby Sula sula on Aldabra Atoll, Indian Ocean Auk 92: 16-39

Diamond, A., W. & Pryse –Jones, R.P., 1986, The biology of terns nesting at Aldabra Atoll, Indian Ocean,with particular reference to breeding seasonality, Journal of Zoology, London, 210, 527-549

Diamond, A.W., 1994, Seabirds of Seychelles, Indian Ocean, pp 258-267 In Nettelship, D.N. Burger,J. and Gochfield, M (eds) Seabirds on Islands: Threats, Case Studies and ActionPlasn, Biological Conservation Series No1, BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK

Feare C.J., 1978. The decline of the booby (Sulidae) population in the western Indian Ocean. Biological Conservation, 14:295-305

Weimerskirch, H., Le Corre, M., Jaquemet, S., Potier, M., Marsac,F., 2004, Foraging strategy of a top predator in tropical water: great frigatebirds in the Mozambique Channel, Marine Ecology Progress Series, Volume 275, 297- 308 Weimerskirch, H., Le Corre, M., Jaquemet, S., Potier, M., Marsac,F., in press, Foraging strategy of a top predator in tropical water: great frigatebirds on Aldabra

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Major Site Values World Heritage Values Information sources used for determining the values

Aquatic habitats Diversity of marine habitats Barnes J., Bellamy D.J., Jones D.J., Whitton B., Drew E., Kenyon L., Lythgoe J.N., and Rosen B.R. 1971. Morphology and ecology of the reef front of within the large lagoon and Aldabra. Symposium Zoological Society London, 28: 87-114 Coral reef and reef flats; around the atoll rim Seagrass beds; (criterion x) Downing N., Stobart B., Buckley R., LeClair L. and Teleki K.A., 2003. Aldabra Marine Programme Phase IV: The state of the reef, five years after Mudflats and sand flats; bleaching. Cambridge Coastal Research Unit. Department of Geography, Atoll channels; (also University of Cambridge. 83pp mangroves) Sheppard C. and Obura D., 2005. Corals and reefs of Cosmoledo and Aldabra atolls: Extent of damage, assemblage shifts and recovery following the severee mortality of 1998. Journal of Natural History, 2005; 39(2): 103–121

Stobart B., Buckley R., LeClair L., Teleki K.A., Downing N., Souter D., and Callow M. 2001. Aldabra Marine Programme Phase II: Monitoring the path to recovery. Cambridge Coastal Research Unit. Department of Geography, University of Cambridge.

Stobart B., Buckley R., Downing N., Callow M., LeClair L. and Teleki K.A., 2002. Aldabra Marine Programme Phase III: Extending the survey eastward. Cambridge Coastal Research Unit. Department of Geography, University of Cambridge

Teleki K.A., Downing N., Stobart B. and Buckley R., 1999. Aldabra Marine Programme. Cambridge Coastal Research Unit. Department of Geography, University of Cambridge. 31pp

Wendling B., Rosine G., Adam P.A., Zialor V. and Louange A., 2003. Status of carnivorous fishes and recent hard coral recruitment rates around outer islands (Seychelles). Technical report to the Seychelles Marine Ecosystem Management Programme, SEYMEMP

16 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

Major Site Values World Heritage Values Information sources used for determining the values

High fish diversity Breeding ground for many Cockcroft, V.G., R.V. Salm and T.P. Dutton. 1994. The status of dugongs in the western Indian Ocean. First International Manatee and Dugong Research marine species in the Indian Conference. March 11-13. Gainesville, Florida. Ocean (criterion x) DUGONG Conservation Strategy ~ The Status of Dugongs in the Western Indian Ocean & Priority Conservation Actions. Editors Muir C., Ngusaru A., Mwakema L., WWF Eastern African Marine Ecoregion, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 40-44

Kiszka J.J., Vely M., Bertrand N., Breysse O., Wickel J. and Maleck-Bertrand N., 2003. Le dugong (Dugong dugon, Müller 1776) autour de l’île de Mayotte Langrand O. 1998, Bird of Indian Ocean

Marsh H. 2002. Dugong Status Reports and Action Plans for Countries and Territories.

Muir C., Ngusaru A., Mwakema L., 2004 (eds).Towards a Western Indian Ocean DUGONG Conservation Strategy ~ The Status of Dugongs in the Western Indian Ocean & Priority Conservation Actions. WWF Eastern African Marine Ecoregion, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 68pp.

Wendling B., Rosine G., Adam P.A., Zialor V. and Louange A., 2003. Status of carnivorous fishes and recent hard coral recruitment rates around outer islands (Seychelles). Technical report to the Seychelles Marine Ecosystem Management Programme, SEYMEMP

Flamingo; Freshwater, brackish and Bergeson M. and Rainbolt R. 1995. Flamingos nesting. Birdwatch 15: 7-10

Ibis nesting sites marine pools are unusual and Whitton, Potts, Donaldson – 1971-1979 – in Seaton, A. Beaver, K. and Afif M. varied (eds) (1991) A focus on Aldabra, Ministry of Education, Seychelles. (criterion x)

17 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

Major Site Values World Heritage Values Information sources used for determining the values

Classic raised coral atoll Outstanding example of a Stoddart, D.R., 1971, Scientific studies at Aldabra and neighbouring islands, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B, 260, 5- Geomorphology; large elevated coral atoll 29, Great Britain Sequence and varied formation types of limestone (criterion iiv) Integrity Relatively undisturbed atoll Seaton, A.J., Beaver, K., Afif, M., 1991, A Focus on Aldabra, Ministry of Education, Government of Seychelles, Seychelles where ecological and biological

A reptile (the Aldabra processes are on-going and Stoddart, D.R. and Westoll, F.R.S., 1979, The terrestrial ecology of Aldabra, giant tortoise) is the there is natural interaction Biological Science Volume 286, pp 1-263, Number 1011, Philosophical dominant herbivore between marine and Transactions of the Royal Society of London, UK

Other natural values terrestrial ecosystems Devaux, B., 2007, Giant tortoise of Seychelles, a survivor, Chelonii, Volume 5, (criterion ix) Soptom, France

Relics of old human Esparon Guy, 2007, Interviews with old workers unpublished document

settlement Kirkpatrick, M. , collection of old post cards

Buildings, cemetery and Seychelles Archive,

Cultural / settlement history are Social values nationally significant

18 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

Major Site Values World Heritage Values Information sources used for determining the values

Site for scientific Beaver, K., 2000, Aldabra Science Workshop Report, Seychelles Island Foundation , Seychelles research Opportunities:- Beaver, K., 2005, Science Programme Review 15-16 March 2005, Seychelles Island / atoll ecology and Island Foundation , Seychelles evolution; Stoddart, D.R. and Westoll, F.R.S., 1979, The terrestrial ecology of Aldabra, Marine ecology and Biological Science Volume 286, pp 1-263, Number 1011, Philosophical evolution; Transactions of the Royal Society of London, UK

Geology; Stoddart, D.R. (Ed) (1984), Biogeography and Ecology of the Seychelles History of human Islands, Dr. W. Junk Publishers, The Hague, The Netherlands settlement Stoddart, D.,R., 1997, Bibliography of Aldabra and nearby Atolls, Third Edition, Seychelles Islands Foundation, Seychelles Site for education and Amin M., Willets, D. Skerrett A. and Skerrett J. (1994). Journey through Seychelles. Camerapix Publishers, Nairobi, pp 192. for nature-conservation tourism Amin M., (1996). Spectrum Guide to Seychelles. Camerapix Publishers, Opportunities:- Nairobi, Kenya

Local; Rowatt, D., 2006, Aldabra & Southern Islands Group – Scenarios for Commercial; protection and conservation management, Seychelles Island Foundation, Seychelles Restoration

STB www.seychelles.com

Numerous films and documentaries have been produced on Aldabra by : • John Bowl, Claude Pavard, BBC Planet Earth,

One of the latest film is Tides of Aldabra, Guardians of Aldabra by Aldabra Production

19 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

Documentation of Management Objectives and their Relationship to Site Values

List Principal Management Objectives (from park Major site values that are related to this objective (there may be management plan or other source documents) more than one value related to a principal management objective)

To preserve and protect the ecological integrity of Aldabra’s Giant tortoise population (criterion ix) terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including the flora and Terrestrial habitats (criterion x) with a relatively high proportion of fauna, biological and genetic diversity, natural ecological and endemic taxa and richness in diversity of habitats / vegetation types evolutionary processes, physical features, historical and Coastal/intertidal habitats (criterion x) Important feeding and cultural features, and scenic beauty. breeding area for marine species Aquatic habitats (criterion x) Diversity of marine habitats High fish diversity(criterion x), Flamingo and Ibis nesting sites (criterion x), Classic raised coral atoll (criterion iiv) Integrity (criterion ix) Relics of old human settlement

To advance and facilitate the continuation of scientific Site for scientific research research and environmental monitoring, with priority Giant tortoise population (criterion ix) designated to the conservation, maintenance and restoration Terrestrial habitats (criterion x) of the biological and genetic diversity of Aldabra’ s native Coastal/intertidal habitats (criterion x) species, their communities and ecosystems. Aquatic habitats (criterion x) Classic raised coral atoll (criterion iiv) Integrity (criterion ix)

20 Tool 1: Identifying site values and management objectives

List Principal Management Objectives (from park Major site values that are related to this objective (there may be management plan or other source documents) more than one value related to a principal management objective)

To ensure that the primary purpose of the limited tourism on Site for education and for nature-conservation tourism Aldabra is conservation education, by means of accurate and Relics of old human settlement entertaining interpretation of the natural and cultural features of the atoll.

To increase the environmental awareness of all staff on All major values identified in Table 1 are related to this Aldabra, so that they can contribute actively to bringing management objective. about the three goals delineated above.

21 Tool 2: Identification of Threats

Tool 2 Identification of Threats

Current threats There are two main threats affecting the integrity of the natural ecosystems of Aldabra:

1. Interruption to ecological processes It is evident that climate change is having an impact on ecological processes on and around Aldabra. Although current weather data analysis does not support the perception of more severee dry periods, which would have most impact on terrestrial habitats, there is evidence of beach erosion and severee coral bleaching. These appear to be related to global climate change. Rising sea levels and extended dry seasons, however imperceptible, will affect the lagoon by further eroding coral islets and reducing vegetation available for tortoise food. It is possible that competition for food amongst tortoises may lead to loss of vegetation by overgrazing.

It may be difficult to mitigate the effects of climate change. Data collected on Aldabra could be used as a baseline for changes occurring elsewhere in the world.

2. Disturbance to or loss of habitats, species and species integrity This current stress is more obvious than the previous one. The change in species composition and loss of food resources due to alien species may be having an impact beyond those that are obvious to us. Alien species such as cats are predators of tortoise and turtle hatchlings. The coccid Icerya seychellarum has impacted certain plant species severeely. Although goats have been considerably reduced in numbers, they still have an impact on the vegetation. Rats have an un-quantified impact on terrestrial species.

Dive boats, yachts and other visiting ships can damage coral with their anchors, although the risks have been minimized by placing mooring buoys in appropriate places. Poorly supervised visitors can have an impact through disturbance or even poaching. Poachers from outside the atoll can impact on fish and marine invertebrate populations. There is always a small risk of fire or an oil spill from a tanker.

It is possible to reduce these threats by management action.

Potential threats These are threats which are on the horizon, that are impending but may not currently be taking place. Both current threats are included here because much of what is thought to be happening is based on assumptions.

22 Tool 2: Identification of Threats

1. Interruption to ecological processes If climate change is a reality, damage to all natural processes could be permanent. With the present knowledge it is not possible to predict exactly the changes that would occur on Aldabra but we can assume they would be severee. Examples of probable changes are sea level rise, an increase in extreme weather conditions, sea current changes, salination of the shallow soils, an increase in sea temperatures, further coral bleaching.

It may be difficult to mitigate the effects of climate change. Data collected on Aldabra could be used as a baseline for changes occurring elsewhere in the world.

2. Disturbance to or loss of habitats, ecosystems, species and species integrity This potential stress could be caused by high tourism disturbance if the tourism policy were to be changed. Other sources include careless trail cutting, fire, oil pollution, poaching. Further unintentional alien species introduction could have severee impacts on all ecosystems, but the risk for terrestrial ecosystems is higher.

Management actions now and in the future could significantly reduce the threats.

3. Loss of cultural/social heritage due to fire, theft, cyclones, sea level rise These threats could result in loss of buildings, graves, and records held in the library at the Research Station.

Management action could reduce certain of these threats.

GAPS • Lack of information on the quantitative and qualitative impact of alien terrestrial species (with the exception of feral goats and the coccid Icerya seychellarum) • Lack of information on the effects of fire damage and recovery rates on Aldabra.

RECOMMENDATIONS Climate change resulting from global warming is largely out of management control and the effects are difficult to predict. Other threats can be predicted and the risks minimized by forward management, appropriate policies and contingency plans.

• Policy on climate change in relation to Aldabra: A policy statement is required if Aldabra is to be monitored as a natural site (‘living

23 Tool 2: Identification of Threats

laboratory’) where climate change is allowed to have its full effects. Otherwise a policy statement should state to what extent management would go to mitigate the effects of climate change on the atoll. • Contingency plans for fire and oil spill should be enhanced. • There should be additional specific proposals for minimizing the risk of introducing new alien species. • Specific proposals are required for management action in the case of discovery of a new alien species on Aldabra. • Specific proposals are required for dealing with armed poachers. • Additional specific proposals are required for management / restoration of cultural and social heritage on Aldabra

24 Tool 2: Identification of Threats

Identification of Threats

Threats to Biodiversity Values (Refer to values identified in Tool 1a) Impact of threat Management response Current or Potential Threat? List Is ita Identify major sources of Threats threat Urgency of Extent Severeity Action action

Interruption potential Dry period becomes severe Collection of weather ongoing to ecological longer, reduced data such as rainfall processes vegetation cover loss Climate change of habitat due to over Installation of reliable grazing and potential automatic weather Urgent reduction of tortoise station population Interruption potential Loss of species, Very severe Collection of weather ongoing to ecological habitats and eco- data such as rainfall processes systems Installation of reliable automatic weather Urgent Climate change station

Identification and monitoring of Indicator species

25 Tool 2: Identification of Threats

Interruption potential Loss of turtle Very severe Beach/turtle ongoing to ecological nesting beaches, monitoring Climate change processes islets and shore bird feeding grounds Interruption current Severe damage to Very severe Monitoring sea Urgent to ecological + corals & reef surface temperature Climate change processes potential integrity. Loss of fish diversity Interruption current Competition with Not severe Successful Ongoing to ecological goats for food completion of goat processes resources, loss of eradication project Alien species habitat due to over grazing and potential reduction of tortoise population Interruption potential Species integrity medium severe Permanent Ongoing to ecological threatened. Changes vegetation sample processes Alien species in species plots, GIS mapping Urgent composition and of vegetation habitats Interruption potential Threats to species Not severe Extent monitoring of Ongoing to ecological composition on islets seabird on islets and Alien species processes and in mangrove include a plant Not urgent species check list

26 Tool 2: Identification of Threats

Interruption potential Little impact on Enforcement of Ongoing to ecological tortoise population existing legislation processes but poaching of and policies Human Disturbance juveniles could change population structure Interruption current Disturbance and Not severe Enforcement of Ongoing to ecological damage to existing legislation Not urgent processes vegetation during and policies Human Disturbance visits or research. Develop protocol for Introduction of new cutting of trails for alien species research purposes

Interruption potential Damage to reef Not severe Enforcement of Ongoing to ecological flats be human existing legislation processes traffic. and policies Human Disturbance Disturbance by researchers on islets to timid taxa Interruption potential Damage to coral Not severe Enforcement of Ongoing to ecological from boat anchor existing legislation Urgent processes chains (localised) and policies, need to Implementation of cater for Human Disturbance management plan larger moorings provisions cruise and maintenance ships (200 pax

27 Tool 2: Identification of Threats

Threats to Other Natural Values (Refer to values identified in Tool 1a) Current or Potential

Threat? Impact of threat Management response Is ita List Threats Identify major sources of threat Urgency Extent Severeity Action of action

Interruption to potential Erosion of edge of Very severe Beach profile monitoring Partly ecological atoll ongoing Climate change processes urgent

Interruption to potential Integrity threatened Severe Development of a ecological by alien species protocol to prevent the Urgent processes Alien species introduction as well as to contain alien species on

Disturbance to current Oil spill along the coast Very severe Reduce traffic by oil Very or loss of of Aldabra tankers between urgent habitats, Assumption and Aldabra ecosystems extent exclusion zone of Traffic by oil tankers ocean going vessels

National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, Disturbance to potential Oil spill along the coast Very severe Reduce traffic by oil Urgent or loss of of Aldabra tankers between habitats, Oil extraction in Assumption and ecosystems Madagascar Aldabra extent exclusion zone of ocean going vessels

28 Tool 2: Identification of Threats

Threats to Cultural, Economic, Educational and Other Social Values (Refer to values identified in Tool 1a) Current or

Potential Impact of threat Management response Threat? List Is ita Identify major sources of Threats threat Urgency of Extent Severity Action action

Interrupti potential Erosion threatening severe Monitoring beach Urgent on to station buildings, old profile ecological Climate change settlement & processes cemetery

Human Introduction of severe Enforcement of Disturbanc malaria or dengue existing legislation Alien Species e fever/avian flue or other disease Loss of Current Less than 20 will be too late , Interview surviving Very institution survivors unless something is workers – urgent al memory done soon inhabitants, Old age (especially Source(s) Collection and cultural) compilation of old documents, photos…

Human potential Research station Very severe Contingency Planning Urgent Disturbanc Terrorism operation becomes e impossible

29 Tool 3: Relationships with stakeholders/partners

Tool 3 Relationships with Stakeholders/Partners

Factor Tourism Operators Government NGOs IDC Staff/SIF

Name of Tourism Operators Government NGOs IDC Staff/SIF Stakeholder Aldabra is very attractive but Access is the main issue. Strategic site – WH Want to be more Transport of Isolation difficult to access and expensive site which is good for wrto international involved and have supplies and Financial sustainability is a Main issues (landing fee and clearance costs). environmental recognition. Therefore obligations more access to people by sea problem associated with of government to be involved with policy Aldabra and air to this stakeholder development etc with SIF. Popularity of Aldabra Aldabra as a tourism destination- revenue. Not economically dependant on Legal and policy issues – zonation needs to be Negligible High economic Very high - wages Aldabra but expenses associated enforced and penalties reviewed and possibly dependency – Economic with advertising (brochures etc) if increased. recently tripled dependency changes this is costly such as fee As a world famous WH site the Govt receives the rates of the stakeholder structures etc. Distance to Aldabra financial benefits from the tourists it attracts. on Aldabra means tour operator gets more funds for time in travel Want access to restricted areas – Immigration/customs/health/security Negligible except Low – occasional Capacity building – then staff subject to bribes etc to gain procedures make it difficult for tourists to for NGOs pushing poaching and rangers leave – maybe access to these areas. Therefore access (from Mahe) their own specific fishing addressed with ranger need to invest in capacity building/ agenda/interests incidents. exchange program. Six awareness program to address this Any policy that is being developed without rather than the Potential month rotation

Understanding StakeholdersUnderstanding List negative issue. meaningful input from SIF (includes tourism, oil best strategies for introduction of impacts of Potential of tourists and operators spills). overall management alien species stakeholders on to introduce alien species. May need More private investment - may lead to of the site site to screen for weed seeds etc before increased visitation – this again would be a

alighting on Aldabra (this is already problem if SIF has no input. in the policy/protocols but is not Current Govt policy may indicate that no land enforced based tourism will be developed on Aldabra (check this policy) and Assumption, Cosmoledo etc

30 Tool 3: Relationships with stakeholders/partners

Factor Tourism Operators Government NGOs IDC Staff/SIF

List negative Too restrictive. There are also Not applicable Access restricted None Isolated site – limited social impacts of site natural limitations – eg tide, distance life management on away. SIF should not get involved stakeholders with assisting landing etc. Close connection of SIF with the Govt – then Widen the level of Transport Essential for running of Funds and also marketing. Raises the there are opportunities for input into policy expertise, everything – the site. profile of the site. Personal dev’t and other decisions. knowledge and lifeline for the List positive interaction for the staff with the More private investment - may lead to increased support for the site. In the past impacts of visitors. Tour ships can assist – visitation – this would be ok if SIF has input. site. Sharing had the most stakeholders on transport of supplies and medical limited resources competitive/spe site support etc. cial rates. This assistance may need to be formalised. Site managers give the tourists a Promote the commitment of the government to Increase Make money With willing staff there are positive experience (interpretation conservation due to the large area protected to experience and use from the site. opportunities to gain and education). Good management international partners and locals. of Aldabra as a Been able to excellent experience with List positive means that the natural values are baseline to keep Assumption international researchers impacts of site maintained for tourists. compare to other airstrip etc. Therefore can be management on sites. functioning training experience Site stakeholders management need to encourage/stipulate that they need to present research and provide training to staff. Most tour operators realise that Much willingness to engage with the site. Eg Exists but is Willingness is General willingness unless there is close cooperation Govt always informs SIF of funding limited by access increasing due Willingness/capacit they cannot land etc because of the opportunities and projects to the site to better y of stakeholders changing tides. understanding of to engage with site environmental management protection of outer islands

31 Tool 3: Relationships with stakeholders/partners

Factor Tourism Operators Government NGOs IDC Staff/SIF

Very willing because SIF want them Essential SIF has in the past Essential Essential or staff turnover Willingness/capacit to return been perceived to is too high y of site be very selective in management to NGO engagement – engage with difficult for locals stakeholders to be involved Tour operators some have significant Very high – President nominates the Board Some on the Board High influence – Limited Political/Social influence (eg on the Board of T). Trustees Of T and the control access influence Scientific and supplies Committee Most consultation with stakeholders Well organised In general the One – well Not organised as a group is informal as one on one rather than environmental organised Organisation of with an organised group. NGOs collectively stakeholders are not well organised Many opportunities as mentioned Good – via the Limited – not Have opportunities but this What opportunities Represented on the BOT. Board and the applicable should be improved. For eg – do stakeholders Science Committee with better communication have to contribute opportunities can increase. to management?

Fair - some are well engaged (offers Government is fairly well engaged with the site – Varies depending Fair – as needs Depends on the individual of assistance) and some do not Aldabra is very good as promotion for the on the NGO arise, issue staff – wide range of Engagement Engagement What is the level engage at all government etc. Need to follow up with based engagement but there is a of engagement of government on what is happening. Decree (1979) fair minimum level. the stakeholder? Assessment of StakeholderAssessment of needs to be reviewed.

32 Tool 3: Relationships with stakeholders/partners

Factor Tourism Operators Government NGOs IDC Staff/SIF

There are opportunities to better Government recognise the national and Can be improved – Frequency of Essential – room for engage tour operators for eg to international importance of Aldabra and support currently done on a supply trips improvement esp. now with improve awareness and education for management through funding opportunities and personal basis – needs to be better communications Describe the Aldabra – needs to be further general engagement. apart from the addressed. 1 overall adequacy investigated. Need to review Tourism Science Committee every 2 months of stakeholder Policy with these operators to jointly there is no formal recently it was 5 engagement Summary develop itineraries etc. For eg structure for months between

Interpretation programs on the engagement – this trips cruise ships (which are also tied to may need fund raising programs) addressing FAIR GOOD GOOD FAIR frequency FAIR/GOOD

– ideas discussed for limited Science Workshop of trips and Rate the overall improvement. Review – is a good increasing rates adequacy of opportunity to get needs to be stakeholder local NGOs addressed Rating engagement, as involved. has either very good; worked well and good; fair or poor should continue. General Discussion Values • Cultural and spiritual values of Aldabra to local people should also be recognised.

33 Tool 4: Review of National Context

Tool 4 REVIEW OF NATIONAL CONTEXT

Seychelles has a good environment conservation reputation. Approximately 47% of Seychelles land area is set-aside as Protected Area (just under 20,000 hectares). In addition, there is 23,000 hectares of protected coral reef and other marine habitats. These Protected Areas include 4 Special Reserves (of which Aldabra is one), 7 National Parks (of which 4 are marine), 9 Nature Reserves, 4 Shell Reserves, 1 area of outstanding beauty and 2 protected areas.

Legislation The problem of enforcement of legislation is a countrywide problem and measures to improve the situation are already being taken up by the Ministry of Environment. New environmental laws are being drafted, which will help to bring together the currently fragmented legislation. At the moment illegal actions on Aldabra are relatively few and far between, but international poaching could become a serious problem in the future as boats become better equipped with satellite navigation, and if fish stocks are depleted and regional countries are unable to significantly improve their economic situation. Some kind of regional cooperation could help to reduce the risks.

Broad government policy As shown in the table below, Seychelles has signed numerous international conservation conventions, and also other agreements regarding marine pollution, fisheries and climate change. There is much regional cooperation on environmental issues and Seychelles is active on the global environment scene.

The Environment Management Plan of Seychelles (EMPS) 2000-2010 is a major instrument in the planning and management of the whole of the Seychelles environment. Sustainable development is the overall goal of the EMPS. Aldabra comes under the Support Programme for Outer Islands Biodiversity, which includes other islands in the Aldabra group. There may be options for giving broader protection to some of these outer islands.

Government support There is much support for the site, as detailed in the table on the next page. The Ministry of Environment is in effect overseeing most national protected areas (or can influence decisions through Board membership), even though it may not have direct influence over Protected Areas that are managed by independent agencies. The Patron of the Foundation is the President and this demonstrates the political will to protect Aldabra at highest level

GAPS • Absence of enforcement mechanism for international poaching on Aldabra.

34 Tool 4: Review of National Context

Review of National Context

Criteria Strengths Weaknesses World Heritage Legislation protecting Aldabra is adequate There is actually no lease paper for Aldabra – there is Site and (Aldabra is designated as a Special Reserve - only an informal lease arrangement (this issue is protected area Order S/I 86/1981 – for which there are currently being addressed) (=GAP). legislation Aldabra Special Reserve Regulations – S/I Legislation pertaining to biodiversity and other 87/1981). aspects of environmental protection is extremely In addition, there is a plethora of government fragmented. Enforcement of much biodiversity legislation on various aspects of the legislation has been historically weak on Aldabra or in environment. general. Attempts by the coastguard and police to SIF was set up by decree (Seychelles Island enforce legislation with respect to Aldabra are often Foundation Decree – Chapter 217) as a thwarted (=PROBLEM). Aldabra staff are concerned corporate body to manage and conserve the about their inability to deal with illegal fishing or natural life of Aldabra and to initiate and vessels coming within the exclusion zone (=PROBLEM). control scientific research into such natural life The enforcement mechanism for international (thus enabling the major WHS criteria to be poaching on Aldabra is extremely limited (= GAP). fulfilled). SIF should be offered the same incentives that any other operation benefits from under the Investment Promotion Act.

Conservation There is a Ministry of Environment, headed by a At times there are too many processes and within broader Minister, with a Principal Secretary, Director consultation ongoing in parallel and being limited in government policy Generals, and with several major subdivisions, technical capacity SIF cannot always meaningful each headed by a Director. contribute and needs to stretch resources. At its own The government has prepared a second expenses 35 Tool 4: Review of National Context

Criteria Strengths Weaknesses Environment Management Plan of Seychelles (EMPS) for the period 2000-2010, which serves to guide policy and action with respect to the management of the environment. The emphasis is on sustainable development in Seychelles and it encompasses all major and emerging environmental issues. (The previous EMPS covered the period 1990-2000.)

Aldabra is regarded as a prime example of the nature conservation in Seychelles

SIF is a members of the Steering Committee responsible for the implementation and monitoring of Environment Management Plan of Seychelles as well a whole consortium of other committees set up in relation to environment protection

International Seychelles was instrumental in setting up the Due to the lack of resources and at times capacity conservation Indian Ocean Marine Mammal Sanctuary in the government can not always keep up with the conventions and early 80s. Seychelles has also ratified several enforcement and compliance of Multi Environmental treaties international conventions of significance to Agreements Aldabra: • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (1994) (Seychelles is currently implementing a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action 36 Tool 4: Review of National Context

Criteria Strengths Weaknesses Plan). • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)(1973) (This is generally complied with). • African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1968) • Nairobi Convention for the Protection of the Marine Coastal Environment of the Eastern African Region (1985) (Seychelles hosts the regional coordinating unit) • Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (1972) • Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)(1973/78) • Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (1989) • Convention to Combat Desertification • Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992) (Seychelles has submitted its first national communication to the Conference of Parties and the second is in preparation) • Ramsar (Convention on WetlandsAldabra has extensive mangrove areas, a variety of freshwater and brackish water pools and many marine shallow water habitats, which 37 Tool 4: Review of National Context

Criteria Strengths Weaknesses are included in the Ramsar definition of wetlands • Convention on Migratory • Seychelles is participating in ICRAN/ICRI and CORDIO programmes relating to coral reefs. Seychelles keeps a very high profile on the international scene and has led a lead in negotiation process such as in the development of the technical ABS guidelines under the CBD to name only one Government Government’s commitment to Aldabra as a WHS National civil society has little opportunity to support for the is strong. The President is designated as the influence decisions within SIF. Government is World Heritage patron of SIF in the Decree. The Chairman of influenced by politics e.g.it is possible with a change of Site the local management board is the Chair/CEO of government that the commitment to Aldabra as a the Seychelles Tourism Board; several World Heritage Site changes. government officials also sit on this board. IDC boat and plane schedules to the outer islands IDC (Islands Development Company), which is a often change, and Aldabra has to fit in with these, parastatal organization responsible for other which can be very awkward for research scientists on outer islands of Seychelles, is the main a tight schedule (= RECOGNISED PROBLEM). transporter of goods to Aldabra. The recommendation of a fully operational and manned All proceeds from Vallée de Mai entrance fees coast guard vessel at Assumption to be presented has are retained by SIF (rather than going into not been implemented. general government revenue). Although SIF is by law exempted from Trade Tax , 38 Tool 4: Review of National Context

Criteria Strengths Weaknesses SIF gets tax-free fuel for Aldabra. There is there is a need to claim and process trade tax on a currently a total waiver of trade tax on case by case basis. necessary imports for Aldabra. Government allows 100% tax rebate on all donations from SIF needs to process all requests related to the the private sector and other local taxpayers. ™ Foreign Exchange Control Act ™ Gainful Occupational Permits (for volunteers) There is at times some exchange of rangers on a case by case which is very time consuming between, the Ministry of Environment, other Government organizations and SIF. It pays full social Security Contributions etc

There are permanent efforts to ensure that The amount of mileage government gets from the fact SIF is included in all environment related that Aldabra is a World Heritage Site is not totally consultations and other related processes. reflected by the financial support given.

It is ensured that Aldabra is included in the negotiation with international donors as well as project formulations e.g. under the GEF

National Note that there is no national protected area The Ministry of Environment has a vast mandate, and protected area agency in Seychelles – different PAs are stretched resources and technical expertise. To take agency and the managed by different agencies, e.g. Ministry of on the “umbrella” role of national agency would require World Heritage Environment, SCMRT -Marine Parks Authority, extra funding and personnel. Site + Nature Seychelles. This allows for a SIF and the concentration of finance, expertise and effort The networking between the different protected World Heritage into specific PAs. areas is very limited and not institutionalized. It Site always depends on the good will of the PA management It also allows for a certain amount of necessary 39 Tool 4: Review of National Context

Criteria Strengths Weaknesses independence and diversity of approaches. Although SIF only manages two sites, Aldabra is very reliant on Vallée de Mai entrance fees for revenue (= Aldabra is managed by a specially established RECOGNISED PROBLEM). agency (SIF). The only other site managed by SIF is Vallée de Mai (which is a much smaller Distance between HQ and Aldabra continues to be a World Heritage Site). difficulty in terms of supplies, personnel problems, emergencies, etc. Although much improved in recent Approximately 60% of the SIF budget goes to years. field operations on Aldabra. Constraints (see other sections of this assessment) SIF staff visit Aldabra usually once or twice a within SIF and outside of SIF have resulted in:- too year. There is regular communication between much time spent on day-to-day running, and sorting SIF HQ and Aldabra through VSAT which has out problems resulting from Aldabra’s distance from fastly improved the situation compared to the Mahe; less research being carried out than desirable; time when communication was limited to and a tendency for coping strategies to predominate telephone, fax, email or radiotelephone only rather than being proactive (The EoH process has assisted in the identification of problems and solutions. )

40 Tool 4: Review of National Context

Planning Process

41 Tool 5: Assessment of Management Planning

Tool 5 Assessment of Management Planning

Worksheet 5a for Tool 5: Management Planning Information Sheet

Year of Level of Year preparation, approval of specified Comments likely Name of plan the plan for next (comments should concentrate on the adequacy, currency, and completion or (L,G,A, review of integration of the plan with other planning instruments) most recent S/A,D)* plan review The management plan is scheduled for review in 2008 – using Management Plan A/G 1998 2005 ParkPlan as a guide Generally it must be said that the integration of all plans within the Operations Manual A/G 1998 2005 organisation is very high.

Proceedings of Scientific A 2002 2005 Most of the sectorial planning documents were developed after the management plan Workshop

Science Programme Review A/G 2005

Key L = plan has force of law (usually has been approved by parliament or legal instrument G = plan has been approved at government level but is not a legal instrument A = plan has been approved at Head of Agency level S/A = plan has been approved at a senior level within the Agency D = plan is a draft and has not been formally approved

42 Tool 5a: Management Planning Information Sheet

Notes 1. Level of approval is given as A/G to reflect that the plan has been approved at Agency level, by the Board of Trustees of Seychelles Islands Foundation, since the President appoints the Board government maintains a strong influence over the affairs of the Foundation. 2. Policies on zonation, tourism, research, etc. are to be found within the Management Plan.

Adequacy of the Management Plan for Aldabra In general the Management Plan (including an Operations Manual) for Aldabra is good. It runs for 7 years (1998-2005) and provides most of the directions needed for management of the site. However, some weaknesses were identified: • The “desired future” for Aldabra has perhaps been considered so obvious (protection of the existing natural situation) that it has not been stated more specifically in terms of “desired outcomes” (although the goals and objectives define them further). This may be because Aldabra is isolated and it has no indigenous of local population, and therefore has fewer anthropogenic environmental problems than many other World Heritage Sites. • The Plan does not take into account the needs of certain stakeholders and they were not involved in the production of the Plan. The workshop recently organized to consult stakeholders during the final assessment was much appreciated by management and participants and it was underlined that the process will be continued • Although research priorities are listed, other actions required by Management may not be so clearly prioritised from the point of view of decision makers with respect to allocation of resources. • Financial management has highly improved as previously pointed out and a Finance Committee does monitor finance management at the board level

One of the major findings of the assessment was the lack of awareness of the contents of the Management Plan by many key players, who seemed insufficiently aware of the important role it should be playing in ensuring effective management of Aldabra. There has been little reference to the Plan during management meetings. It is planned that the review of the management plan is built in the reporting mechanism which is evaluated by the board. The staff on Aldabra, on the other hand, were found to be using the Management Plan and the Operations Manual frequently to guide their actions.

GAPs • Certain additional relevant environmental information is required to guide future management (see other sections). The marine sector is partly addressed under the AMP however the vegetation mapping has not attracted donor funding up to now. A vegetation monitoring programme has been newly introduced.

43 Tool 5a: Management Planning Information Sheet

• It is recognised that a better system is required for monitoring, reviewing and adjusting the Plan during its lifetime.

RECOMMENDATIONS • The implementation of the reviewed management plan should be part of reporting mechanism to the Board • Specific objectives should be more clearly identified in the Plan (unless they can instead be stated each year in an Annual Work Plan). • Certain policies should be updated, particularly for Tourism (see also other sections). • The policy is sufficient but needs implementation across the board • When the Management Plan is due for review, ensure that stakeholders are included in the process. First Attempt has been made in the preparation of the Final Assessment • Ensure that a better system is introduced for reviewing and adjusting the Plan. • The Annual work plan needs to cross reference to the management plan as much as the work reports.

44 Tool 5b: Adequacy of Primary Planning Document

Worksheet 5b for Tool 5: Adequacy of Primary Planning Document

Question Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps Decision making framework 1. Does the plan establish Desired future is explicitly articulated as a VG Although the Management This will be addressed in the a clear understanding of decision making reference point Plan does not generally management plan review the desired future for the Desired future is reasonably articulated G describe the desired site? (i.e. describes the outcomes of management desired outcomes of Desired future is not clearly articulated but is F in terms that provides a management in terms that implied or can be inferred from plan objectives guide to management and provides a guide to decision-making by site management and decision managers, it is considered making by site managers) that this is heavily implied. A section headed “Major Policies For Aldabra” covers protection, conservation, research and monitoring, restoration and other priorities. Also, while a desired future for tourism is not articulated, there is an appendix to the Management Plan headed “Alternative Scenarios for the Future of Aldabra”. There is also

45 Tool 5b: Adequacy of Primary Planning Document

Question Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps Plan focuses more on present issues and P a SWOT analysis within actions and doesn’t indicate a desired future the Plan for the site 2. Does the plan express Desired future is expressed in a way that VG The desired future for The policy is sufficient but needs the desired future for the provides clear guidance for addressing new Aldabra may not be implementation across the board site so that it can assist issues and opportunities expressed in a way that management of new issues Desired future is expressed in a way that G provides clear guidance and opportunities that gives some guidance for addressing new for addressing current or arise during the life of issues and opportunities new issues and the plan? Desired future is not clearly articulated and F opportunities. However, provides only limited guidance for addressing the desired future is new threats and opportunities clearly expressed in The plan focuses more on present issues and P terms of maintaining the actions and doesn’t indicate any desired future ecological integrity of for the site Aldabra. There is a need for a redefined Tourism Policy. The Management Plan gives guidelines for tourists but this market has the capacity to evolve beyond the present limits and is in need of review.

3. Does the plan provide Plan provides a clear, explicit and appropriate VG The need for monitoring, An additional AGM agenda item for a process of process for monitoring, review and adjustment review and adjustment is

46 Tool 5b: Adequacy of Primary Planning Document

Question Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps monitoring, review and Provisions for monitoring, review and G recognised, but it is not will be created to ensure an adjustment during the life adjustment of the plan are present but are dealt with in any detail. annual review. of the plan? incomplete, unclear or inappropriate in some The Plan contains a minor respects summary table of Need for monitoring, review and adjustment is F Strategies and Actions, recognised but is not dealt with in sufficient which is intended as a tool detail for the annual review of Plan does not address the need for monitoring, P performance and progress review and adjustment during the AGM of SIF, following which a summary of policy changes and amendments relating to this Management Plan should be produced.

Planning context 4. Does the plan provide Policy requirements for the site are identified VG The plan is based on To explicitly state the desired an adequate and and adequate and appropriate policies are different management future for the site appropriate policy established with clear linkages to the desired zones and which was environment for future for the site analysed as the best management of the World Policy requirements for the site are G approach to manage the Heritage site? identified and policies are largely adequate site under the existing and appropriate although there are gaps challenges Policies in the plan are inadequate or F incomplete in many respects

47 Tool 5b: Adequacy of Primary Planning Document

Question Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps Plan either doesn’t establish policies for the P area or the policies are inadequate or inappropriate in major respects

5. Is the plan Relevant national, regional and sectoral plans VG Although most of the To be stated in the Management integrated/linked to other that affect the site are identified and specific relevant national, regional Plan revision in 2008. Good significant mechanisms are included to provide for and sectoral plans are not number of such plans did not national/regional/sectoral integration or linkage now and in the future specifically identified in exist when the plan was prepared. plans that influence Relevant national, regional and sectoral plans G the plan, their influence management of the World that affect the site are identified, their on the site is taken into Heritage site? influence on the site is taken into account account by SIF but there is little attempt at integration management, because Some relevant national, regional and sectoral F personnel are aware of plans are identified but there is no attempt at such plans. integration No account is taken of other plans affecting P the site Plan Content 6. Is the plan based on an The information base for the plan is up to date VG The information base is The marine programme has been adequate and relevant and adequate in scope and depth and is generally adequate but it considerable extended as well as information base? matched to the major decisions, policies and is recognised that more a basic vegetation monitoring issues addressed in the plan information is needed on programme has been set up to The information base is adequate in scope G marine ecosystems, address this. and depth but maybe a little out dated terrestrial vegetation and The next step is to revamp the and/or contain irrelevant information (i.e. a the impact of alien science programme broad compilation of data rather than species on the terrestrial matching information to the decisions, ecosystem. policies and issues addressed in the plan)

48 Tool 5b: Adequacy of Primary Planning Document

Question Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps The information base is out of date and/or has F inadequacies in scope or depth so that some issues, decisions or policies cannot be placed into context Very little information relevant to plan P decisions is presented 7. Have the values for the The site values have been clearly identified VG Although the desired To address this in the review site been identified in the and linked to well defined management outcomes are not plan and linked to the objectives and desired outcomes for the site. explicitly stated management objectives The site values have been reasonably G and desired outcomes for identified and linked to management the site? objectives and desired outcomes for the site. The site values have not been clearly F identified or linked to management objectives and desired outcomes for the site. The site values have not been identified. P

8. Does the plan address Plan identifies primary issues for the site and VG The Plan identifies the To address this in the review the primary issues facing deals with them within the context of the main issues, both in terms management of the World desired future for the site (i.e. plan is of policies and in the Heritage Area within the outcome rather than issues driven) equivalent of Focal context of the desired Plan identifies primary issues for the site G Management Targets. future of the site? but tends to deal with them in isolation or The outcome or desired out of context of the desired future for future is assumed rather the site than specifically stated.

49 Tool 5b: Adequacy of Primary Planning Document

Question Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps Some significant issues for the site are not F A SWOT analysis is addressed in the plan or the issues are not included in the Plan, which adequately addressed helps to identify some of Many significant issues are not addressed or P the issues that still need are inadequately dealt with in the plan to be tackled.

9. Are the objectives and Objectives and actions are adequate and VG Tourism, habitat To address this in the review actions specified in the appropriate for all issues restoration, and response plan represented as Objectives and actions are adequate and G to climate change are adequate and appropriate appropriate for most issues perhaps the main response to the issues? Objectives and actions are frequently F exceptions at the moment. inadequate or inappropriate Specific objectives have Objectives and actions in the plan do not P to be more clearly represent an adequate or appropriate response defined. to the primary issues 10. “Were local and Local and indigenous communities living in or VG Not fully applicable indigenous communities around the WHS were meaningfully and fully There is no local or living in or around the involved in developing the management plan and indigenous population on WHS involved in setting direction for the WHS Aldabra. The wider developing the Local and indigenous communities living in or G Seychellois community, management plan and around the WHS were fairly meaningfully and most of whom have never setting direction for the partly involved in developing the management visited Aldabra, is taken management of the WHS? plan and setting direction for the WHS into consideration in the Local and indigenous communities living in or F Plan through the around the WHS were only minimally involved Education Policy. in developing the management plan and setting direction for the WHS

50 Tool 5b: Adequacy of Primary Planning Document

Question Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps Local and indigenous communities living in or P around the WHS were not involved in developing the management plan and setting direction for the WHS

11. Does the plan take Plan identifies the needs and interests of local VG Not fully applicable account of the needs and and indigenous communities and has taken There is no local or interests of local and these into account in decision making indigenous population on indigenous communities Plan identifies the needs and interests of local G Aldabra. The wider living in or around the and indigenous communities but it is not Seychellois community, World Heritage site? apparent that these have been into account in most of whom have never decision making visited Aldabra, is taken There is limited attention given to the needs F into consideration in the and interests of local and indigenous Plan through the communities and little account taken of these Education Policy. in decision making No apparent attention has been given to the P needs and interests of local and indigenous communities 12. Does the plan take Plan identifies the needs and interests of VG Little is identified in the Fully recognised that there is account of the needs and other stakeholders and has taken these into plan, except for the possibility to increase interests of other account in decision making composition of the Board involvement and a first workshop stakeholders involved in Plan identifies the needs and interests of G of Trustees and the during the final assessment was the World Heritage site? other stakeholders but it is not apparent Scientific Sub- conducted, Provisions will be that these have been into account in Committee, and guidelines made for stakeholder decision making for tourism management.

51 Tool 5b: Adequacy of Primary Planning Document

Question Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps There is limited attention given to the needs F However, there are consultation when the plan will be and interests of other stakeholders and relatively few such updated little account taken of these in decision stakeholders. making Further thought needs to No apparent attention has been given to the P be given to this area as needs and interests of other stakeholders there is potential for further involvement of other stakeholders such as NGOs and civil society.

13. Does the plan provide Management actions specified in the plan VG The Plan provides The format of the present plan adequate direction on can be clearly understood and provide a adequate direction, and is will be adopted for the updated management actions that useful basis for developing operational plans used by staff on Aldabra version should be undertaken in such as work programmes and budgets to guide their actions (as the World Heritage site? Management actions specified in the plan can G also is the Operations generally be clearly understood and provide an Manual). adequate basis for developing operational plans such as work programmes and budgets Management actions are sometimes unclear or F lacking in specificity making it difficult to use the plan as a basis for developing operational plans such as work programmes and budgets Management actions are unclear or lacking in P specificity making it very difficult to use the plan as a basis for developing operational plans such as work programmes and budgets

52 Tool 5b: Adequacy of Primary Planning Document

Question Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps 14. Does the plan identify Clear priorities are indicated within the plan VG Research priorities are the priorities amongst in a way that supports work programming identified. Also the Plan strategies and actions in a and allocation of resources contains a summary way that facilitates work Priorities are generally indicated making their G Management Strategy and programming and use for work programming and resource Action Plan, which allocation of resources? allocation adequate most of the time identifies priority actions. Priorities are not clearly indicated but may be F inferred for work programming and resource allocation There is no indication of priorities in the plan P so that the plan cannot be used for work programming and resource allocation

53 Tool 6: Design Assessment

Tool 6: Design Assessment

The whole of Aldabra atoll is protected, including a distance of 1km all around the rim. This is a sufficient size to protect all species and habitats within the atoll. As there is no indigenous community, no areas are set aside for anything other than conservation in its broad sense. The major factor affecting management of the atoll lies less in its design than in its great distance (1000km) from the main island of Mahé, which is where SIF management headquarters is. Most of the relevant points are summarized in the data sheet, and in the text below.

Zonation Policy A feature of the design of Aldabra is a zonation policy, the details of which are given in the Management Plan. In summary the zones are as follows:

1. Restricted Zone – Ecologically sensitive areas, activities limited to non- manipulative research and monitoring, alien species removals, and limited controlled photography etc. 2. Protected Zone – The major part of Aldabra, providing opportunities for research and monitoring, photography and filming, and authorized visitors; also alien species removal. 3. Tourist Access Zone – Areas designated for limited educational and nature- conservation tourism; includes the Research Station and Old Settlement (where the cultural heritage is mostly situated).

Certain difficulties with this zonation have become apparent, with tour operators and tourists demanding to enter areas that were accessible before the zonation policy was put in place.

Extent of Marine Boundary Aldabra’s protected area extends 1km offshore, which is sufficient to protect the coral reef ecosystem. There is a larger exclusion zone for oil tankers (see table below). Management has not been consulted in the establishment of such maritime regulations and is not aware of the logic of the limits chosen, which may or may not be ecologically sound. International traffic between Assumption and Aldabra

External interactions and Connectivity Aldabra may act as a source for marine larvae (e.g. corals, prawns, fish) for the whole region. In addition it is a protected refuge for seabirds, turtles, whales and other migratory species. At present there is little information as to how important Aldabra may be in this respect. Although there are no unnatural limitations to marine species and migratory species as a result of site design, such species will be affected by conditions away from Aldabra. Changing the design of the Aldabra site will not improve this. However, a case could be made for including all four islands and atolls of the Aldabra group in some kind of multiple-

54 Tool 6: Design Assessment use protected area (see note below). It might even be possible to envision an even larger clustering, to include Comores and Madagascar, (perhaps Mozambique and Tanzania as well) in order to harmonise certain policies on protected areas, fishing, poaching, etc. through regional co-operation (which is already in place). Both of these possibilities would have political implications.

GAP • There is a need to establish a system for measuring the effectiveness of the zonation policy and reviewing it if necessary.

OPPORTUNITIES • Consider the possibility of including all four islands and atolls of the Aldabra group in one cluster with some kind of multiple-use protected status. o Scenarios for protection and conservation management undertaken, awaiting board decision • Enhance the current regional co-operation initiatives so that protection for the whole region can be coordinated. o Possibly to be explored under the COI regional network of marine parks an ongoing project and first contacts have been established

Note on the Other Islands of the Aldabra group These other islands are managed by the Islands Development Company (IDC), a government parastatal. 1. Assumption. This island has a viable airstrip. A small group of IDC employees live there. It is used as an access point to Aldabra – visitors, staff and SIF Board of Trustees members fly by IDC plane to Assumption before transferring by boat to Aldabra. Assumption was mined in the past for guano and consequently lost much of its vegetation and most of its birds. There is potential for rehabilitation, in which SIF and Aldabra would have a vital role. Another concern for SIF is that Assumption has four alien species of land bird that could threaten the integrity of the avifauna of Aldabra, where there are no introduced bird species. 2. Cosmoledo. This atoll is presently uninhabited and has been subject to recent poaching. A project is being developed by a recently formed NGO (Islands Conservation Society) to protect and rehabilitate the atoll. The Board of Trustees of this NGO includes the Chairman of IDC. There is no doubt that SIF would play a vital role in rehabilitation plans. For example, Cosmoledo five species of land birds that still survive on Aldabra were formerly resident on Cosmoledo. Reintroduction to their former range is ecologically desirable. It could also act as an insurance policy for these species and perhaps relieve tourism pressure on Aldabra. 3. Astove. This atoll was once used for agriculture and is now an excellent dive site for experienced divers. Marine scientists have highlighted the importance of the reef ecosystem, which is worthy of protected area

55 Tool 6: Design Assessment

status. Again the case for rehabilitation is strong, and species extinct on Astove survive on Aldabra.

It should be noted that a GEF project has recently been initiated by the Seychelles Government, a component of which focuses on an ecosystem assessment of the outer islands, followed by an assessment of an integrated ecosystem management for the Aldabra group, with particular emphasis on Cosmoledo atoll.

56 Tool 6: Design Assessment

Worksheet for Tool 6: Design Assessment Design Strengths of reserve Weaknesses of reserve design Comments and management aspect design in relation to this in relation to this aspect action aspect A. Ecological integrity Key habitats The majority of key Absence of other islands of the ,Formulate a protocol regarding species are either confined Aldabra group within the such eventualities following to Aldabra or have their protected area inhibits IUCN guidelines for stronghold on Aldabra atoll. opportunities to reintroduce reintroduction of species For a number of species, species from Aldabra that once such as turtles, fish and occurred on these other islands shorebirds, Aldabra (e.g. five land birds restricted represents a breeding to Aldabra once also occurred on site,nursery and feeding Cosmoledo. area. The isolation and protection of the atoll enhances this aspect. Size The site is the world’s Some species are migratory and A study to explore possible largest raised atoll. The will be affected by conditions scenarios for protection and whole atoll and marine away from Aldabra, but changing conservation management habitats to a distance of the design of the site will not undertaken. Board decision 1km around the atoll are improve this. awaited protected. Populations of Some species could be all key species are vulnerable to environmental currently considered viable. extremes or human induced Other islands of the catastrophe. Inclusion of other Aldabra group are islands in the Aldabra group currently under the control within a larger protected area of IDC (Islands (though perhaps difficult to

57 Tool 6: Design Assessment

Design Strengths of reserve Weaknesses of reserve design Comments and management aspect design in relation to this in relation to this aspect action aspect Development Company), are achieve) would increase underutilized and could opportunities to reintroduce perhaps be included in a Aldabran species, as an larger multiple-use insurance policy for those protected area. species. External There is an exclusion zone Human error could result in an A scientific study carried out on interactions around the atoll measuring oil spill, in spite of the exclusion sea birds as bio-indicator and 61 nautical miles from zone, with possible catastrophic the results are being awaited north to south for oil consequences. tankers. Intensive tuna fisheries in the Isolation of the atoll acts area could impact species The National Oil Spill as a buffer to many human affected by their removal, e.g. Contingency plan needs to be influences, such as sea birds relying on tuna to complimented with a site pollution. bring small fish to the sea specific contingency plan for surface. Aldabra Further development of tourism in the area increases the risk of introducing new alien species, including diseases. Connectivity There are no unnatural Climate change is likely to Identify opportunities in limitations to marine affect all islands of the Aldabra regional/global projects to species and migratory group. include Aldabra as a study site species as a result of site to collect information and data design. to this regard which can not be financed by SIF on its own

58 Tool 6: Design Assessment

Design Strengths of reserve Weaknesses of reserve design Comments and management aspect design in relation to this in relation to this aspect action aspect B. Community well-being Key areas The distance of Aldabra Previous exploitation by Continue the annual visit by the from the population temporary workers (19th and school children, eco school prize centres of Seychelles early 20th centuries) had winners and Christmas lottery means that key resources significant effects on giant have not been readily tortoise, turtle and probably Eventually build an Aldabra available to the general fish populations. Their House to recreate small parts of Seychelles population, populations are still recovering. Aldabra for the general public particularly since the site Currently there are few to experience Aldabra. became a Special Reserve. opportunities for Seychellois to visit the atoll for educational Set up a club Friends of Aldabra purposes. Size The small size of the Explore the installation of community resident on this alternative technologies for atoll means that the various service especially with provision of ecological regards to composting toilets services is on a small scale and currently sustainable. External Aldabra’s isolation and The distance of Aldabra from Explore the possibility of interactions difficult terrain has Mahé (about 1000km) means bilateral cooperation with protected it to a large that management remains France in the field of fishery extent from human troublesome and a real patrol, supplies, surveillance and exploitation. challenge, in spite of improved medical evacuation communication systems. The isolation of the atoll means that medical evacuation is

59 Tool 6: Design Assessment

Design Strengths of reserve Weaknesses of reserve design Comments and management aspect design in relation to this in relation to this aspect action aspect difficult and expensive. The relative isolation and large size of the atoll makes poaching hard to police. Legal status Legal status is clear and Seychellois fishermen may To ensure the enforcement of generally well respected. regard it their right to take law there is a need to be beef up natural resources from Aldabra. the monitoring system at the station and to invest in modern technology C. Management factors Legal status Legal status is clear. The large size of Aldabra, the Same as above small number of staff and the distance from Mahé make enforcement a problem. Access Access is controlled by Aldabra’s distance from Mahé Suggestion has been made to points SIF, the Port Authority creates problems for would-be place one coast guard vessel at and Immigration Control on visitors from other countries, Assumption on a full time basis Mahé. who may break laws in order to however modalities still need to gain access far from the be worked out. Research Station. Neighbours There are no boundary Some charter boats based in issues. Mayotte and Nossy Be are often Good relations with IDC, solicited for illegal charters. which controls the nearby Identify and implement strong island of Assumption, deterrent measures should allow for future

60 Tool 6: Design Assessment

Design Strengths of reserve Weaknesses of reserve design Comments and management aspect design in relation to this in relation to this aspect action aspect cooperation on issues such as alien bird eradication, action on poachers, management of shipping movements, etc.

61 Tool 7a: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Staff

Inputs

62 Tool 7a: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Staff

Tool 7: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Staff

Staff numbers Seychelles Islands Foundation has a small staff: Headquarters on Mahé - Six persons (CEO, Science Programme Coordinator, Executive Officer, Accountant, Accountant Assistant, Office Assistant and one support staff). Aldabra atoll - The number of staff fluctuates around 12 people (Island Manger , Research Officer, Assistant Research Officer, Senior ranger , 2 or 3 Rangers, trainee ranger, 1 or 2 Boatmen, Engineer/Mechanic, 1 cook/field workers, 1 House keeper + a number of occasional staff such as a Mason, Electrician , Carpenter), together with visiting Scientists or Volunteers.

Vallée de Mai (the other WHS managed by SIF) – 18 workers

The number of staff currently appears to be more or less adequate, although if there are shortages for one reason or another, this puts additional pressure on the existing staff. This is true for all three Aldabra, Vallée de Mai and HQ. During the EoH process it became very clear that there is a need for an accounting unit which was set up and is today manned by one accountant and one account assistant. A peach tree accounting software was purchased and is now fully operational. Further assessments of the situation revealed additional requirements on Aldabra. This resulted in the creation of posts of an assistant research officer, one more fulltime ranger as well as a trainee ranger and one more boatman. For HQ it has been suggested that a part-time worker is necessary to assist the office assistant when the supply boat is due to leave for Aldabra.

Staff skills and training Recruiting well-qualified local staff for Aldabra has never been easy. Some foreign nationals are still contracted for specialized posts that cannot be readily filled locally. The level of skills of staff varies considerably because of the short contracts (6 months to 2 years) made necessary by the extreme isolation of the atoll. Consequently it was analyzed that is very important to invest in local capacity. The Head Ranger has now enrolled in a BSc programme in Port Elisabeth fully funded by SIF. In addition dive training has routinely be provided between contracts for returning rangers, boatman and mechanic. Mechanics are often given specific training in air conditioning and outboard engines maintenance.

The Aldabra shop account is now managed via an especially designed web based application which allows for in real time stock control and stock taking and greatly facilitates purchases and stock management.

63 Tool 7a: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Staff

The partner of the Research Officer is a computer professional and her being present full time has resulted in a well maintained IT system and tailor made training of Aldabra staff. Due to the 24 hour of internet access even online training facilities exists but have not been explored so far.

Opportunistically Aldabra staff have also participated in various training courses such as a bird ringing course, Earthwatch Reef Monitoring, as well as in house training under the Aldabra Marine Programme in fish counts, coral identification and monitoring.

Short-term staff exchanges and an enhanced volunteer programme can improve skill levels to some extent and increase the dedication of workers. Capacity building can be carried out on the atoll through skill-sharing as well as by means of specific training courses. Perhaps there is also some way in which personal skills could be enhanced, to reduce the likelihood of conflicts. A multiple-skilled work force is to be encouraged.

In the AGM 2006 the board pointed out the perceived necessity to have a paramedic full time on the island.

There is a need for capacity building in HQ on Mahé. Administration skills need to be improved by outside training. Under the EoH the peach tree accounts software was bought and is now fully operational. Two additional staff have been trained in house in peach tree and the whole accounts are on the system.

Furthermore all computers at HQ were networked, the network is fully functioning and all newly recruited staff have been added to the network.

Through assistance from a consultant with a broad and flexible approach to administration training in work planning was conducted and as a result an annual work plan plus a 3 year rolling plan developed. However implementation has been very limited mainly because there was not the creation of ownership in the process and the direct involvement of HQ management was quite limited.

A different approach was adopted when working together with Shell to develop the Business Plan. SIF was selected to be the pilot project by the EoH project management. Despite certain minor constraints the out come was very positive and especially the process was much appreciated. The whole exercise became an eye opener and the approach of the Shell team worked very well. Unfortunately the hope for further involvement by Shell especially in the field of renewable energy and health safety aspect of fuel transportation did not materialise. It is much hoped that this can be revived and followed up.

In addition the need to further train HQ staff was taken up and the Executive Officer enrolled in a 2 year part time Diploma Course in Human Resource 64 Tool 7a: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Staff

Development offered by the Seychelles Institute of Management. She will complete the training in one year. Also the Purchase Officer just completed a short training in Store Keeping other short term trainings completed are Project Planning and Microsoft Office

Funds The Seychelles Government gave apart from the last three years an annual grant of SR100,000 and the Royal Society of London gives an annual grant of £5,000. Aldabra is able to raise few funds of its own (approximately SR 600,000 annually). Most of the revenue for SIF comes from entrance fees for Vallée de Mai, the other World Heritage site managed by SIF. This must be a unique arrangement, whereby one lucrative WHS subsidises another which is very remote and which basically is a scientific site. As long as tourism numbers are stable in Seychelles, this arrangement can work well. However, tourism is a fickle industry and Vallée de Mai requires some major financial input. An investment of 2.5 SR Mill is earmarked in a new visitor facility for 2007/2008 and works have already started. SIF needs to diversify its revenue stream. At present there is too much reliance on the entrance fee and as per the Shell Business Plan it was decided to earn an extra 10 US per visitor at the Vallée de Mai to compensate for a drop in visitor numbers.

So it would be much better for SIF to have a more independent source of funds. There was a proposal to develop tourism on Aldabra in order to raise significant funds for the WHS, which was not further developed. A Trust Fund of US Mill 20. is to be set up in the next 7 years. This will require outside expertise and assistance to this effect the Aldabra Foundation was created (3 years ago). It is estimated that a sum of $500,000/750000needs to be raised annually for Aldabra.

The setting up a sustainable finance mechanism with the expertise of Carlos Quintera did not materialize

Budget For the past years, funding and income has covered the costs of running Aldabra. The waiving of trade taxes, and subsidies for some transport costs, have assisted in this process although a new regulation requires that trade tax claims are done on a case by case basis. Consequently the work load of the administration/account staff will increase. Also, the introduction of 12.5 % Good and Service Tax has considerably increased operation costs. Up to date there has been collaboration with the IDC for provisioning and supply but with the expansion of the tourism industry on the outer islands the logistics to supply the same is severely stretched and there is an emerging need to find alternatives which will be a lot more costly. It is only 2 years that a detailed annual budget is being worked on and more fine tuning is needed. However apart from emergency purchases costs are now much better monitored and the finance management has highly improved 65 Tool 7a: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Staff compared to previous years when finance were managed without following a budget. Also there is a maintenance schedule in place and it is easier to plan ahead for capital expenditure and supply of spare parts. An annual audit is carried out by a licensed external auditor.

Equipment and Infrastructure Detailed lists exist for all equipment and infrastructure on Aldabra however there is still the need to set up a Fix Asset register. The Research Station buildings were renovated in 1996. Communication equipment has been significantly improved especially with the installation of the previously mentioned VSAT system. The Management Plan requirement to adopt environmentally friendly technologies when possible is still not taken up and again Shells experience in the could be of much assistance. Current infrastructure and equipment is sufficient for the everyday running of the site, and the computer and internet facilities were considerable improved to a 24 hour internet access. Tourism facilities are inadequate in terms of educational material and the lack of a proper visitor center, but the number of visitors is under 500 per year and the number of visiting cruise ships has not been consistent in the past years, so facility improvement was only partly addressed. Although one volunteer has assisted with some station staff in converting an old house into makeshift a visitor facility. Very recently the rangers developed interpretation material mainly in the form of posters under the supervision of the Research Officer which are in print and shall be soon mounted to allow for the visitors to source more information when visiting Aldabra

Allocation of resources The Science Review workshop undertaken in 2005 identified priorities in the monitoring programme as well as pointed out gaps and implementation of the recommendation of the workshop has started.

GAPS Addressed • There is not a good system for identifying input requirements, for prioritizing them and then obtaining the most appropriate equipment etc. within the budget range.

This has been fully addressed with the peach tree software and finance management is up to standard. The budget is monitored on a permanently basis. Actually the draft budget of 2008 has already been submitted to the board

• More forward planning is required in all areas (financial/budget/staff requirements).

66 Tool 7a: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Staff

Over the last two years an annual budget has been prepared and an administrative audit to address staff requirements was undertaken and has been reinitiated with the arrival of the CEO. It is now necessary to address the annual work planning.

• Staff skills need to be charted more usefully

Standards and procedures for the recruitment of staff have been established and are followed. A training budget has been prepared for 2008 and more networking to ensure staff exchange or work attachments in other organization is being done but still needs further enhancement.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Staffing • Capacity is being built at both HQ on Mahé and on Aldabra. • Although a review of the staffing needs was undertaken there is a necessity to continuously monitor human resource and a human resource development exercise which will also include the drafting of the plan is scheduled for 2008 under the supervision of the Seychelles Institute for Management.

Finance • A proper financial strategy should be developed. A Financial Plan was developed with Shell and implementation of the same needs monitoring the same applies for the Annual Work plan 3 year rolling plan • Alternative financing proposals for Aldabra should be pursued. As identified in the Business Plan the redevelopment of the entrance infrastructure plus shop to earn an additional 10 US is being implemented and the Aldabra Foundation has been registered in Switzerland and started to work. A first major exhibition to promote Aldabra was mounted in 2005 in The Hague Museum, the next one is planned for Paris. It is meant to be a traveling exhibition which will feature in major World Museums • Due to the new communication facilities on Aldabra the finance management has much improved and consultation on permanent basis are possible.

General • It would be valuable to share information and experience with another remote World Heritage Site or Protected Area with respect to administrative and staff issues. This happened to some extent during the EoH project and there should be a mechanism which allows this kind of exchange to continue. This year a fact finding mission was undertaken to Cocos island to investigate the benefits of a twinning programme and a draft MoU was submitted in October 2007 to the Cocos island Foundation for consideration.

67 Tool 7a: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Staff

Worksheet 7a for Tool 7: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Staff

Curren Required No. of Level of Training

Staff t no. Type of training Poor Fair Good good Very Location no. of trained Comments/ Responses category of required staff staff staff Management HQ 2 2 2 Diploma in Management to VG Management Skills need to be (PhD, BSc ) compliment the science training acquired + skills in project management Management Aldabra 1 1 1 on the job To be identified upon F The present Island Manager is recruitment of the new islands acting and recruitment manager is being finlised procedures for a new islands manger have started Research Aldabra 2 2 2 VG The RO and ARO are fully Research qualified, however there is the Officer (PhD) need to localise these posts Assistant Research Officer (MSc)

Research Aldabra 4 4 4 BSc in Marine A BSc course is being financed Technical level Science/Conservation for the head ranger. Head Ranger Management Senior Ranger Environment, health and safety Ranger training Trainee GPS handling, plant Ranger identification, reef monitoring techniques , scuba diving

FIB pilot licence , Support Aldabra 5 4 1 (cook, long Boat man 60 km navigation F

68 Tool 7a: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Staff

Boat man, mechanic experienced qualification (coxswain) cook, cleaner, mechanic ) Mechanic some specialised training in 4 stroke outboard engines

Administration HQ 4 4 2 ACCA Diploma G Provisions have been made in (Accountant Diploma in Human Resource the budget 2008 and the technician Development candidates for training and identified Certificate in Course in store management Human Microsoft Office Resource Development

General Comments Aldabra is an outpost station and the biggest challenge is to retain good staff and reduce staff turnover. The remoteness of Aldabra requires for the staff to have a break period. Consequently the investment in the training is inordinately high.

It must be noted that all staff at HQ are also involved in the management of Valleé de Mai and not solely available for Aldabra only.

69 Tool 7b: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Budget

Worksheet 7b for Tool 7: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Budget

Expenditure category Budget spent Budget 2007 Budget 2008 since Jan- August 2007 Aldabra Revenues Grants 163,938.90 124,750.00 50,000.00 Aldabra - Grant from GOS Aldabra - Grant Royal Society 59,427.50 54,000.00 50,000.00 Aladbra - Grant Other Sources 5,500.00 Aldabra - Landing Fees 171,741.28 412,500.00 200,000.00 Aldabra - Film/Photographic fees 61,499.12 25,000.00 25,000.00 Aldabra - Accomodation/Transpt 96,783.08 65,000.00 75,000.00 Aldabra -Souvenir sales 66,651.68 106,750.00 138,100.00 Sales of Clothings 32,054.75 62,100.00 50,000.00 Books & Video Sales 14,331.50 26,600.00 25,000.00 Aldabra Foundation Books 14,253.54 21,300.00 Cards & Paintings 3,898.89 5,800.00 CD & DVD Sales 1,993.00 2,950.00 6,000.00 Calenders 2006 3,100.00 First Day Covers 30,000.00 Others souvenir 120.00 12,000.00 Aldabra - Turtles Tags/Aplicators 3,555.25 25,270.00 20,000.00 sales Aldabra - Shop Income 155,163.08 247,500.00 250,000.00 Aldabra - Telephone Income 17,835.50 36,700.00 25,000.00 Aldabra - Other Income 6,235.00 35,500.00 20,000.00

Aldabra Total Revenues 743,402.89 1,078,970.00 803,100.00

Aldabra Cost of Sale Aldabra - Shop Purchases 209,335.40 315,000.00 400,000.00 Ald - Printing of T Shirts 61,395.89 0.00 92,000.00 Ald - Purch Books/Videos, etc 25,045.50 25,000.00 37,500.00 Ald - Purch Cards/Calenders 42,550.32 20,000.00 35,000.00 Ald - Purch CD & DVD 840.00 20,000.00 Ald - First Day Covers 25.00 60,000.00 Ald - Turtle Tags / Applicators 16,708.00 42,000.00 25,000.00

Aldabra Total Cost of Sales 355,900.11 402,000.00 669,500.00

Aldabra Gross Profit 387,502.78 676,970.00 133,600.00

70 Tool 7b: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Budget

Expenditure category Budget spent Budget 2007 Budget 2008 since Jan- August 2007 Aldabra Expenditure Aldabra - Accomodation 24,619.73 17,900.00 25,000.00 Aldabra - Camp Visit Issues 10,937.43 23,100.00 25,000.00 Aldabra - Fuel & Gas 361,816.73 241,870.00 600,000.00 Aldabra Patrol/Surveillance 47.00 10,000.00 150,000.00 (Issues+Fuel) Aldabra - Repairs & Maintence 149,448.22 188,200.00 496,000.00 General mtce/Workshop 51,038.64 71,200.00 76,000.00 Boats & Engines 52,649.16 35,000.00 65,000.00 Electricity Generator 22,068.09 40,000.00 35,000.00 Desalinator maintenance 22,691.53 15,000.00 Field Camps 75.80 300,000.00 Computer Hardwares & Accessories 925.00 42,000.00 5,000.00 Station maintenance & Upgrade 750,000.00 Aldabra - Fishing Gears 720.00 7,900.00 1,500.00 Aldabra - Diving Gears 3,260.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 Aldabra - Kitchen Wares 3,282.13 5,000.00 Aldabra - Staff costs 983,466.68 1,182,170.00 1,318,050.00 Staff Salaries/ Wages 766,348.38 863,500.00 950,000.00 SS Contribution 161,722.98 216,150.00 242,500.00 Employer Pension Contribution 3,700.00 5,520.00 5,550.00 Training Of Staff 38,125.70 60,000.00 80,000.00 Other Staff Costs 8,535.83 7,000.00 10,000.00 Volenteer Costs 5,033.79 30,000.00 30,000.00

Aldabra -Capital Exp Below 21,680.75 40,800.00 40,500.00 SR5,000 Aldabra - Project 203,100.00 Computer hardwares & accessories 9,276.90 28,000.00 Outboard engines 70,000.00 Aircon & freezers 12,000.00 Field Huts VSAT 4,500.00 Aircon Freezers 1,000.00 Enhancing Our Heritage 9,276.90 87,600.00 Goat Eradication Marine Reaseach Bird Reseach

Aldabra - Cleaning Materials 2,704.70 3,200.00 5,000.00 Aldabra - Consumable Items 69.54 1,200.00 1,200.00 Aldabra - Office Running Cost 3,319.75 4,000.00 4,900.00 Aldabra - Printing/Stationery 4,332.60 12,200.00 15,000.00

71 Tool 7b: Assessment of Management Needs and Inputs for Budget

Expenditure category Budget spent Budget 2007 Budget 2008 since Jan- August 2007 Aldabra - Telecom & Internet 63,368.54 68,370.00 91,000.00 Iridium Charges 3,671.74 1,400.00 6,000.00 VSAT - RBGan Charges 6,258.02 3,600.00 9,500.00 VSAT - Bandwidth Charges 42,193.40 46,870.00 58,000.00 VSAT - Mgmt Fees 11,245.38 16,500.00 17,500.00

Aldabra - Transportation 319,957.85 282,600.00 575,500.00 Land 19,265.00 16,800.00 25,000.00 Sea 233,645.25 216,000.00 450,000.00 Air 67,047.60 49,800.00 100,500.00

Aldabra - Donation 303.08 500.00 Aldabra - Research 13,519.08 250,000.00 250,000.00 Aldabra - Advertising 2,100.00 4,655.00 3,000.00 Sundries 10,712.65 33,125.00 16,000.00 Write-Off of Goods 9,712.65 12,125.00 15,000.00 Ald - Other charges 1,000.00 21,000.00 1,000.00

Ald - Science Review Workshop

Aldabra Total Expenses 1,989,443.36 2,579,390.00 3,622,650.00

Aldabra Net Profit -1,601,940.58 -1,902,420.00 -3,489,050.00

For all expenditure categories the funding source is from own funds. Due to the unique arrangement of twinning the two world heritage sites in Seychelles. Valleé de Mai is earning sufficient revenues to finance the operation of Aldabra.

72

Processes

73 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Tool 8: Assessment of Management Processes

Worksheet 8a for Tool 8: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps Management Structures and Systems 1. World The World Heritage site has agreed and Very VG, a case could be made To liaise with the Heritage values documented values and the management objectives good to include all 4 criterion WH Centre how to fully reflect them for natural heritage proceed Have values The World Heritage site has agreed and documented Good nominations instead of been identified values, but these are only partially reflected in the just three and are these management objectives linked to The World Heritage site has agreed and documented Fair management values, but these are not reflected in the management objectives? objectives No values have been agreed for the World Heritage Poor site 2. Management An approved management plan exists and is being fully Very G The management plan Update the planning implemented good is partially being management plan An approved management plan exists but it is only Good implemented due o Is there a plan being partially implemented because of funding limited capacity in good and is it being constraints or other problems (please state) management practice implemented? A plan is being prepared or has been prepared but is Fair not being implemented

74 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps There is no plan for managing the World Heritage site Poor

3. Planning Planning and decision making processes are excellent Very Good The isolation of To make full use of systems good Aldabra has to some new communication point not allowed for system There are some planning and decision making Good Are the planning complete consultation processes in place but they could be better, either systems in terms of improved processes or actions completed appropriate i.e. participation, There are some planning and decision making processes Fair consultation, in place but they are either inadequate or they are not review and carried out updating? Planning and decision making processes are deficient in Poor most aspects 4. Regular work Regular work plans exist, actions are monitored against Very Good compared to the Annual work plans planned targets and most or all prescribed activities good initial assessment there planning will be are completed has been hugh improved and Are there annual Regular work plans exist and actions are monitored Good improvement in financial develop a built in work plans or against planned targets, but many activities are not planning and management report mechanism other planning completed and development other Same as above tools? Regular work plans exist but activities are not Fair management tools. monitored against the plan’s targets However there is still No regular work plans exist Poor room for improvement in the implementation and in review mechanism 5. Monitoring A good monitoring and evaluation system exists, is Very Fair with regards to the To be addressed in and evaluation well implemented and used for adaptive management good annual work plan and the update of the

75 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps There is an agreed and implemented monitoring and Good executed in monthly Management Plan evaluation system of management activities but results board meetings Are management are not systematically used for management activities There is some ad hoc monitoring and evaluation of Fair Very good with regards monitored management activities, but no overall strategy to financial management against and/or no regular collection of results and monitored in monthly performance? There is no monitoring and evaluation of management Poor board meetings and in activities in the World Heritage site addition by a Finance Subcommittee 6. Reporting Site managers can fully comply with all reporting needs Very Good The last periodic The next periodic and have all the necessary information for full and good report was completed report is due in Are all the informative reporting 2008 reporting Site managers can fully comply with all reporting Good requirements of needs but do not have all the necessary information the World for full and informative reporting Heritage site There is some reporting, but all reporting needs are Fair fulfilled? not fulfilled and managers do not have all the necessary information on the site to allow full and informative reporting There is no reporting on the World Heritage site Poor

7. Maintenance Equipment and facilities are well maintained and an Very Good , training is being Ensure a proactive of equipment equipment maintenance plan is being implemented good conducted to ensure approach in general ability of staff to maintenance undertaken necessary

76 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps Is equipment There is basic maintenance of equipment and Good maintenance. adequately facilities. If a maintenance plan exists it is not All equipments are in maintained? fully implemented. adequate conditions

There is some ad hoc maintenance but a maintenance Fair plan does not exist or is not implemented

There is little or no maintenance of equipment and Poor facilities, and no maintenance plan

8. Management Management infrastructure is excellent and Very Very Good and highly Field camps Infrastructure appropriate for managing the site good improved with the new renovation is Management infrastructure is adequate and generally Good communication system planned for 2008 Is management appropriate for the site infrastructure Repeater station to (eg fire trails Management infrastructure is often inadequate and/or Fair increase coverage and fire towers) inappropriate for the site of radio adequate for communication the needs of the Management infrastructure is inadequate and/or Poor within the atoll site? inappropriate for the site

9. Staff Staff facilities at the World Heritage site are good Very Good, generally all Housing of the facilities and aid the achievement of the objectives of the site good facilities are well support staff needs Staff facilities are not significantly constraining Good maintained upgrading achievement of major objectives

77 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps Are the Inadequate staff facilities constrain achievement of Fair available some management objectives facilities Inadequate staff facilities mean that achievement of Poor suitable for the major objectives is constrained management requirements of the site? 10. Staff/ Staff directly participate in making decisions relating Very Good Make better use of management to management of the site at both site and good communication communication management authority level system and broaden labour pool Do staff have the opportunity Staff directly contribute to some decisions relating Good to feed into to management management decisions? Staff have some input into discussions relating to Fair management but no direct involvement in the resulting decisions

There are no mechanisms for staff to have input into Poor decisions relating to the management of the World Heritage site 11. Personnel Provisions to ensure good personnel management are in Very Good The process to management place good Small communities are draft a human Although some provisions for personnel management Good notorious for infighting resource are in place these could be improved development plan

78 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps How well are There are minimal provisions for good personnel Fair Due to the has started staff managed? management isolation/remoteness of There are no provisions to ensure good personnel Poor Aldabra personnel management (e.g. staff appraisals, grievance management is done from procedures, promotion plans, insurance) long distance.

12. Staff Staff training and skills are appropriate for the Very Good we have managed to Intensive training management needs of the site, and with anticipated good replace a lot of older networking and future needs workers by younger ones staff exchange – Is staff Staff training and skills are adequate, but could be Good with better educational work attachments adequately further improved to fully achieve the objectives of background with other trained? management organisations Staff training and skills are low relative to the Fair management needs of the site Staff lack the skills/training needed for effective site Poor management 13. Law The staff have excellent capacity/resources to Very Poor Negotiate for a full enforcement enforce legislation and regulations good Law enforcement with time presence of The staff have acceptable capacity/resources to Good regards to poaching coast guards at Assumption Does staff have enforce legislation and regulations but some unauthorised visits and the capacity to deficiencies remain illegal fishing limited to enforce There are major deficiencies in staff Fair raising the allert legislation? capacity/resources to enforce legislation and regulations (e.g. lack of skills, no patrol budget, staff Good management problems)

79 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps The staff have no effective capacity/resources to Poor With regards to enforce legislation and regulations enforcement of policies related to tourism activities 14. Financial Financial management is excellent and contributes to Very Up to now very good Diversification of management effective management of the site good revenue source by Does the Financial management is adequate but could be Good Pressure to make setting up a 20 Mill financial improved Aldabra less dependent Trust Fund management Financial management is poor and constrains Fair on Valleé de Mai system meet the effectiveness critical management Financial management is poor and significantly Poor needs? undermines effectiveness of the World Heritage site (eg late release of funds for the financial year)

Resource Management 15. Managing Mechanisms for controlling inappropriate land use and Very Inappropriate land use is The focus will be on resources activities in the protected area exist and are being good not an issue on Aldabra. illegal fishing Are there effectively implemented activities management Mechanisms for controlling inappropriate land use and Good There is a policy to mechanisms in activities in the protected area exist but there are address inappropriate Up to now the place to control some problems in effectively implementing them land uses inherited pressure has been inappropriate Mechanisms for controlling inappropriate land use and Fair (abandoned sisal plant) light however this land uses and activities in the protected area exist but there are can change with activities (e.g. major problems in implementing them effectively change in

80 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps poaching)? There are no management mechanisms for controlling Poor management on inappropriate land use and activities in the World Cosmoledo Heritage site (Poachers paradise because of no presence 16. Resource Information on the critical habitats, species and Very Very Good/good Further eradication inventory cultural values of the World Heritage site is good of alien species sufficient to support planning and decision making The gaps are connectivity such as rats, cats Is there enough and is being updated of coral larvae especially need to be further information to Information on the critical habitats, species and Good after the major events addressed manage the cultural values of the protected area is sufficient for some areas of planning/decision making but further World Heritage Monitoring of the coastal A project is being site? data gathering is not being carried out erosion is ongoing but the designed to further Some information is available on the critical habitats, Fair processes involved not collect historical species and cultural values of the WH site, but this is yet understood information insufficient to support planning and decision making There is little or no information available on the Poor critical habitats, species and cultural values of the World Heritage site 17. Research There is a comprehensive, integrated programme of Very Very good Analysis of surveys and research, which is relevant to good A comprehensive collected data and Is there a management needs monitoring programme is further promote programme of There is considerable survey and research work but it Good ongoing. Partially scientific research management- is not directed towards the needs of World Heritage addressed marine on Aldabra site management

81 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps orientated There is some ad hoc survey and research work but it Fair ecosystem gapsl survey and is not directed towards the needs of World Heritage research work? site management. There is no research taking place in the World Poor Heritage site 18. Ecosystems Requirements for management of critical ecosystems Very Very Good Finalize the setting and species and species are being fully implemented good Some extremely rare up if the GIS Requirements for management of critical ecosystems Good plant species still need to system and Is the and species are only being partially implemented be inventoried introduce remote biodiversity of Requirements for management of critical ecosystems Fair sensing the World and species are known but are not being implemented Heritage site Requirements for management of critical ecosystems Poor adequately and species have not been assessed managed? 19. Cultural/ Requirements for management of cultural/ historical Very Poor Project is being historical values are being substantially or fully implemented good initiated to collect resource Mainly because of the the information management Many requirements for management of cultural/ Good important biodiversity available from early historical values are being implemented but some key values of Aldabra the island residents. There is an urgency issues may not be addressed cultural values have been because the overlooked survivors are

Are the site’s elderly and coastal cultural Requirements for management of cultural/ historical Fair erosion at the main resources values are known but very few are being implemented

82 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps adequately Requirements for management of cultural/ historical Poor settlement severely managed? values have not been assessed and/or active threatens the management is not being undertaken cemetery and other buildings Management and Tourism 20. Visitor Visitor facilities and services are excellent for current Very Poor A project has been facilities levels of visitation good Because of the limited initiated and a Visitor facilities and services are adequate for current Good amount of visitors house is being levels of visitation but could be improved converted into a information centre. Are visitor Visitor facilities and services are inappropriate for Fair First interpretation facilities (for current levels of visitation material is in print. tourists, There are no visitor facilities and services despite Poor pilgrims etc) an identified need adequate? 21. Commercial There is good co-operation between managers and Very Very good Increase dialog tourism tourism operators to enhance visitor experiences, good with tour operators and protect site values Assistances with supply beef up the Do commercial There is limited co-operation between managers and Good and staff movement is supplied mooring tour operators tourism operators to enhance visitor experiences and routinely provided by buoys contribute to maintain site values tour operators as well as protected area There is contact between managers and tourism Fair visitors management? operators but this is largely confined to administrative or regulatory matters There is little or no contact between managers and Poor tourism operators using the protected area

83 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps 22. Visitor Implementation of visitor management policies and Very Very good Make more use of opportunities programmes is based on research into visitors’ needs good Only repeating cruise web technology and and wants and the carrying capacity of the World directors are insisting on set up a post visit Have plans been Heritage site being given access to out link developed to Consideration has been given to the provision of visitor Good of bound areas Revive the animal provide visitors opportunities and policies and programmes to enhance adoption with the most visitor opportunities are being implemented programme appropriate Consideration has been given to the provision of visitor Fair access and opportunities in terms of access to the World Heritage diversity of site or the diversity of available experiences but little experience when or no action has been taken visiting the No consideration has been given to the provision of Poor World Heritage visitor opportunities in terms of access to the World site? Heritage site or the diversity of available experiences 23. Education There is a planned, implemented and effective Very Good A full programme and awareness education and awareness programme fully linked to the good has been prepared programme objectives and needs of the World Heritage site Due to the remoteness to commemorate th There is a planned education and awareness Good of the site only very few the 25 Is there a programme but there are still serious gaps either in Seychellois and other anniversary of planned the plan or in implementation visitors have been to Aldabra as a WHS education There is a limited and ad hoc education and awareness Fair Aldabra. including commemorative programme? programme, but no overall planning for this The clamour for access postage stamps, art to Aldabra by locals is competition for partly being addressed school children, with a Christmas lottery presidential visit where the star prize is a etc, etc trip for 2 to Aldabra.

84 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps There is no education and awareness programme Poor The revenues from the lottery are used to A more strategic finance an annual trip for approach will be around 16 -18 children adopted including teachers. The children selected are the

prize winners of the ecoschool competition. SIF sponsors the annual prize for the best A- level graduating student in Geography and Biology

Most of the education and awarness was done on Cruise Ships however a substantial amount of documentaries and videos have been produced 2 coffee table books , post cards etc 24. Access Protection systems are largely or wholly effective in Very Very good Maintain present controlling access to the site in accordance with good policies and explore Is visitor access objectives new itineraries such sufficiently Protection systems are moderately effective in Good as canoe excursions controlled? controlling access to the site in accordance with in mangroves objectives

85 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps Protection systems are only partially effective in Fair Restore some of controlling access to the site in accordance with the historical objectives buildings Protection systems (patrols, permits etc) are Poor ineffective in controlling access to the site in accordance with objectives Management and Communities/Neighbours 25. Local Local communities directly participate in all relevant Very Not applicable due to Increase communities management decisions for the site good remoteness communication

Do local Local communities directly contribute to some relevant Good communities management decisions but their involvement could be resident in or improved near the World Local communities have some input into discussions Fair Heritage site relating to management but no direct involvement in have input to decision-making management Local communities have no input into decisions relating Poor decisions? to the management of the World Heritage site

26. Indigenous Indigenous and traditional peoples directly participate Very Not applicable Not applicable people in all relevant management decisions for the site good Indigenous and traditional peoples directly contribute Good Do indigenous to making some relevant management decisions but their involvement could be improved

86 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps and traditional Indigenous and traditional peoples have some input into Fair peoples resident discussions relating to management but no direct in or regularly involvement in decision-making using the site Indigenous and traditional peoples have no input into Poor have input to decisions relating to the management of the site management decisions? 27. Local, Programmes to enhance local, indigenous and/or Very Not applicable Not applicable peoples welfare traditional peoples welfare, while conserving World good Are there Heritage site resources, are being implemented programmes successfully developed by Programmes to enhance local, indigenous and/or Good the World traditional peoples welfare, while conserving World Heritage Heritage site resources, are being implemented but managers which could be improved consider local Programmes to enhance local, indigenous and/or Fair people’s welfare traditional peoples welfare, while conserving World whilst Heritage site resources, exist but are either conserving the inadequate or are not being implemented sites resources? There are no programmes in place which aim to enhance Poor local, indigenous and/or traditional peoples welfare 28. State and There is regular contact between managers and Very Good commercial neighbouring official or corporate land/sea users, and good neighbours substantial co-operation on management Cooperation with Island There is contact between managers and neighbouring Good Development Cooperation Is there co- official or corporate land/sea users, but only some and ICS co-operation

87 Tool 8a: Assessment of Management Processes

Issue Criteria Rating Explanation/Comment Next steps operation with There is contact between managers and neighbouring Fair neighbouring official or corporate land/sea users but little or no land/sea owners cooperation and users? There is no contact between managers and Poor neighbouring official or corporate land/sea users

29. Conflict Conflict resolutions mechanisms exist and are used Very Pressure from fly Negotiating to have resolution whenever conflicts arise good fisherman to allow access coastguard vessel If conflicts Conflict resolutions mechanisms exist but are only Good to Aldabra. Illegal based fulltime at between the partially effective charters from Nosi Be neighboring World Heritage Conflict resolution mechanisms exist, but are largely Fair and Mayotte have to be Assumption site and ineffective prevented. stakeholders No conflict resolution mechanisms exist Poor arise, are mechanisms in place to help find solutions?

88 Tool 8b: Assessment of Management Processes Summary

Worksheet 8b for Tool 8: Assessment of Management Processes - Summary Management area Issue and rating Distribution of rating 1 VG Management structures and 2 G systems 3 G 4 G 5 F to VG 6 VG 7 G 8 9 VG 10 G 11 G 12 G 13 G 14 P VG 15 Not Applicable Resource management 16 VG / G 17 VG

18 VG 19 P 20 P Management and Tourism 21 VG 22 VG 23 G 24 VG 25 Not Applicable Management and Communities 26 Not Applicable /Neighbours 27 Not Applicable

89

Outputs

90 Tool 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation

Tool: 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation

Current system of assessing implementation of Management Plan As noted in the Management Plan Assessment, there is already a table summarizing the Management Strategy and Action Plan within the Management Plan for Aldabra. However, at the Annual General Meeting of SIF, this has been used only in a general way to guide decisions about actions for positive change, rather than as a tool for monitoring annual performance and progress.

It groups Management Actions as follows: 1. Administration a. SIF Annual General Meeting b. SIF on Mahé c. SIF on Aldabra 2. Policy Development 3. Finance 4. Staffing 5. Tourism 6. Research 7. Monitoring 8. Environmental Protection Measures As shown in the example below, actions are listed in the table, with priority Management Actions highlighted in bold. References are made to the appropriate section of the Management Plan containing further information.

Example of current implementation review tool from the Aldabra Management Plan 7. MONITORING Management objective: to improve the quality of the monitoring programme.

Actions 1998-1999 2000-2001 2002- 2005 • Reassess the value of each monitoring programme and review the methodology (Operations Manual Part 6 & ++ + + 7) • Improve the standard of entry and capacity of the Rangers (see above, No. 4) + + + • Re-activate the beach erosion and accretion monitoring programme (3.2.3(d)) ++ + + • Establish a vegetation monitoring system (3.1.1c(a)) ++ + ++ Initiation of action + Continuation of action Priority actions are in bold

91 Tool 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation

It is felt that this approach is a useful basis for developing a future assessment system for Management Plan Implementation, but a major requirement is for SIF to develop annual work plans, with targets where appropriate, so that more specific information regarding progress can be demonstrated.

Assessment of Management Plan Implementation (2002) A brief assessment of the present situation is shown in the tables which follow. They show that four years into the current Management Plan (1998-2005), 60% of the actions have reached at least the planning stage. Of these, 15% have been completed (or the policy or action has become part of normal management practice), and 17% have made substantial progress in all areas. 40% of actions have not yet commenced or response to the action has been ad hoc rather than to a set plan.

Assessment of Management Plan Implementation (2007) Obviously substantial progress has been made in the implementation of the Management Plan since the Initial Assessment. At present 59% of all necessary actions across the plan are completed or make substantial progress in all areas. Only 8% of the necessary actions have not commenced. Most advanced are the actions related to Administration such as SIF on Aldabra and Finance. Areas in which actions have proceeded less than satisfactorily are tourism and application of environmental technology. Lack of progress on some actions may be resulted due to the difficulty of allocating extra staff time because there are other pressing management needs. This is acknowledged as an area of concern.

Overall Implementation 2007

1 5% 8% 3% 34% 2 7% 3 4 5 18% 6 25% 7

Note - Status Codes are as follows: 1. Action has been completed or policy is in place and adhered to. 2. Action is making substantial progress in all areas. 3. Some work has commenced in all or some areas. 4. Policy and/or planning stages are complete but have not been implemented. 5. Planning is in progress. 6. Work is only reactive and not to a set plan. 7. Action has not commenced. 92 Tool 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation

GAPS • Annual work planning has started however there is a lack of implementation. With hindsight this has been an error and shall be addressed hopefully • Absence of a quantitative reporting system (database) for progress on implementation of the Management Plan. Not yet addressed but to be entrenched in the updated plan and operations

RECOMMENDATIONS • Somehow find/allocate time for planning for the future (it may be necessary to look into staffing issues as well as time management issues) The financial planning is already being undertaken and annual budgets prepared, however as pointed out above annual work planning still to be addressed. • Set up a system for annual assessment of progress on implementation of the Management Plan (a possible method is shown in the database on the next page, but it will need reviewing).Set up a mechanism which will ensure monitoring of implementation with the update of the management plan

93 Tool 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation

Summary Assessment of Current Management Plan Implementation

The management actions summarized below are taken from the “Management Strategy and Action Plan” in the Management Plan for Aldabra.

1. ADMINISTRATION a) SIF Annual General Meeting Management Objective: to improve the effectiveness of the AGM in directing the future of Aldabra

Actions 2007 • Annually assess progress on the whole of this Action Plan (see Introduction) 3 • At or directly after the AGM, produce a summary of policy changes and amendments relating to this Management Plan. This should be appended to the Management Plan and also circulated to all Trustees and 1 senior staff on Aldabra. b) SIF on Mahé Management Objective: to improve the management structure and efficiency of SIF on Mahé

Actions 2007 • Develop policies on those issues which are not already covered in this Management Plan (See No. 2 below) • Each member of the office staff should be given a copy of their particular responsibilities and duties (5.2) 2 • Report distribution and communication should be improved (5.1.2 and 5.2.1a) 1 • Ensure that action is taken on matters which arise from the bimonthly reports which are sent from Aldabra (5.7) 1 • Ensure that any additional relevant legislation, e.g. additions to the Environment Protection Act, is appended to this Management Plan (2.6 and 7 Appendix 3)

94 Tool 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation c) SIF on Aldabra Management Objective: to improve the management structure on Aldabra

Actions 2007 • Implement changes in the management structure (5.3) 2 • Improve the communications system between Aldabra and the Mahé office (5.3.1) 1 • Conduct regular staff meetings (5.4) 1 • Ensure that all Bi-monthly Reports are written and submitted to SIF (5.7) 1 • Each member of staff should be given a copy of: ∗ his or her particular responsibilities and duties (see 5.3.1 to 5.3.12) 1 ∗ the “Working Conditions” for staff on Aldabra (5.5 and Appendix 1 Four) ∗ SIF Tourism Guidelines for Staff (6.4.4) 1 • This can be replaced at a later date by a Code of Conduct which should be given to all staff. 7

Evaluation of Management Actions - Administration

Action has not commenced

Planning is in progress 2007 2002 Some work has commenced in all or some areas

Action has been completed or policy is in place and adhered to 012345678910

2. POLICY DEVELOPMENT Management objective: to develop policies on important issues which are not currently addressed in the Management Plan.

Actions 2007 • Develop financial policies and strategies for SIF 2 • Develop policies on communications systems between Mahé and 1 Aldabra, on the atoll itself, and on the control and usage of these systems; within Aldabra still some gaps (repeater station) • Develop sustainable environmentally friendly policies for future energy 4 and power production, sewage disposal, water supplies, etc. • Affirm the proposed policy on workers’ gardens (3.1.1c(b)) 1

95 Tool 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation

• Update the management policies on tortoises (3.1.2c(a)) 1 • Develop policies or devise contingency plans for natural emergencies on 5 Aldabra (e.g. fire, oil spill, alien species introduction) (3.1b(g), 3.2.3(h), 3.1.2c(f)) • Review the use of plant species on the atoll and devise policies for 1 utilisation, e.g. coconuts, wood (3.1.1c(c)) • Devise policy on use (or non-use) of toxic chemicals on Aldabra (3.1b(h)) 2

Evaluation of Management Actions - Policy

Action has not commenced

Planning is in progress 2007 Some work has commenced in all or 2002 some areas Action has been completed or policy is in place and adhered to. 012345

3. FINANCE Management objective: to expand SIF’s financial support base and make it more secure.

Actions 2007 • Financial policy and strategy for SIF to be devised (See No.2 above) 2 • Fund Raising Sub-Committee to be activated (5.1.2d and 7.1) 2 • Budget to be prepared and presented annually (7.1 and 7.2) 1

Evaluation of Management Actions - Finance

Action has not commenced

Planning is in progress 2007 2002 Some work has commenced in all or some areas

Action has been completed or policy is in place and adhered to. 00.511.522.5

96 Tool 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation

4. STAFFING Management objective: to improve the quality of all staff (including improving staff attitudes to working for an environmental organisation)

Actions 2007 • Upgrade the quality of recruits for all posts (5.2, 5.3) 2 • Activate the mandatory Orientation Programme for all new staff (3.5.1, 3.5.3, 5.5 and 5.6.1) 2 • Activate the local Ranger Training Programme (3.5.2 and 5.6.1) 2 • Activate the Ranger Rotation Programme (3.5.2 and 5.6.2) 4 • Ensure that advertisements, interviews, reference checks and police checks are conducted for all local staff recruitments (5.3) 2 • Introduce a programme of volunteer Scientific Assistants (5.3.5) 1 • Locate possible overseas training programmes for rangers (3.5.2 and 5.6.1) 1

Evaluation of Management Actions - Staffing

Action has not commenced

Planning is in progress 2007 Some work has commenced in all or 2002 some areas Action has been completed or policy is in place and adhered to. 012345

5. TOURISM Management objective: to prepare for an increased (but strictly limited) level of nature conservation tourism.

Actions 2007 • Develop a sensitive marketing programme for limited nature conservation 5 and nature education tourism (6.2)

97 Tool 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation

• Ensure that all tourism guidelines are followed on Aldabra, including 1 zonation policies (6.3, 6.4.3 and 6.4.4 and Operations Manual Part 2) HQ is expectin g compliance and enforcement • Prepare interpretative materials for visitors (3.5.4) 3 • Set up a Visitor Information Centre on the atoll (3.5.4) 3 • Tour operator guidelines should be sent to all current tour operators (6.3, 5 6.4.1 and 6.4.2) • Devise Monitoring Programmes for: ∗ tourism’s effects on the natural systems of Aldabra 6 ∗ tourists’ satisfaction with their experience on Aldabra (6.5) 7

Evaluation of Management Actions - Tourism

Action has not commenced

Planning is in progress 2007 Some work has commenced in all 2002 or some areas Action has been completed or policy is in place and adhered to. 0123456

6. RESEARCH Management objective: to revamp the research programme on Aldabra, and to provide better information to scientists.

Actions 2007 • Actively promote and market Aldabra’s research potential (4.5) 3 • Ensure that all research guidelines are followed (Part 4) 3 • Ensure that research priorities are followed and reassessed when necessary (4.2) 2 • Prepare a handbook for researchers and scientific visitors (3.5.3 and 3 4.5) needs updating • Create a computerised Data Base for all scientific records (4.2.1) 1 • Ensure that work on the GIS (Geographical Information System) for 4

98 Tool 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation

Aldabra is continued (4.2.1) • Strengthen marine research (3.3.2d) 2

Evaluation of Implementation of Research Programme

Action has not commenced

Policy and/or planning stages are 2007 complete but have not been 2002

Action has been completed or policy is in place and adhered to. 00.511.522.533.5

7. MONITORING Management objective: to improve the quality of the monitoring programme.

Actions 2007 • Reassess the value of each monitoring programme and review the methodology (Operations Manual Part 6 & 7) 1++ • Improve the standard of entry and capacity of the Rangers (see above, No.4) 2+ • Re-activate the beach erosion and accretion monitoring programme 3 (3.2.3(d)) ++ • Establish a vegetation monitoring system (3.1.1c(a)) 2+

Evaluation of Implementation of Monitoring

Action has not commenced

Planning is in progress 2007 Some work has commenced in all 2002 or some areas

Action has been completed or policy is in place and adhered to. 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5

99 Tool 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation

8. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES Management objective: a) to improve the environmental protection and conservation measures on Aldabra, b) to ensure that environmentally friendly technology is used as far as possible.

Actions 2007 • Establish permanent mooring buoys or other anchoring facilities 3 (3.3.2c(f)) • Ensure that all breaches of Aldabra Conservation Policy are dealt with 2 appropriately • Carry out the last phase of goat eradication programme (3.1.1c(b)) 1 • Assess the possibilities for alien species extermination on Assumption 6 and submit recommendations (2.3, 3.1.2b(e), 3.1.2c(f)) • Establish a patrol and surveillance system (Operations Manual 5.4) 4 • Reassess the procedure for fuel/oil transport and storage (3.2.3 (h)) 6 • Ensure waste management policy is carried out (Operations Manual Part 4) 3 • Review freshwater storage and use and make changes where necessary 3 (Operations Manual 3.2.1) • Assess the possibilities for ex-situ conservation of rare species and make 3 recommendations (3.1.1c(c)) • Assess the feasibility of re-establishing shade trees in certain areas and 7 make recommendations (3.1.1c(d)) • Ensure that necessary policies for environmental protection are developed 7 (see No. 2 above)

Evaluation of Implementation of Environment Protection Mechanism

Action has not commenced

Policy and/or planning stages are 2007 complete but have not been 2002

Action has been completed or policy is in place and adhered to. 012345

100 Tool 9: Assessment of Management Plan Implementation

Evalationof Overall Implementation

Action has not commenced

Planning is in progress Overall 2007 Some work has commenced Overall 2002 in all or some areas Action has been completed or policy is in place and adhered 0 5 10 15 20 25

Note - Status Codes are as follows: 1. Action has been completed or policy is in place and adhered to. 2. Action is making substantial progress in all areas. 3. Some work has commenced in all or some areas. 4. Policy and/or planning stages are complete but have not been implemented. 5. Planning is in progress. 6. Work is only reactive and not to a set plan. 7. Action has not commenced.

The general overview reveals that when analyzing the management implementation the plan was implemented at a mean of 4.24 in 2002 which indicates that majority of actions were at a policy and planning stage. In 2007 the mean has hanged to 2.5 there has been substantial progress in all areas and action have been completed or if not completed work has commenced.

101 Tool 10: Assessment Work/Site Output Indicators

Tool 10 ASSESSMENT WORK/SITE OUTPUT INDICATORS

Monthly reports and annual reports from management and research staff on Aldabra currently give some indication of outputs, but these are mostly descriptive rather than specifically quantified (see examples given below). There is currently no system of annual work programme targets for Aldabra. This was identified as a significant gap in the initial EoH assessment in 2002 and although limited progress has been made on this issue it is planned to introduce annual work programming in 2008. This process is beginning. In 2005 the process of drawing up decision lists at the AGM was instigated. It was recommended that a quarterly review of this list be undertaken at the Board Meetings. At the 2007 AGM Board meeting the implementation of the Decision List of the AGM 2006 was reviewed. The following table includes an edited version of this list including outputs relating to the management of Aldabra. Once structured work programming is introduced in 2008, review of outputs will be more comprehensive.

In the first assessment Performance Indicators for assessing outputs were suggested. These will be considered when developing work programming and methods of assessment in 2008. They have been reviewed for this assessment and the general indictors are included here. They will be finalised according to the following criteria: • They reflect the overall objectives for Aldabra, • They involve considerable management time and/or expense, • They are specific, measurable and consistent, • They become part of the annual reporting requirements (if they are not already).

It will also be necessary to create tables or some other format for recording output indicators annually.

GAP • Absence of Annual Work Plans for Aldabra, including targets for work output. These would help to define Output Indicators that are measurable.

RECOMMENDATION • Devise an Annual Work Plan for Aldabra (and for HQ) for 2008. • Review the suggested Performance Indicators given on the next page, set up a system for recording results, and trial them during 2008.

102 Tool 10: Assessment Work/Site Output Indicators

SUGGESTED OUTPUT PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

These proposed indicators are grouped according to the four major policies for Aldabra, followed by other relevant management areas. They are based to some extent on what is being reported on a regular basis already, together with additional indicators.

1. PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION • Number of patrol boat trips per month. • Number of major infringements of Aldabra protection/zonation policy (see Operations Manual) – details + action taken. • Outcomes of any prosecutions. • Conservation – once Biodiversity Health monitoring programmes for all major site values are decided (part of the Outcomes Assessment), then the performance indicator will be whether these programmes have been monitored fully and all analyses carried out (e.g. whether ALL tortoise transects are done each year + their analysis for various purposes).

2. RESEARCH AND MONITORING • Number of significant research projects + state of progress – staff briefed and included in research; report received and presented. • Number of visiting scientific individuals or groups –whether training provided report received/presented if appropriate. • Amount of staff time spent/data on each of the monitoring programmes.

3. RESTORATION • Numbers of specific alien species killed (e.g. goats shot, cats shot or trapped, rats trapped) + details. • Areas of specific alien plant species cleared (e.g. sisal, ‘zepi ble’) + details.

GAP: At present SIF has no detailed restoration policy for Aldabra. The creation of such a policy might highlight other useful indicators.

4. EDUCATION • Numbers of film crews/journalists/etc. visiting - copies of film or articles received. • Number of tourists on educational visits + details + time spent on Aldabra. • Number of Seychellois on educational visits + details + time spent on Aldabra. • Number of local staff undergoing training + details + length of training. • Percentage of targets met for newsletter production, website updates, media items, new publications, etc. • Level of visitor satisfaction.

5. ADMINISTRATION • Number and level of staff on Aldabra and on Mahé. • Number of Aldabra staff changeovers + length of stay.

103 Tool 10: Assessment Work/Site Output Indicators

• Number of staff exchanges (e.g. rangers) with Government or partner organisations + details + length of stay. • Percentage of required reports written and circulated within SIF. • Extent to which budget expenditure is within defined acceptable limits. Note: these indicators are mostly linked with the Input Assessment.

6. SITE MANAGEMENT • Percentage of targets met for maintenance of Research Station facilities. • Percentage of targets met for maintenance of Camp facilities and Trails. • Percentage of targets met for maintenance of cultural sites (buildings, etc.). • Amounts of natural resources used/stored for subsistence needs (e.g. water, fish, coconuts, mangrove poles, sand). Note: Would it be worth recording personnel figures such as numbers of accidents, illnesses, conflicts, to help monitor the human situation on Aldabra?

104 Tool 10: Assessment Work/Site Output Indicators

Review and Implementation of Decision List of 28th Annual General Meeting AGM 2006 DECISION REVIEW

ALDABRA Deadline Action Status Administration November RR Completed Review and introduce new management structure 2006 Draft Employment Policy compiled for Aldabra. post of Logistics manager abolished,

tendency to go for multitask workforce Review the employment contracts and redefine the November RR Partly completed, ongoing roles and responsibilities of employee on Aldabra 2006 Develop a training program for SIF Rangers in data November RR Ongoing analysis 2006 Review and introduce a system of rotation for November RR Completed staff between Aldabra, Vallée De Mai and external 2006 Rotation system initiated, but organizations implementation not visible due to the logistics involved Undertake a housing assessment for Aldabra with November RR Initiated the view of improving the living conditions for 2006 staff. Review the alcohol policy for Aldabra. November RR Completed 2006 2 beers/working day zero tolerance for lapire, baka Upgrade the medical facility on Aldabra and November RR Outstanding consider having a Paramedic at the Research 2006 Station at all times Implement a system that enables the SIF to have November RR Outstanding

105 Tool 10: Assessment Work/Site Output Indicators at least 2 research projects on-going on Aldabra 2006 that leads to publications every year Revision of the Aldabra Management Plan July 2006 RR/LCS Review of Management plan scheduled for Update the management strategy and action plan 2008

Tourism Bring to the attention of government potential November RR Scenario paper submitted to board threats of tourism developments in the Aldabra 2006 Recommendation by the Science group to the Aldabra atoll. Committee is to maintain present limited access Review the protocol for tourism on Aldabra and December LCS Scenario paper submitted to board explore the possibility of undertaking a tourism 2006 Science Recommendation is to maintain present impact assessment on Aldabra. Committe limited access e Review and update the set of rules, regulations, November RR Completed and procedures for granting authorization to 2006 Initiated the compilation of all existing yachts and cruise ships visiting Aldabra. documents in one UNESCO - Enhancing Our Heritage Sent a letter to express the disappointment of the May 2006 RR Completed Board and strongly protest against the decision taken by Shell Nominate a committee to ensure effective MLL Outstanding implementation of the Business Plan Request a Project Manager with to oversee the RR/Sachi Formal request made but not considered conceptualization and implementation of the n project Immediate RR Completed Boat incident at Aldabra Warning letters are to be issued to staff found responsible for the 106 Tool 10: Assessment Work/Site Output Indicators negligence Take steps in order to avoid a repeat of the situation such as the need to clear with the Executive Management. Projects Project A Local weather station October LCS Contacts established Installation of automatic weather stations on 2006 Up to date no funds have been secured Aldabra. A project to be submitted to the Met for the purchase of automatic weather Office for consideration. stations Project B Goat eradication July 2006 RR Project near completion and fully financed The project was considered high priority and by SIF approved. A statement to this effect is to be sent seeking financial support? to CV and LK seeking financial support. Project C: GIS/Vegetation Mapping for Aldabra N/A LCS No funding secured The project is differed until the SIF is able to Living Oceans Foundation cancelled secure external funding for the project. Darwin Initiative unsuccessful Project D: Frigate Bird research July 2006 LCS Completed, awaiting final report and Proceed with implementing the project on Frigate scientific publications birds study. CV will assist with getting some funding for Mr Francis Marsac to get the project rolling. HEAD OFFICE 6 months RR and ? Review the Statutes of the SIF and make LCS recommendation for updating with to the Terms of Reference of the Board members Annually RR/LCS Outstanding Produce Annual Reports covering separately, the Business Operations and the Research & Monitoring activities of the Foundation

107 Tool 10: Assessment Work/Site Output Indicators

Quarterly RR/LCS Outstanding Produce quarterly reports for the respective areas of responsibilities The Executive Management in collaboration with Immediate CV/RR/LC Ongoing Mr Carlos Vejarano shall develop and implement S the following management elements for Aldabra and the SIF as a whole: ¾ A new management structure is established ¾ Need for a new human resource development plan ¾ Have a career development plan for staff Review the situation of HR requirements at the June 2006 RR/LCS Employed one Accounts assistant Head Office that takes into account the additional demands on staff and make recommendations to the Board . 4 months RR Computer + internet connection available Implement a system of audio and visual communications using SKYPE to enable overseas Board Members to participate monthly meetings Prepare drafts of MOU’s between SIF and other July 2006 RR AMP MoU completed organizations and submit to the Board for review. October Draft MoU Cocos Island submitted There shall be different MOU’s for local and 2006 international organizations MoU with DoE commenced FINANCE June 2006 RR Revise and present the final 2006 SIF budget for approval at the monthly Board meeting. 6 months AC/RR Completed Monthly SIF financial reports in the format approved by the FC. 108 Tool 10: Assessment Work/Site Output Indicators

Quarterly RR Completed Provide report on bank statements for all SIF foreign accounts July 2006 RR Euro account opened Open new Euro and Great Britain Pounds forex October 2007 Accounts for SIF Aldabra Foundation: next AF Carlos Present audited report of the Foundation’s meeting Vejarano/ accounts to the Board of Trustees of the SIF and Maurice report on how much the Aldabra Foundation has Loustau- spent on the Hague exhibition. Lalanne

109 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Outcomes

110 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

A comprehensive assessment of the biodiversity health/values for Aldabra was undertaken as part of the first EoH management effectiveness evaluation conducted in 2002. This assessment has been revised for this report and is presented in the original format which concentrates on the biodiversity health. The revised 2007 Tool 11 on Monitoring outcome and associated worksheet has also been attempted for the 2007 assessment s of management and is also presented here.

It should be noted that the major goal of management is to protect and conserve the existing excellent natural ecological situation of Aldabra. Many of the factors (threats) affecting Aldabra are out of management control. As a result, it was felt that the “Acceptable Range of Variation or Acceptable State” of the various Focal Management Targets was not easily applied because most Targets already have a Very Good status. For those targets that only have a Good status, the intention of management is often that natural processes of recovery should be allowed to operate. So instead, a different measure of variation was used - “Indicators of Key Changes to the Focal Management Target” by which it would be possible to perceive any deterioration of the Focal Management Target. However, it is true that there are some Focal Management Targets where management actions could have a significant impact on a recovery processes.

Some of the proposed monitoring methods are still open to debate, because within the Seychelles there is a lack of technical expertise and also there is no institute of higher learning (such as a university) and no proper research institute. Links will have to be made with suitable institutions in order to improve this situation.

The main biodiversity assessment tables give an indication of the value of current monitoring and highlight some serious gaps where new monitoring programmes will need to be introduced (most of these are underlined in the tables). It should be noted that the current Coccid monitoring programme has been omitted from the tables because it has become of questionable value and perhaps should be discontinued, unless there are significant signs of further deterioration of the plant species affected or new species become affected.

The Monitoring Plan Template Table is very incomplete because there are many gaps to fill with respect to proposed monitoring techniques and financing of the programmes.

Note: The importance of Aldabra is as a natural ecosystem with which to compare others. Therefore if important changes that are out of management control (e.g. rainfall, temperature, sea level rise) occur on Aldabra, the atoll can be used as a “control” site, with respect to measuring the effects of these changes in other areas of the world.

111 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

GAPS • There is a lack of information on most marine and some coastal habitats on the atoll. • This is partly being addressed with the AMP • Vegetation monitoring is insufficient to use as a proper base for decision-making. • A monitoring programme has been initiated and needs to be sustained , Presently a projct to eradicate sisal is being considered • There remains a lack of expertise on the most suitable monitoring techniques for the atoll. • Partly being addressed further collaboration with regional bodies to be explored • There is no well-defined policy on restoration of Aldabra habitats that may be affected for example by the presence of alien species. This still needs to be addressed.

RECOMMENDATIONS • Some assistance may be required in prioritising proposed monitoring programmes. Review of Science Programme done in 2005 (refer to Appendix 1) • Major assistance is needed to set up and finance monitoring programmes, particularly for: o Marine monitoring o Long-term monitoring of changes related to climate change. • Links should be made with organisations and agencies that could assist with this. Partly commenced • Devise a policy on climate change in relation to Aldabra: A policy statement is required if Aldabra is to be monitored as a natural site (‘living laboratory’) where climate change is allowed to have its full effects. Otherwise a policy statement should state to what extent management would go to mitigate the effects of climate change on the atoll, e.g. coral reef restoration. • There is a need for capacity building in scientific monitoring within SIF. Efforts are made to addressed this • The staffing implications and financial implications of an increased monitoring programme must be properly assessed. the challenge is staff retention • There should be a complete review of the environmental conditions and ecological state of Aldabra over the last 25 years, since the management came into the hands of Seychelles Islands Foundation.

112 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Biodiversity Health Outcomes Data Sheets Biodiversity value: Giant tortoise population

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Monitoring Indicator Used for Measurement Overall Variation or Biodiversity Acceptable State (underlined are proposed indicators) Health (describe)] Rank

Indicators of key changes to the Focal

Management Target its acceptable Within range (y/n) of Variation? Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n) Population has been Currently numbers Regular tortoise transects + analysis of data recovering since tend to be density to show population trends; Y - N GOOD c.1870 on Grande dependent. 1997 periodic census (20-40 years) Terre, and since figures: some time later on Grande Terre 94,000, Picard and Malabar. decreasing; Malabar Natural recovery 4,000, increasing; process is ongoing. Picard 2,000, (Bourn et al. 1997) increasing.

Size Size Preferred state – more stable populations on all three islands, at highest theoretical carrying capacity. Warning sign: persistent downward trend in population.

113 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Monitoring Indicator Used for Measurement Overall Variation or Biodiversity Acceptable State (underlined are proposed indicators) Health (describe)] Rank

Indicators of key changes to the Focal

Management Target its acceptable Within range (y/n) of Variation? Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n) Population Warning signs for Regular tortoise transects + regular analysis structure: changing conditions: of population structure (size classes, sex, Y - Y? GOOD Proportion of Any major change from recruits, deaths) (ex. males/ current island model GT) females/unsexed + population structure recruitment + figures; mortality Absence or paucity of recruits; Increase in mortality rate. Size of individuals Depends on growth Regular tortoise transects (third scute width

Condition rate – currently + analysis of growth rate) Y - Y largest tortoises are model (ex. found on Malabar, GT) smallest at S.E. Grande Terre. Preferred state = increased size of Grande Terre individuals.

114 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Monitoring Indicator Used for Measurement Overall Variation or Biodiversity Acceptable State (underlined are proposed indicators) Health (describe)] Rank

Indicators of key changes to the Focal

Management Target its acceptable Within range (y/n) of Variation? Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n) Nesting sites No exact records of Incidental recording of flooding or other (soil of at least extent of areas. changes in known nest sites. Y - Y 25cm depth + some Shortage of nest sites Recording of possible nesting sites with GPS shade) will affect special nest markers recruitment. = GAP

Minimum Preferred status = Monitor all sightings + number of individuals competition from total eradication of seen. Y - Y goats goats from Aldabra. Record all goats killed. (ex. Failing eradication on GT) Grande Terre, Goat eradication Programme in implementation continued opportunistic culling of goats will be necessary.

115 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Monitoring Indicator Used for Measurement Overall Variation or Biodiversity Acceptable State (underlined are proposed indicators) Health (describe)] Rank

Indicators of key changes to the Focal

Management Target its acceptable Within range (y/n) of Variation? Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n) Sufficient suitable Warning signs: Assessment of changes to vegetation vegetation to Major changes in distribution since 1960 (using aerial photos Y - y GOOD provide food and vegetation cover, e,g, and new GIS information); shade. tortoise turf, Re-sampling of vegetation transects in S.E. Sporobolus grass, open Grande Terre in rainy season. and closed mixed Set up more permanent exclusion plots scrub, spread of non- food species; Major loss of shade trees/shrubs. Rainfall Rainfall is critical for Regular monthly rainfall data throughout the (affecting primary the survival of both atoll. Y - Y productivity and vegetation and Highlight any major deviations from long-term availability of tortoises. Protracted means. Landscape Context drinking water) periods of below average rainfall, or bigger rain gauge and re-look at site options extended dry seasons, will have cumulative and potentially catastrophic impacts.

116 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Focal Management Target: Terrestrial habitats

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Variation or Monitoring Indicator Used Overall Acceptable State (describe)] for Measurement Biodiversity Health Rank

Indicators of key changes to the (underlined are proposed Focal Management Target indicators) Within its acceptable its acceptable Within range of Variation? (y/n) Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n)

The atoll has a fixed There is no likelihood of change in None size and natural size of the terrestrial area (except Make use of Google Earth ecological processes through sea level rise). images to calculate exact are ongoing. size

Vegetation, and Cover by various vegetation types Aerial survey data, in therefore habitat could change in area. conjunction with ground Y - Y VERY GOOD types, are affected by Warning signs: noticeable expansion truthing and vegetation rainfall, dispersal, of e.g. casuarina, sisal, coconut transects. herbivory, alien areas; noticeable reduction in area Monitoring of key species species. of any specific vegetation type,

Size Size especially Tortoise Turf and other Make use of aerial survey herbaceous types. footage to be obtained in

2008 Endemic taxa Loss or reduction of minor habitats (especially fauna) rely might result in loss of associated Same status Y - Y VERY GOOD ultimately on the endemic species. Bat census + monitoring state of the Warning signs: significant reduction for all species especially vegetation. (Rainfall in population size of any vertebrate for the insectivorous species is important). species.

117 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Variation or Monitoring Indicator Used Overall Acceptable State (describe)] for Measurement Biodiversity Health Rank

Indicators of key changes to the (underlined are proposed Focal Management Target indicators) Within its acceptable its acceptable Within range of Variation? (y/n) Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n)

Vegetation, and Warning signs: major changes within Satellite imagery for therefore habitat a vegetation type (e.g. loss of key primary productivity on Y Y? N GOOD quality, are related to species within a habitat); noticeable Aldabra? rainfall, dispersal, increase in alien species population, Vegetation surveys of key pollination, herbivory, e.g. rats; presence of new alien habitats? alien species. plant species, pest or disease. Land crabs play a key role…… USD 10 000 to obtain Quickbird satellite imagery

Started a database of dead mangrove trees

Should we be monitoring

Condition land crabs? Robber crab monitoring project initiated Incidental reporting of unusual disease, etc. Recent survey by Prof Richard Barnes shows all crab species still being present

118 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Variation or Monitoring Indicator Used Overall Acceptable State (describe)] for Measurement Biodiversity Health Rank

Indicators of key changes to the (underlined are proposed Focal Management Target indicators) Within its acceptable its acceptable Within range of Variation? (y/n) Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n)

Endemic faunal taxa Warning signs: Any detected Reporting of any unusual are affected by decline or sudden increase in sightings (that could be a Y - Y VERY GOOD rainfall, habitat types, indigenous or endemic taxa new alien species). food supply, alien resulting from e.g. vegetation / Should we be monitoring key competitors and habitat degradation or removal of bird species e.g. insectivore, predators. medicinal species; poor breeding fructivore, seed eater, success in key bird species; predator? appearance of any new alien species ?Key insect or other invert (e.g. crazy ants) species? (e.g. leaf litter ? are there rapid assessment invertebrates, butterflies) methods for inverts? set up an early warning Note that there are no rails on system to identify arrival of Grande Terre. alien invasive species Rainfall is the major If there are changes in rainfall Monthly rainfall factor affecting patterns, all habitats and species measurements at all Y - Y VERY GOOD terrestrial habitats. may be affected to some extent, stations on Aldabra. Dispersal/migration of but this is out of management all land species, given control. unfavorable The atoll should be big enough for conditions, is difficult normal dispersal, barring a major because of the catastrophe affecting more or less Landscape Context isolation of the atoll. the whole atoll.

119 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Focal Management Target: Coastal / Intertidal habitats

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Variation or Monitoring Indicator Overall Acceptable State (describe)] Used for Measurement Biodiversity Health Rank

Indicators of key changes to the (underlined are proposed Focal Management Target indicators) Within its acceptable its acceptable Within range of Variation? (y/n) Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n)

Geographical These factors are out of our control. Aerial maps and GIS info coverage of habitat Satellite imagery (1999) of lagoon – could be looked at Y - Y VERY types affected by habitats needs ground-truthing, to regularly (biennially?) GOOD sea level, salinity, give better baseline data for weather patterns. biotopes. Not yet tested

Breeding turtle Numbers caught outside of Aldabra Regular monitoring of populations affected are out of our control. nesting turtles + analysis Y - Y/N GOOD by numbers caught Number of nesting turtles hasn’t of population trends. outside of Aldabra, reached maximum capacity yet. Monitor beach area beach availability, and Warning signs: long-term trends available for turtle

Size Size predation by feral over 5-10 years show decline rather nesting. cats. than increase; loss of beaches through erosion ongoing Breeding seabirds Most food is caught outside of Occasional population affected by food Aldabra in the open sea and would surveys of breeding sea Y - Y VERY availability and reflect conditions there. birds. GOOD predation-free nest Warning signs: reduction in area of Initiate methods from site availability (e.g. mangrove; decreasing nesting success the new locally produced lagoon islets). (this is difficult to measure because Seabird Monitoring of the disturbance factor) Handbook ongoing 120 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Variation or Monitoring Indicator Overall Acceptable State (describe)] Used for Measurement Biodiversity Health Rank

Indicators of key changes to the (underlined are proposed Focal Management Target indicators) Within its acceptable its acceptable Within range of Variation? (y/n) Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n)

Migrant birds Numbers arriving reflect Incidental observations affected by weather environmental conditions outside of ?possible inclusion in the - - - - conditions, food Aldabra. African waterbird census supply Food supply on the atoll should programme (2x per year) remain OK if intertidal habitats OK. ongoing

All intertidal habitat Condition is mainly out of our control. GAP: proper tide tables types are affected Note: sea current patterns in the for Aldabra itself. Y - Y VERY by sea level, salinity, region are being monitored by NOAA. Tide gauge and monitoring GOOD weather patterns. programme urgently needed. Still outstanding, proposed project by University of Hawaii still not materialized

Mangrove species Condition is out of our control To be monitored as part distribution depends (affects breeding seabirds) of a general vegetation Y - Y VERY on substrate factors, survey - using satellite GOOD salinity and sea level imagery, FIB (flying Condition and Landscape Context Landscape Condition and inflatable boat) and/or transects.

121 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Variation or Monitoring Indicator Overall Acceptable State (describe)] Used for Measurement Biodiversity Health Rank

Indicators of key changes to the (underlined are proposed Focal Management Target indicators) Within its acceptable its acceptable Within range of Variation? (y/n) Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n)

Beaches affected by Except for maintaining beach fringe Monitoring of beach presence/absence of vegetation if possible, these things profiles (improved Y - Y GOOD fringe vegetation, are out of our control. methodology needed). (may be weather conditions, Warning signs: severe erosion of any worsening) and sea current beaches (affects turtle nesting) patterns. Lagoon islets Condition is mostly out of our control, Incidental observation affected by rainfall except for rats and maybe alien plant (and as part of vegetation Y - Y VERY and species monitoring?); rat study GOOD presence/absence of and ?control programme; rats occasional seabird nesting surveys.

Intertidal habitats Condition is out of our control mudflat changes such as mud flats (affects migratory waterbird monitored, e.g. using FIB Y - Y VERY affected by sea level, feeding. (flying inflatable boat) – GOOD salinity, sea current also useful for mangrove patterns, substrate habitat changes. deposition.

Harmonistion and Continuation are the basics of a good monitoring programme

122 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Focal Management Target: Aquatic habitats

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Variation or Monitoring Indicator Overall Acceptable State (describe)] Used for Measurement Biodiversity Health Rank

Indicators of key changes to the (underlined are proposed Focal Management Target indicators) Within its acceptable its acceptable Within range of Variation? (y/n) Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n)

Marine habitats: GAP! We do not know enough about Satellite imagery (1999) Tide levels, salinity, the extent of different habitats, needs ground-truthing to Y - Y VERY GOOD sea temperature, but they are natural. Warning give better baseline data; weather patterns, sea signs: changes in distribution and then regularly updated current patterns size of specific habitat types, every x years (and/or particularly coral reef; transects?) Factors are basically out of our GAP: Should be monitoring control. more of the key factors. (See Intertidal Habitats

Size Size for some proposals)

Recent discovery of Caulerpa sp. Should be monitored? Observed in zone 5 of AMP project Pools: Out of our control. Natural Incidental observation + Rainfall, evaporation variation to be allowed. meteorology records Y - Y VERY GOOD rate, tide levels

123 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Variation or Monitoring Indicator Overall Acceptable State (describe)] Used for Measurement Biodiversity Health Rank

Indicators of key changes to the (underlined are proposed Focal Management Target indicators) Within its acceptable its acceptable Within range of Variation? (y/n) Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n)

Marine habitats: All Coral reefs:- Aldabra Marine the factors mentioned Warning signs: further coral Programme currently Y - Y GOOD above under ‘Size’ + bleaching events (GAP: a protocol is measures coral (exc nutrient supply + larval needed for follow-up action) recruitment annually; ept supply + inter-action maybe should be coral between habitats monitoring re-growth as reef (especially coral reefs well; perhaps set up s) and the rest) regular monitoring of permanent transects in lagoon and inner reef, using COI regional methodology, with special protocol for Aldabra

Condition Ongoing Fish diversity:- Aldabra Marine Warning signs: change in species Programme currently Y - Y VERY GOOD diversity, distribution; changes in monitors diversity. population age structure could be ?Fish otoliths sampled useful. from regular subsistence fishing could be sent to SFA for analysis Otoliths collected and sent to SFA however not analysed yet ongoing 124 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Variation or Monitoring Indicator Overall Acceptable State (describe)] Used for Measurement Biodiversity Health Rank

Indicators of key changes to the (underlined are proposed Focal Management Target indicators) Within its acceptable its acceptable Within range of Variation? (y/n) Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n)

Seagrass communities:- Growth of juvenile Warning signs: changes in species turtles?; Are there rapid Y - Y PRESUMED distribution or biodiversity. assessment methods being VERY GOOD used in the region? Marine mammals:- Incidental monitoring Out of our control, but warning sign only? - - - UNKNOWN could be lack of sightings or Maybe scope for more beachings organized monitoring. NB 2002 cetacean study in region

Started to built a photo id base on Humpback whales

A database set up for marine mammal monitoring exists,

Volunteer monitored dolphins and pilot whales

125 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Variation or Monitoring Indicator Overall Acceptable State (describe)] Used for Measurement Biodiversity Health Rank

Indicators of key changes to the (underlined are proposed Focal Management Target indicators) Within its acceptable its acceptable Within range of Variation? (y/n) Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n)

Pools: All the factors Out of our control Monitoring of mentioned above Warning signs could be changes in representative pools of Y - Y VERY GOOD under ‘Size’ + individual pools, especially increase each of the 3/5 main surrounding in salinity types – e.g. depth, salinity, vegetation + bottom temperature, nutrient substrate levels, surrounding vegetation, bottom substrate, key species? Not started

126 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Key factor [Acceptable Range of Variation or Monitoring Indicator Overall Acceptable State (describe)] Used for Measurement Biodiversity Health Rank

Indicators of key changes to the (underlined are proposed Focal Management Target indicators) Within its acceptable its acceptable Within range of Variation? (y/n) Restorable? (y/n) Meets preferred status? (y/n)

Marine habitats: All Out of our control – reflecting Sea temperature loggers; the above + Population climate change maybe need CTD - - - Assumed levels of organisms An interesting research project (conductivity GOOD / outside of Aldabra; might be looking at productivity /temperature/depth) VERY GOOD tidal flows in and out outside lagoon and inside lagoon monitoring; of the lagoon (unusual because of high bird faecal ?internet/satellite info. deposition) on regional current speeds, sea temp., sea level, plankton levels; but would need ground- truthing, and would only be useful as an overview; ?tidal flow? AMP partially started the monitoring one yead of data lost due Landscape Context to technical difficulties

Micromollusc? Seamounts? Pools: Out of our control – reflecting Underground climate change - - - Assumed connections through GOOD / the porous limestone VERY GOOD

127 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Ecological Integrity Summary for Aldabra

Major Biodiversity Size rating Condition rating Landscape context Overall Biodiversity Values rating Health Rating

Giant tortoise Good Good Good Good population

Terrestrial habitats Very good Good Very good Very good

Coastal / Intertidal Very good, Very good, Very good habitats except turtles, except beaches, which my be worsening (with the exception which are good of turtles and (improving) beaches) Aquatic habitats Very good Very good, Assumed to be Good or Probably Very good except coral reefs which Very Good at present (except coral reefs) have been affected by (but another El Nino coral bleaching event is forecast)

Compared to the granitics Up to the present date the recovery has been no other El Nino more significant and has reorded however there suffered less impacts have been very localized bleaching events in the region

128 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

MONITORING PLAN TEMPLATE (tentative only)

Major Indicator Key Factor / Methods to be Frequency Timing Who will Cost Funding Biodiversity to be Biodiversity Employed Measure Source Value Measured Health Category Informed Giant Tortoise Population Transect 1 x month Before SIF SIF tortoise transects structure sampling (x12) + 9am rangers population and trends, measuring growth rates, etc. Flooding or Nest site Incidental - - SIF SIF other changes recording rangers changes Goat Competition Monitoring of 1 x month - SIF staff SIF numbers Judas Goats Eradication Project implement Vegetation Sufficient Vegetation Sif staff SIF changes food and transects shade Rainfall Primary 13 rain gauges 1 x month - SIF staff SIF productivity

129 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Major Indicator Key Factor / Methods to be Frequency Timing Who will Cost Funding Biodiversity to be Biodiversity Employed Measure Source Value Measured Health Category Informed Terrestrial Vegetation Vegetation Aerial maps + Co habitats area cover ground truthing financing changes to be sought Key species Endemic taxa Regular surveys Rails: 1 x Rails after SIF SIF integrity of key species month, 4pm, rangers (which ones still Butterflies to be decided) 1 x week, Bird nesting, etc. Alien Ecosystem To be decided Co- species integrity financing Rainfall Primary 13 rain gauges 1 x month - SIF staff SIF productivity Coastal / Lagoon Vegetation Aerial maps + Co- Intertidal intertidal cover/ ground truthing + financing habitats habitat ecosystem vegetation areas integrity transects Key data Changing Tide gauges, relating to habitat salinity and the sea conditions temperature

130 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Major Indicator Key Factor / Methods to be Frequency Timing Who will Cost Funding Biodiversity to be Biodiversity Employed Measure Source Value Measured Health Category Informed Turtle Turtle Beach track 1 x month + Tracks: SIF SIF nesting population counts + tagging 4 x month am, rangers trends for some Tagging: night Beach area Turtle nest Beach area & SIF SIF sites, habitat profiles rangers integrity Juvenile Turtle Tagging and SIF SIF turtles population measuring rangers trends and growth rates Sea birds Population Population survey Occasional trends of breeding birds Migrant Population To be decided birds trends? Aquatic Aquatic Ecosystem Aerial maps + habitats habitat changes ground truthing + areas transects Coral reefs Changes in Coral 1 x year Aldabra AMP/ coral reef recruitment, Marine SIF ecology others to be Programme decided + SIF

131 Tool 11 Assessment of the Outcomes of Management – Ecological Integrity

Major Indicator Key Factor / Methods to be Frequency Timing Who will Cost Funding Biodiversity to be Biodiversity Employed Measure Source Value Measured Health Category Informed Fish Ecological Coral reef fish Aldabra diversity changes diversity, fish Marine catches + fish Programme otoliths? + SIF Seagrass Ecological To be decided SIF community changes Marine Ecosystem To be decided 6 Submit SIF/COI mammals changes month/year project for including July to funding Dugong October Opportunist ic linked with field trips/patrol s Key data Changing Tide gauge, relating to habitat salinity and the sea conditions temperature (CTD) Significant Inland pool To be decided character- ecological istics of changes pools

132 Tool 11: Monitoring Outcomes of Management

Tool 11: Monitoring Outcomes of Management It was recognised upon reviewing the comprehensive biodiversity health assessment and monitoring recommendations above (from the first assessment in 2002) that the monitoring programme for Aldabra may need to be simplified and revised to ensure it is useful for management of the site. Although still in progress, the following table (Worksheet 11) represents the initial attempt to develop a more manageable set of indicators. This was undertaken after review of recommendations from the Scientific Committee Review undertaken in 2005 (Refer to Appendix 1). It is the first draft and will be further refined and developed in 2008.

133 Tool 11: Monitoring Outcomes of Management

Tool 11: Monitoring Outcomes of Management

Source of Status of Trend of Opportunities, recommendations Objective Indicator(s) Targets information indicator indicator and follow-up actions List the major List one or Agree targets for Give details about Monitor and analyse the status and Identify any specific actions values to be two indicators each indicators to exactly what trends for all the indicators needed in response to measured in a for each value, help assess information will be Is the status of Is the information collected in the monitoring drawing on success or failure collected and how significant condition monitoring and assessment of system objectives and with respect this will be done concern; improving, objectives targets where indicators developing unchanged or possible concern or fine? deteriorating ? Giant Tortoise Population Identify the Regular tortoise Good – populations Monitoring of tortoise numbers population trends – carrying capacity transects examining are healthy where has been ongoing since 1976 – establish an of tortoises for population structure the islands have ⇑ however it is still not clear optimal all four islands – are ongoing. Two lower populations what the optimal population is carrying using population population modelling (Picard, Malabar) on the islands. Some islands capacity for model which will programmes are being and the have been obviously the islands. be verified. applied regularly. populations are overpopulated eg: on Grande Need to apply decreasing where Terre. population census to there is The data needs to analysed verify models. overpopulation further to develop the (Grande Terre) No measurable targets transects on Polymnie.

134 Tool 11: Monitoring Outcomes of Management

Terrestrial Extent of each Utilise remote sensing Good – will be vegetation habitat type mapping from the verified with types Cambridge project as Cambridge remote ⇔ a baseline. This could sensing mapping also be compared to project the vegetation mapping in the 1960- 70s. Casuarina invasion should be identified from this remote sensing mapping project beginning in 2008 Regular vegetation monitoring through plots and transects. These need to be established -combine with existing tortoise transects. Use existing transects on Picard. Measuring rainfall Health and Too early in study Phenology study Good – verified diversity of to identify commenced in 2006 when the study is each specific targets mainly on Picard – more progressed ⇔ vegetation twice monthly This is type – extent checking status of assumed and of representative will be regeneration species (approx 30 verified when and invasion of spp). Conducted by the study is weed species rangers – ongoing. more Should be compared progressed to previous studies where possible. 135 Tool 11: Monitoring Outcomes of Management

Endemic Fauna Flightless Rail Sustainable Increase population Good – Population population on population of rails on Picard since 18 is increasing – Picard on Picard to ca were reintroduced in exact numbers ⇑ 1,000 pairs 1999 (total population needs to be Population is (Wanless, 2002) for Aldabra was verified by study increasing approx 8,500 on Malabar (2000)) to the sustainable carrying capacity. Wanless predicted exponential growth on Picard to carrying capacity of approx. 1000 pairs by 2007- 9. Population estimate initiated – project for student etc. Sound recording methods have been used in the past but has limitations – may be used in conjunction with transects and areas of suitable habitat.

136 Tool 11: Monitoring Outcomes of Management

Insectivorous Develop targets Initiate an external Good – no obvious Will be bird (eg after baseline study on the problem needs to verified in coucal, drongo) data has been population of a key be verified by recommended population on collected insectivorous species. study study Picard This will be used as an indicator of the health of insect populations etc. Existing studies of drongos (eg 2004) could be used as background for this. Coastal/interti Shorebird Project continues Good – counts are Analyse data This monitoring programme dal habitats monitoring stable should be reviewed at the next MEE assessment to determine value and usefulness Sea bird Apply the seabird monitoring monitoring Handbook for the Seychelles Numbers of Full green turtle Good – population nesting turtles monitoring programme is healthy and (Green) plus analysis of increasing ⇑ population trends. Marine AMP conducts these Although data is collected it is ecosystems monitoring difficult to obtain. An MOU programmes via has been developed to expedite annual surveys. If the sharing of data. they cannot continue, alternatives need to be found Size and No significant Subsistence fishing – Data has been analysed and abundance of decline in the species, weight and presented as two papers and preferred frequency and length are recorded identification poster. eating species size of fish by staff caught 137 Tool 11: Monitoring Outcomes of Management

Comments and The main aim of most of the monitoring on Aldabra is to examine change – no management action explanation will necessarily be possible, for eg with respect to coral bleaching due to climate change. To a large extent the impacts on Aldabra are due to indirect human and other impacts but nevertheless it is important to be aware of changes. Aldabra has the potential to provide important comparisons with other more disturbed sites. This potential is currently not utilised.

Analysis and conclusions It is much necessary that this potential is promoted to the scientific world to attract more research to not only fill identified knowledge gaps but also to better understand environmental changes globally

Gaps and challenges Baseline Studies – rats, flightless rail (population reassessed on Picard), insectivorous birds eg coucals, drongos, weed species – especially Stachytarpheta which has invaded the tortoise turf. Seabirds – important breeding site by many sea birds.

Analysis and conclusions The remoteness and difficult logistics of Aldabra do not allow for an ad hoc approach to environmental research and at the same time increase dramatically project costs. It will be necessary to identify a combination of finance mechanism to ensure a vivid research program

138 Conclusions

Conclusions

The project has been very beneficial for SIF and has not only looked at Aldabra but addressed major issues related to the management of the whole organisation including the second World Heritage Site managed by SIF the Vallée de Mai. This was the first time that a holistic approach was applied when evaluating the operation of Aldabra. The whole management cycle was analysed thoroughly and the tools developed under the project assisted not only to assess current activities but identified and addressed major gaps. Following the assessment of relationships with stakeholders and partners a completely new understanding of the inter-linkages in the management of a remote site with no indigenous or local population was developed.

The following lessons were learnt • The methodology of the management effectiveness assessment is an objective way to define SIF’s strengths and weaknesses. • It does not necessary require large sums of money to address major gaps and build capacity. • The design of the assessment provides for a built in mechanism to ensure follow up that enhance management effectiveness. • The Shell business planning exercise provided for a significant and critical inside as well as experience in strategic planning and budgeting using a totally different and tailor made approach. This exercise was much more effective and successful compared to what the participation in a workshop/training with similar aims would have been . • The project results underline the importance and contributed to the urgent management plan update. The information now available will certainly facilitate the update process. • The documentation necessary under the assessment ensures and provides for the first time institutional memory in SIF. • The software Park Plan could be a very powerful tool for the management of both protected areas Aldabra + Valleé de Mai.

It is recommended to

• Undertake an assessment to analyse the effectiveness of the management of the Vallée de Mai applying the same methodology • Update the Aldabra Management Plan and adopt Park Plan software • Adopt Park Plan when reviewing management plan of Vallée de Mai

139 Conclusions

• Develop and set up a sustainable finance mechanism to ensure effective management of both UNESCO World Heritage Sites • Support the UNSECO World Heritage Centre to adopt the process for periodic reporting from WHS • Share this experience with other protected areas in Seychelles and in the region as well as promote the application and possible adoption of similar assessments in regional and international processes including the Convention of Biological Diversity in the implementation the programme of work on protected areas. • Use the capacity built to timely submit the next periodic report to UNESCO

In conclusion it must be emphasized that the process of the project in it’s totality is of much significance to the SIF. It is with this increased capacity that the organisation will be able to address identified gaps and in addition be prepared for the challenges ahead. It is much urgent and appropriate that SIF takes advantage of this prestigious initiative to attract strategic partners in any relevant field. These future partnerships will be essential to enhance the effectiveness of the management of the Aldabra Atoll aimed at protecting and preserving the major values of this UNSECO World Heritage Site.

140 Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

The SIF would like to thank Sue Wells for promoting the project to the board of trustees and proposing Aldabra Atoll as one of the nine pilot sites to the project team, without her initiative the atoll would not have been part of the Enhancing our Heritage project.

Special thanks go to Marc Hockings and his team especially Robyn James who have with much determination guided the process. Their support which also involved going out of their way and finding innovative ways to ensure completion of the final assessment is much appreciated.

Furthermore we would like to express our gratitude to the managers and management teams of the different sites involved in the project for their friendship when exchanging enthusiastically experiences.

In addition the engagement and commitment of our lead local consultant Katy Beaver when taking on the initial assessment has much facilitated the process of the final assessment. Her support to SIF has been fundamental for the successful participation and completion of the whole process and is much appreciated.

We also thank all board members, local stakeholders and Seychellois who made time to get in what ever way involved in the final assessment.

Finally we wish to acknowledge the financial support of all funding agencies donors and international organisation that ensured the materialisation of the project. This also includes the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris and IUCN who supported the project implementation.

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