Aldabra

Aldabra Atoll
Satellite view of Aldabra
Aldabra Atoll is located in Seychelles
Aldabra Atoll
Aldabra Atoll
Location of Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles
Geography
LocationIndian Ocean
Coordinates09°25′S 46°21′E / 9.417°S 46.350°E / -9.417; 46.350
ArchipelagoSeychelles
Adjacent toIndian Ocean
Total islands46
Major islands
  • Picard
  • Malabar
  • Grande Terre
  • Polymnie
Area155.4 km2 (60.0 sq mi)
Length34 km (21.1 mi)
Width13 km (8.1 mi)
Coastline85 km (52.8 mi)
Highest elevation16 m (52 ft)
Highest pointunnamed dune
Administration
GroupOuter Islands
Sub-GroupAldabra Group
Sub-GroupAldabra Atoll
DistrictsOuter Islands District
Largest settlementLa Gigi (pop. 12)
Demographics
Population12 (2016)
Pop. density0.08/km2 (0.21/sq mi)
Ethnic groupsCreole, French, East Africans, Indians.
Additional information
Time zone
ISO codeSC-26
Official websitewww.seychelles.travel/en/discover/the-islands/outer-islands
CriteriaNatural: vii, ix, x
Reference185
Inscription1982 (6th Session)
Designated1981
Official nameAldabra Atoll
Designated2 February 2010
Reference no.1887[1]

Aldabra, the world's second-largest coral atoll[2] (the largest is Kiritimati), is located southeast of the continent of Africa. It is part of the Aldabra Group of islands in the Indian Ocean that are part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, with a distance of 1,120 km (700 mi) southwest of the capital, Victoria on Mahé Island. Initially named by Arab seafarers for its harsh environment, Aldabra became a French colony dependency in the 18th century, leading to the exploitation of its natural resources, particularly giant tortoises. After passing through British hands, Aldabra faced potential military use in the 1960s, but international protests resulted in its protection. The atoll boasts unique geography, featuring the world's largest raised coral reef and a large shallow lagoon. Aldabra's history involves human impact, including failed agricultural ventures.

Post-World War II, conservation efforts increased, leading to its inclusion in the British Indian Ocean Territory and eventual independence for Seychelles. Following an international protest by scientists known as the 'Aldabra Affair,' the Royal Society of London and later the Seychelles Islands Foundation conducted research, leading to Aldabra's declaration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The atoll's flora and fauna, notably the giant tortoises, comprise an 'ecological wonder', with Aldabra serving as a critical breeding ground for various species. Conservation challenges, such as invasive species and plastic pollution, persist, but protective measures, including UNESCO designation, underscore Aldabra's significance as a natural vital scientific research site. Aldabra receives limited tourism to safeguard its delicate ecosystem and is accessible primarily through guided tours.

  1. ^ "Aldabra Atoll". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Murrie2010 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).