socotra management of a fragile environment david redfern

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Socotra Management of a fragile environment David Redfern

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Page 1: Socotra Management of a fragile environment David Redfern

SocotraManagement of a fragile environment

David Redfern

Page 2: Socotra Management of a fragile environment David Redfern

Socotra: a fragile environment

What this presentation covers

• The location and nature of Socotra

• The Socotra Governance and Biodiversity Project (SGBP)

• Further conservation issues on the islands

• Opportunities for further research

Page 3: Socotra Management of a fragile environment David Redfern

Socotra: a fragile environment

What and where is Socotra

• Socotra (or Soqotra), is a small archipelago

of four islands in the Indian Ocean. The

largest island is also called Socotra.

• It lies 240 km east of the Horn of Africa and

380 km south of the Arabian Peninsula.

• Because of its isolation, a third of

Socotra’s plant life, and most of its

reptiles, are found nowhere else on the

planet. They are endemic.

• It has been described as the most alien-

looking place on Earth. The main island

measures 132 km in length and 50 km in width.

• Socotra is part of the Republic of Yemen.

Page 4: Socotra Management of a fragile environment David Redfern

Socotra: a fragile environment

Page 5: Socotra Management of a fragile environment David Redfern

Socotra: a fragile environment

The Socotra Governance and Biodiversity Project (SGBP)

The islands have 300 endemic plants, such as the dragon blood tree, and hundreds

of endemic animal species. These include:

•27 species of reptiles (e.g. gecko and Socotra skink),

•8 species of birds (e.g. Socotra sparrow and buzzard)

•more than 300 invertebrates.

Development of Socotra island threatens to damage this biodiversity. Threats

include habitat degradation, pollution, introduction of invasive species and

impacts of increasing levels of tourism. Unsustainable resource use, the loss of

traditional land management practices and illegal trade in biota are also putting

pressure on Socotra’s ecosystems.

The Socotra Governance and Biodiversity Project (SGBP) is an attempt by the

government of the Republic of Yemen, together with the United Nations Development

Programme, to conserve the important biodiversity of the Socotra archipelago.

Page 6: Socotra Management of a fragile environment David Redfern

Socotra: a fragile environment

Dragon’s blood tree

Page 7: Socotra Management of a fragile environment David Redfern

Socotra: a fragile environment

SGBP zones The islands have been divided into four zones to aid conservation.

General use zones: existing urban areas where some economic development is

allowed. There are only two small areas on the island of Socrota: Hadibo and

Qalansiyah

National Parks: to protect the unique habitats and landscapes and provide

opportunities for scientific research, educational use and recreation.

Nature sanctuaries: undeveloped areas of land and sea that are strictly

protected to maintain their natural character. No human use allowed at all.

Resource use reserves can be developed by the community, e.g. for farming, as

long as biodiversity is maintained. Most of these are offshore

fishing grounds.

Page 8: Socotra Management of a fragile environment David Redfern

Socotra: a fragile environment

Local knowledge

In order to maintain the landscapes and ecosystems that support the Socotra

biota, while allowing sustainable development, some experts believe it is

necessary to protect and maintain local expertise and knowledge.

Traditional systems for sustainable management have protected the unique

environment of the island for many years. For the local inhabitants,

conservation ensures survival – there is no better way of protection.

Page 9: Socotra Management of a fragile environment David Redfern

Socotra: a fragile environment

Page 10: Socotra Management of a fragile environment David Redfern

Socotra: a fragile environment

Further issues and websites

Socotra is at a point where choices made by others, such as

tourists, will affect its future. What sort of tourist would you

be?

•See Socotra on YouTube

•Beautiful National Geographic photos

•Socotra Governance and Biodiversity Project

•Download a pdf: Socotra in love with nature