Aldabra

Aldabra Atoll

Aerial view of Aldabra
Aldabra Atoll Location of Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles
Geography
Location	Indian Ocean
Coordinates	09°25′S 46°21′E / 9.417°S 46.350°E / -9.417; 46.350
Archipelago	Seychelles
Adjacent to	Indian Ocean
Total islands	46
Major islands	Picard Malabar Grande Terre Polymnie
Area	155.4 km2 (60.0 sq mi)
Length	34 km (21.1 mi)
Width	13 km (8.1 mi)
Coastline	85 km (52.8 mi)
Highest elevation	16 m (52 ft)
Highest point	unnamed dune
Administration
Seychelles
Group	Outer Islands
Sub-Group	Aldabra Group
Sub-Group	Aldabra Atoll
Districts	Outer Islands District
Largest settlement	La Gigi (pop. 12)
Demographics
Population	12 (2016)
Pop. density	0.08/km2 (0.21/sq mi)
Ethnic groups	Creole, French, East Africans, Indians.
Additional information
Time zone	SCT (UTC+4)
ISO code	SC-26
Official website	www.seychelles.travel/en/discover/the-islands/outer-islands
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Criteria	Natural: vii, ix, x
Reference	185
Inscription	1982 (6th Session)
IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
Designated	1981
Ramsar Wetland
Official name	Aldabra Atoll
Designated	2 February 2010
Reference no.	1887[1]

Aldabra, the world's second-largest coral atoll^[2] (the largest is Kiribati), 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.