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
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.
Socotra: a fragile environment
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.
Socotra: a fragile environment
Boris Khvostichenko
Dragon’s
blood tree
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.
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.
Emai4mobile
Socotra: a fragile environment
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