A remote island in the Indian Ocean has become one of the defining issues in Seychelles' presidential and parliamentary elections, underscoring the growing tension between economic development and environmental conservation.
Assumption Island, a sparsely populated coral island 1,140 kilometres southwest of Mahé, has become internationally famous as the location of plans for an exclusive luxury resort sponsored by the royal family of Qatar. While the island may be largely undeveloped, its strategic location and ecological importance have made it one of the country’s most debated destinations.
The proposed development would comprise construction of a luxury resort including 40 villas and an upgraded airstrip suitable for private executive aircraft. The project is part of a 70-year lease deal that is reported to include an upfront payment of $20 million to the Seychelles government. President Wavel Ramkalawan has defended the investment, saying tourism remains vital to the island nation’s long-term economic stability. He also reiterated that Seychelles will not allow foreign military bases on its territory despite the island's strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
But conservationists say the project endangers one of the nation’s most treasured natural environments. Assumption Island is one of the most important nesting sites for endangered green turtles in Seychelles and is the gateway to the Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to more than 400 species found nowhere else on Earth.
Environmental groups have raised concerns about the transparency of the approval process and the impact of construction work on fragile ecosystems. Campaign groups have taken their case to the courts to stop the development until an independent environment assessment is carried out.
The debate has emerged as a key election issue as voters weigh up the benefits of foreign investment against the need to protect the Seychelles’ internationally recognised biodiversity. The country’s economy has recovered strongly after the pandemic with solid GDP growth, low unemployment and improved investor confidence, but the future of Assumption Island continues to symbolise the broader challenge of balancing sustainable tourism with environmental protection.
