FrEgate Island Private, Seychelles

Finalist, Conservation Award

Frégate Private Island is a 3km² privately owned island in the Seychelles which is operated as a luxury eco-resort. In 1998, after 200 years of coconut and cinnamon monoculture which displaced endemic species and led to the devastation of essential habitat for native fauna, Frégate's ecological programme began with rehabilitation of surface terrain, soil and flora.
A resident ecologist and a resident zoologist - with their 40-strong team - oversee the integrated environmental programme. Frégate has already seen a number of conservation success stories, including increasing the population of the world's 7th rarest bird species - the Seychelles Magpie Robbin - from 22 in 1995 to 180 in 2010; facilitating the growth of the second largest population of the Aldabra Giant Tortoise from 180 in 1995 to 600 in 2010; and rehabilitating 80% of the island's total flora. Frégate's environmental goals are carried out in a non-invasive, small-impact manner and underpin its whole operation through highly visible and participatory ways for Frégate guests. All work is undertaken in accordance with the UN Development Programme for the Seychelles and in close consultation with the Seychelle's government and NGOs such as BirdLife International and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
Frégate's work is not confined to conservation. The resort works with the wider community to provide information and education on environmental conservation and each year focuses on one major social project - such as donations to the President's Village Orphanage in Mahé. Of its 137 staff members, 44% are local Seychellois.