The "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean"

The "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean" The Archipelago of Socotra is considered a special conservation area of high global importance. On the basis of recent scientific evidence, the nickname "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean" is apparently well deserved. Hundreds of rare and spectacular large plants and criptic small animals can be seen there, which can be found nowhere else in the world. Marine life is rich and colorful and home to several rare species which are almost extinct elsewhere.

Throughout its history, the archipelago suffered from severe isolation due to its remote geographical position and by the fact that access by sea is impossible for half the year due to heavy monsoon winds. The lack of a suitable harbor and limited water resources prevented a significant increase of the population and the development of trade until present. These factors kept the people of Socotra away from the rest of the world for centuries and until recent times. They had to become almost completely self-sufficient, and lived in a sound balance with their environment.

The GEF UNDP/UNOPS Project

The status of biodiversity conservation efforts in the Socotra Archipelago, Republic of Yemen, is described through the main achievements of the Socotra Biodiversity Project. Phase 1 of the project was supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) UNDP/UNOPS Project "Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity of Socotra Archipelago, Republic of Yemen". The project was implemented in partnership with the Environment Protection Council of Yemen (EPC) from 1997 to 2001. A main goal of the project was to preserve the globally significant biodiversity of the Socotra Archipelago.

Currently a second phase of the project is supported by the Government of The Netherlands and UNDP, in partnership with the Envirponment Protection Authority (formerly EPC), and the Ministry of Planning and Development. The ongoing phase will extend until May 2003.

Biodiversity Conservation Zoning Plan

The principal achievement of the above project was the preparation of the Biodiversity Conservation Zoning Plan for the Archipelago, endorsed by the Government of Yemen in the year 2000. The Plan aims to integrate development needs with environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources, so that the unique biodiversity and natural beauty of Socotra would continue to flourish, and continue to be a resource for the local people, in the process of development. The plan is broadly illustrated with text and maps. Background information on the people, natural history and development issues of the islands is followed by a useful description of the scientific work and extensive community consultation process which led to the formulation of the plan.

The plan is the result of a significant amount of work, including a large local team of over 60 Socotri staff, aided by over 60 national and international scientists. A wide consultation process across all levels of Socotri society led to the finalization of the zoning system, which covers all terrestrial and marine habitats of the archipelago, and envisages the following zones:

1. Resource Use Zone
2. General use Zone
3. Nature Sanctuaries

The official endorsement of the plan in the year 2000 met the last remaining condition for the declaration of Socotra Archipelago as a Man and Biosphere and possibly a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The local community of Socotra, with support from the project and the Government of Yemen, is creating the Socotra Environment Fund, which will foster and promote all future conservation efforts in the archipelago.