At SIF, sustainability is at the heart of how we manage Seychelles’ World Heritage Sites. From renewable energy systems on remote Aldabra to waste reduction and resource efficiency at the Vallée de Mai, our initiatives aim to minimise environmental impact while supporting long-term conservation. Through innovation, careful resource management, and community engagement, we’re ensuring that these globally important sites are protected for generations to come.
SUSTAINABILITY
ALDABRA
Aldabra is a site of global scientific interest, but its remote location makes operational management a major logistical challenge. In the past, the use of diesel generators for electricity resulted in high fuel and transport costs, and was environmentally unsustainable. In 2008, SIF started to investigate ways to increase energy efficiency and develop a renewable energy system, aiming both to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. Following an audit of energy usage on Aldabra, renewable energy options and their applicability were assessed, alongside research into energy-efficient measures. Reductions in energy demand were essential for the successful implementation of a renewable energy system. The findings of this research were implemented when a 25 kWp hybrid photovoltaic-diesel energy system was installed in 2012.
In the first year of operation, 94% (38,171 kWh) of the station’s electricity demand was generated by the new solar power system. This contributed to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions (a total of 97,523 kg of CO2 per year was avoided, of which 59% resulted from investments in energy efficiency measures and 41% from the PV system) and subsequently the research station’s carbon footprint was largely reduced. It is interesting to note that the energy efficiency measures undertaken significantly reduced the electricity needs of the station. After reliance on a fossil fuel-based energy system for many years, this project has revolutionised the operation and sustainability of the research station on Aldabra. Since the implementation of the photovoltaic system, diesel demand has decreased by 97% which will lead to a projected saving of €68,000, resulting in a system payback time of only three years. This project has shown that investments in both energy efficiency and renewable energy are essential for an environmentally and financially sustainable system. The reductions in costs and logistical preparation brought about by this project will ensure that SIF can achieve its management and research objectives for many years to come.
Water is a scarce commodity on Aldabra, particularly throughout the long dry season. The freshwater supply for the research station is reliant on rainwater harvesting, with a desalination plant as a backup system. In order to conserve this precious freshwater supply, Aldabra uses a dual water system. Freshwater is used for cooking, washing ,and drinking, but salt water is used for the sanitation system. To improve the sustainability of the water management system, steps have been taken to employ further water-saving measures and maximise rainwater harvesting facilities to ensure a safe freshwater supply throughout the dry season.
VALEE DE MAI
To minimise our environmental impact and improve sustainable management of the Vallée de Mai, a globally important protected area, SIF has adopted several basic principles which guide our operations at this site. We ask that all SIF staff and visitors to adhere to these principles when visiting or working at the Vallée de Mai. Together, we can all make a difference.
Energy production from the use of fossil fuels is one of the main contributors to climate change. To reduce this consumption and the effects of climate change, the Vallée de Mai aims to decrease its energy usage in as many ways as possible. Simple actions such as turning off lights and fans when leaving a room, using energy-saving bulbs, and reducing the use of air conditioning units all assist in limiting the energy used at the visitor centre.
SIF has adopted the well-known environmental principle of the ‘3 R’s’ – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. This fundamental approach underlies all operations at the Vallée de Mai and is applied in practice where possible. A compost tumbler for biological waste from the café has been installed, which produces compost for our forest teas served in the cafeteria. Other waste materials, such as paper, are reused in administrative activities, and of course we ask everyone in the Vallée de Mai to dispose of their waste in the appropriate places.
Please see our Sustainability Policy for further resources and information about our sustainable practices at SIF.