A large number of reefs within the inner granitic islands of the archipelago of Seychelles could be entirely lost, unless concerted action is taken soon to control crown of thorns, warns Dr. Udo Englhardt, the expert on on the management of crown of thorns in a...
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Moyenne Island
Moyenne Island was purchased in 1962 by a British national and newspaper editor Brendon Grimshaw for around £10,000. Grimshaw lived alone on the island until 2012 when he died aged 87. After Grimshaw purchased the island, he and a local youth René Antoine Lafortune planted sixteen thousand trees, built 4.8 kilometers of nature paths, and brought and bred Aldabra giant tortoises, intending to create an island of extraordinary beauty. Apart from a wide variety of plant and bird life, the island is home to around 120 giant tortoises. In 2012, according to Grimshaw, the eldest was 76 and was named Desmond, after his godson.

He permanently moved to the island in 1972. He then set up a water supply, electricity, and a phone line on the island. Many thought he might turn the island into a resort but he wanted to build a nature reserve.
Grimshaw’s father
Grimshaw invited his father to live with him after his mother’s death and he did. According to Grimshaw, “They became best of friends.” His father passed away 5 years later. However, Lafortune also used to live on the island and they allowed people to visit the island during the day for a small fee. In 2007 when Lafortune also passed away.

Grimshaw gives the island to the Government
Grimshaw, who was 81, knew that he had little time left to decide the fate of the island. He set up a trust and signed an agreement with Seychelles’ Ministry of Environment. It became Moyenne Island National Park, known as the world’s smallest national park.
During his time there he turned down an offer of £24 million to buy the island and instead developed Moyenne into a nature sanctuary. He also ensured its status as a nature reserve in its own right and further development has been prohibited.

Grimshaw’s book and and documentary film about him
In 1996, Grimshaw wrote a book about himself and the island, entitled A Grain of Sand. In 2009, a documentary film was produced about Grimshaw and the island, also called, A Grain of Sand. Lafortune died in 2007 and Grimshaw died in Victoria, Mahé, in July 2012 when he was 86. He was buried next to his father on the island. His tombstone reads, “Moyenne taught him to open his eyes to the beauty around him and say thank you to God.”
Park Management
Moyenne Island is owned by Terrestrial National Park and managed by the Moyenne Foundation Society. The island is now known as the Moyenne Island National Park. In 2013, after the island received its own national park status, a new hut was built and a warden was posted on the island, collecting the entrance fee from tourists.
Moyenne is one of the smallest of Seychelles’ inner islands: it measures just 0.4km long and barely 0.3km wide, and its coastline runs for less than 2km. Its highest point rises to an altitude of just 61m above the water’s edge. It is in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park off the north coast of Mahé, Seychelles
Moyenne Island Beach is one of the least crowded beaches in the Seychelles. Even during peak tourist season, there are rarely more than 50 visitors on the island at any one time, and never more than 300 over the course of a day. You can have a private spot of your own on the beach.
The Jolly Roger
The Jolly Roger, a restaurant, founded by Grimshaw and his longtime partner, Rene Antoine Lafortune, serves local dishes like grilled fish and seafood curries in a red Creole sauce.
There is also a small museum dedicated to Grimshaw’s life and two nurseries for giant tortoise hatchlings. Apart from these Moyenne remains undeveloped. The island has no jetty and arriving here you wade ashore, barefoot, through the shallows.

Flora and fauna
On the island, there are 16,000 trees – mahogany, palm, mango, pawpaw – planted by Grimshaw. By one estimate, Moyenne has more plant species per sq m than any other national park in the world.
Every now and then, you may find your path blocked by one of Moyenne’s nearly 50 free-range giant Aldabra tortoises. They’re in no hurry, and nor should you be as you watch them pass. Back in the shallows and by the beaches at Pirate’s Cove, watch for hawksbill turtles that often come ashore to nest.

Mahé Island
Mahé Island
Mahé is the largest island of Seychelles. Mahé has an area of 154 sq.km, and is 28 km long, 8 km wide. It is also home to the smallest capital city in the world, Victoria, which accommodates 77,000 people which is 86% of the country’s total population. All visitors to the Seychelles will begin their journey from here.
Morne Seychellois is the tallest peak in this island.
Seychelles International Airport opened here in 1971. In the southern and western parts of the island there are Baie Ternay Marine National Park, Port Launay Marine National Park, and University of Seychelles. The Sainte Anne Marine National Park lies offshore, as do Conception Island, Thérèse Island, Anonyme Island and several smaller islands.

The Port of Victoria is home to a tuna fishing and canning industry. From 1963 to 1996 the United States Air Force maintained a satellite control network here at the Indian Ocean Station, where it had a significant impact on the local economy. Mahé is also home to the Seychelles’ governmental and administrative centre.
The centre of the island has imposing peaks and clouded forests with diverse flora and fauna, giving life to the island’s numerous hiking trails. Countless freshwater springs characterise the rich nature of the island, while tropical palms and other plants also grow throughout this region, including mango, papaya, banana, tea, and more.

Beau Vallon is the best beach in the island, which is almost as bustling as the capital itself. Numerous accommodation options, restaurants, shops, and diving centres can be found in this sprawling bay. Sainte Anne Marine National Park is about 5 km from here. This area offers excellent snorkelling conditions, with a great variety of flora and fauna to be seen, especially in the Sainte Anne Channel, which runs between Sainte Anne Island and Moyenne Island, and, for this reason, this is the destination of many tours.

Fears of crown of thorns Starfish outbreak in Seychelles Coral Reefs
A large number of reefs within the inner granitic islands of the archipelago of Seychelles could be entirely lost, unless concerted action is taken soon to control crown of thorns, warns Dr. Udo Englhardt, the expert on on the management of crown of thorns in a presentation of his most recent findings. Dr Udo Englhardt, believes this outbreak of the deadly starfish is due to increasing levels of human development in the Seychelles coupled with rising sea temperatures. Dr. Engelhardt has conducted this research as part of their ‘Mainstreaming Biosecurity’ project organised by the UNDP and Global Environment Facility (GEF) in conjunction with the government of Seychelles. The outbreak which was in the north western areas of Mahé two months ago, has now spread further down the western coastline as the starfish continue to spawn. The starfish can be seen on reefs between five and 25 metres deep and are not commonly found in shallow waters. It preys on strong hard coral polyps and is named crown of thorns as its upper surface is covered with thorn like spikes.
The crown of thorns starfish, one of the largest in the world, occurs at tropical and subtropical latitudes and have been found from the Red sea, across the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. This venomous starfish has been found in Seychelles as early as the 1960s in small numbers and an extensive eradication programme was conducted in 1997. During the 1998-99 El Nino coral bleaching, the crown of thorns died off too. However, they began to re-emerge in 2001-2003 and have now bounced back in alarming numbers. This April, a coral reef survey by Dr Engelhardt found that numbers of Crown of thorns in the reefs were 20 to 30 times greater than sustainable levels. He also found that there were at least three generations present, including a substantial number of juveniles in the under reef strata – a good predictor of future outbreaks reports the Seychelles news agency.
10 Reasons to Visit the Seychelles
There is no doubt that Seychelles should be given priority on everyone’s list of dream vacations. This archipelago nation is beautifully located in the Indian Ocean. Seychelles is composed of 155 islands, filled with beautiful sights, exciting adventures and activities, as well as plenty of opportunities for relaxation. Whether you are searching for a secluded vacation or a romantic getaway with a loved one, Seychelles has something to offer to everyone.
If you still need more reasons to be convinced, consider these 10 reasons why you should visit the Seychelles:
#1: The Attractive Beaches
The number one reason why a lot of people travel to the Praslin Island is to take advantage of its sandy beaches and sparkling blue water. On top of that, you also have the chance to enjoy the waves, the sun, the scenery, as well as a whole bunch of beach activity options. This beautiful island is home to many of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. You will certainly feel relaxation here.
#2: Seclusion
While it is true that there are a lot of beautiful beaches in the world, Seychelles is still very special because of the seclusion that it offers. If you want to simply getaway from the hustles and bustles of the city life, this is your best option.
#3: The Wonderful Culture
One of the most wonderful things about this paradise is the wonderful culture that it offers. The culture is an interesting mix of Asian, African, and European cultures.
#4: Unique Cuisine
The local food is one good reason why you should visit this paradise.
#5: Amazing Dive Spots
Snorkelling and scuba diving are some of the most famous activities that most tourists enjoy when visiting La Digue.
#6: Flora and Fauna
When talking about sea life, the waters surrounding the area are home to tropical fishes, which are also completely diversified.
#7: Opportunities for Hiking
Perhaps your concept of a perfect vacation means exploration. You will certainly enjoy Morne Seychellois National Park. You may also visit the World Heritage Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve for another option.
#8: Island Hopping Opportunities
There are 155 islands in the nation, and none of them are exactly alike. Therefore, you can experience something different when you do island hopping.
#9: Parasailing Activities
From the top, you can have an amazing view on the beaches, as well as the amazing rock formations surrounding the area.
#10: Good Weather
Because you are in a tropical area, you can expect a warm weather all year round. Therefore, it can be considered as a perfect destination on your next travel adventure.
Now that you have added ten more reasons on why you should visit Seychelles, why not start planning your itinerary now and have that dream vacation you have always wanted.
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