Press Release: Clarification on Cosmoledo airfield and birds' eggs collection

In light of recent discussions following an interview with Minister Flavien Joubert on Friday 7th June, the Islands Development Company (IDC) wishes to provide clarity on the issues raised. We were contacted by SBC late that afternoon for an interview, which we could not organise at the time. Therefore, we have opted to issue this press communiqué to ensure the public is accurately informed.

1. Construction of Cosmoledo Airfield

IDC submitted all required documents and plans to the Department of Environment and the Planning Authority for the construction of an airfield on Cosmoledo atoll. We received planning approval, which includes environment authorisation, in March 2021 to build the 605-meter runway on Grand Ile (Wizard Island). IDC has strictly adhered to all legal requirements for the building of that runway and any allegations of illegal construction are baseless.

Initially, two potential sites for the runway were considered and IDC meticulously selected a location on Grand Ile where no bird nesting was observed. It was only post-construction that birds began nesting in the cleared area. To minimise disruption, IDC refrains from operating flights into Cosmoledo during the bird-laying season, except in rare emergencies. The strategic decision to construct an airstrip on Cosmoledo was primarily driven by the need to ensure the safe and timely evacuation of staff and guests from the atoll in emergency situations. It is to note that sea crossing between Cosmoledo and Astove, the closest island with air access is practically impossible during certain periods in view of strong winds and rough seas.

2. Bird’s eggs collection, population and environmental efforts

Regarding the collection of birds’ eggs, IDC is not collecting birds’ eggs from any island, in adherence to S.I. 44 of 2024, Birds’ Eggs Collection Amendment Regulations 2024, which prohibits the collection of birds’ eggs from 1st June 2024 to 31st May 2026. IDC remains steadfast in our commitment to legal and ethical standards in all our operations.

Observations indicate that the Sooty Tern (Golet in Creole) population on Cosmoledo atoll remains stable compared to the past two years.

In 2007, IDC, in collaboration with Dr. Gerard Rocamora, successfully eradicated invasive species such as cats and rats from Grand Ile (Wizard) and since then, there have been no sightings of these species on that island. We can also confirm the absence of cats and rats on Goelette Island (Farquhar) and Desnoeufs, two other IDC islands with an important Sooty Tern colony.

3. Recent Bird Mortality

Recent sightings have indicated unexplained mortality among certain bird species, particularly the Brown Noddy (Makwa in Creole). Their eggs, along with those of the Sooty Tern, form part of the delicacy enjoyed by Seychellois. IDC is actively working with the Department of Environment, health authorities and the veterinary services to determine the cause. We are currently collecting samples for further analysis and will continue monitoring the bird population on the islands in collaboration with the Department of Environment and the Island Conservation Society (ICS) through annual censuses. This initiative is entirely funded by IDC.
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We hope this communiqué addresses any misunderstandings and reaffirms our commitment to transparency, environmental stewardship and strict adherence to regulatory standards in all our projects.