A Vision That Became A Success Story…
Fregate Island is part of the inner Granite Islands of the Seychelles Archipelago. It is the seventh largest of the Granite Islands and approximately 2.19 square kilometers in size. The island is located 55 km east of Mahé, with its highest point, Mont Signal, situated 125 m above sea level. This heaven of biodiversity is covered in lush forest, fringed by coral reefs and a sanctuary to some of the world’s rarest plants, reptiles, insects and birds.
Like many islands in the Seychelles, Fregate Island suffered at a great expense from habitat degradation when large stands of natural forest were destroyed to establish a plantation. Native broadleaved forests were replaced by coconut, cinnamon, cashew, and citrus which took over the island following the abandonment of the coconut plantations.
The unique and fragile wildlife of the island was unable to adapt to the new habitat which had been created and this, combined with the introduction of invasive predators to the island (such as rats and cats), had a detrimental effect on the island’s wildlife.
As such, numerous species were severely threatened or lost altogether.
An extensive habitat restoration program was initiated to remove alien invasive vegetation and to restore the island back to its former state. The newly introduced predators (rats, cats and Myna birds) have been eradicated and this, combined with management strategies to safeguard the environment, has resulted in an ecosystem in which abounded species are able to thrive in.
Our Mission
The mission of the Fregate Island Foundation is to collaboratively contribute to the conservation and preservation of the island’s surrounding marine ecosystem and the safeguarding and promoting of the socio-cultural heritage of the Seychelles
and its people. In partnership with the Seychelles government, NGO partners and strong affiliates, we promote conservation best practice and knowledge sharing to optimize impact.
The Fregate Island Foundation is the registered charity arm of the private island resort, Fregate Island in the Seychelles. We are a non-profit organization aiming at improving awareness of the general public for environmental protection and sustainable living practices as well as arrange for practical and skills training and internship opportunities.