Palermo is preparing to host
a conference that will highlight how the Yemeni conflict and
other threats have put the unique biodiversity of the Socotra
Archipelago in peril.
The archipelago, which is on UNESCO's World Heritage list, is
in the northwest Indian Ocean near the Gulf of Aden. It is 250
km long and comprises four islands and two rocky islets.
It has been declared to be of universal importance because of
its rich and distinct flora and fauna.
For example, 37% of Socotra's 825 plant species, 90% of its
reptile species and 95% of its land snail species do not occur
anywhere else in the world.
The 18th International Friends of Socotra (FoS) conference
taking place in Palermo from September 26 to October 6 aims to
raise international attention about the need to protect this
unique place.
"Socotra is one of the most important biodiversity sites in
the world," said Marco Livadiotti, who is one of the organizers
of the event.
"It is still relatively unexplored and mysterious. It is a
natural sanctuary that we cannot compromise and lose".
The conflict has prevented local and international experts
from continuing their work on the island and monitoring the
situation, while the climate crisis has had an impact, with
recent storms causing severe damage.
Other problems regard insufficient control by the local
government of the development with new infrastructure and
buildings for tourism.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
