Project description

Noah’s Ark is the concept on which the North Island Resort’s environmental conservation philosophy is based and which inspired the project to restore the island’s natural habitat. In collaboration with environmental conservation organizations it was necessary to recover the island from the abandonment, caused in 1970 by the collapse of the coconut industry. At that time many alien species of flora and fauna present on the island such as casuarina trees, invasive weeds, rats, birds, cats, barn owls in addition to cows and pigs left behind, took over the natural habitat smothering the indigenous plants, decimating the bird life and drying up the marshland that is the lifeblood of the Island. Tortoises and certain bird species were gradually being reintroduced to the Island along with indigenous palms and ficus. Many researches carried out to ensure biodiversity and the protection of the natural environment, helped to develop that eco-sensitivity that led to the construction of the resort by recycling felled alien trees, designing systems to reduce acoustic impact, water and energy use and installing an ecological sewerage system. Local artisans from Bali, Malawi and South Africa were involved in this process of conservation and pursuit of excellence. The Noah's Arca concept continues to be at the heart of the Resort's initiatives, which actively participates in important environmental conservation projects under the auspices of the Ministry of the Environment and in collaboration with several NGOs, such as the Green Island Foundation, the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles and the Global Vision International.