Based on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, supplemented by expert opinions from Dr. Ameer Ebrahim and Dr. Jeanne Mortimer, it’s clear there has been significant disregard for local environmental laws and protections. This is particularly concerning in the case of the Cheval Blanc Hill View Resort development at Anse Intendance, Seychelles. This investigative article highlights key findings from both EIA reports, as well as the expert insights of Dr. Ebrahim and Dr. Mortimer, focusing on the destruction of sensitive wetlands, biodiversity loss, and non-compliance with both the EIA and Environmental Management and Mitigation Plan (EMMP) recommendations.
Overview of the Development and EIA Violations
The transformation of the former Banyan Tree Resort into the Cheval Blanc Hill View Resort was initially presented as an environmentally conscious project, incorporating Creole culture and values. The EIA produced in November 2020 established strict guidelines to mitigate impact on sensitive ecosystems such as wetlands and the coastal zone. Its primary recommendation was to maintain the original footprint of the resort with minimal new construction to preserve the biophysical environment. However, as revealed in Dr. Ebrahim and Dr. Mortimer’s expert opinions, many of these recommendations were blatantly ignored, leading to widespread environmental degradation.
Wetland Destruction
The wetland at Anse Intendance, noted as one of the most sensitive ecosystems on Mahé, was marked in the EIA for protection. The report stated that the wetland "should not be intrusively modified or impacted upon" due to its ecological significance. Despite this, photographic evidence and water sample analyses reveal significant damage, including dredging, pollution, and eutrophication, with setbacks disregarded and new construction encroaching dangerously close to high-water marks.
Key Findings:
Blocked Water Flow: A newly constructed road divides the wetland, disrupting natural water circulation and creating stagnant pools. This directly violates the EIA’s recommendation to elevate all golf cart roads to allow natural water flow.
Eutrophication and Overgrowth: The northern section of the wetland, now isolated, has become choked with duckweed. The change has essentially transformed the once thriving ecosystem into an open lake requiring constant clearance, a situation that fundamentally alters the wetland’s natural state.
Biodiversity Loss
The wetland is a critical habitat for two endangered terrapin species: the Seychelles Yellow-bellied Mud Turtle and the Seychelles Black Mud Turtle, both listed on the IUCN Red List. The EIA emphasised the need to prioritise these species and protect their habitat, yet Dr. Ebrahim’s findings indicate that the resort's operations disregarded these recommendations, leading to the likely decimation of a significant portion of this turtle population, effectively eroding half of Mahé’s genetic pool for this species.
Additionally, the beachfront development has disrupted the nesting grounds of Hawksbill turtles. New structures and lap pools have introduced noise and light pollution, which deter turtles from nesting, further endangering these vital species.
Coastal Violations
The EIA recommended stringent coastal setbacks to safeguard the beach and surrounding vegetation, advocating for a buffer zone of up to 30 meters from the high-water mark to protect turtle nesting areas and support vegetation densification. However, in reality, this setback has been reduced to a mere 5–10 meters, with new terraces and pools encroaching upon critical ecosystems.
Dr. Ebrahim’s measurements, taken on July 30, 2023, reveal that even at low tide, the development violates the sanctioned buffer zone, leaving little to no access corridor. During high tides, especially those reaching 2 meters or more, as is common in Seychelles - public access to the beach becomes nearly impossible. This encroachment, documented with drone images, highlights a stark contrast between the current landscape and pre-development conditions, emphasising potential non-compliance with Government Policy and Regulatory standards.
Furthermore, while the EIA called for 4–14 meters of additional vegetation along the coastal belt to enhance turtle nesting habitats, Dr. Ebrahim’s observations show that vegetation density has actually diminished in several areas. This reduction in natural cover compromises the essential buffer that the EIA initially recommended, underscoring a significant departure from the original environmental commitments of the project.
The Impact of Artificial Light Pollution
Dr. Mortimer’s report details how artificial light pollution from the resort disrupts the natural behaviour of both nesting and hatchling turtles. Despite international standards for turtle-friendly lighting, such as those mandated in Australia and Florida, Cheval Blanc’s development lacks these critical accommodations. Mortimer notes that excessive artificial lighting disorients turtles, leading hatchlings away from the ocean and resulting in high mortality rates.
Conclusion
The Cheval Blanc Hill View Resort development exemplifies a profound disregard for local environmental laws and the recommendations in the EIA. Despite efforts to promote the project as environmentally sustainable, the destruction of wetlands, biodiversity loss, and non-compliance with coastal protection policies tell a different story.
Call to Action
While significant damage has already occurred, it is clear that Seychelles’ current development practices fall short of the commitment to sustainability often portrayed internationally. Increased transparency, accountability, and consistent oversight are crucial to aligning these practices with the environmental values we promote. Restoration and continuous environmental monitoring are necessary to ensure that Seychelles’ natural heritage is not lost to unchecked development.
To bring our practices closer to these ideals, there must be a shift toward prioritising environmental integrity over short-term gain. Initiatives to fund conservation areas could help mitigate some of the harm, preserving habitats for species affected by recent developments. Seychelles’ exceptional natural resources; its coastlines, wetlands, and biodiversity are invaluable assets deserving genuine and sustained protection, not just promises on paper.
With a heavy heart,
Lucie Harter
*Link to download Dr. Ameer Ebrahim's environmental reports here : https://app.box.com/s/k77k449hkqnhl8yk8k89ua42r3wxrprk
*Link to download Jeanne Mortimer's reports here :
*Link to the SBC documentary "Gran Reportaz Lanmar Takamaka - Devlopman o depan lanvironnman" here: https://youtu.be/sx6qRBy0uko?si=RjUrDsiEXz7OP8Nt
A response from someone who wishes to remain anonymous : In addition to the declines in biodiversity mentioned, this development has destroyed one of the last significant habitats for wetland birds especially Yellow Bittern and Black-crowned Night Heron, both of which already had very small populations. It's a mess!