A World Treasure T e atoll is a pristine ecosystem with a


diversity of living creatures. Recently, it was recognized as a place of global importance. T e United Nations Educational, Scientifi c, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the area as a World Heritage Site. T e people of the Seychelles have also


chosen to be watchful caretakers of the seas they inherited from their parents. T ey know that the future of their children and grandchildren is inseparable from the fate of the ocean. Since the 1980s, only a few rangers and


scientists have been allowed to live on the islands. For me, it’s a privilege to be allowed to dive around Aldabra and photograph this unique ecosystem. With my story, I hope to inspire people to want to help protect Aldabra. In my opinion, it’s the Indian Ocean’s most exquisite jewel.


Wordwise


arthropod: an invertebrate that has an external skeleton, segmented body, and jointed appendages or limbs


atoll: a ring-shaped, coral reef that forms an island


corals: marine invertebrates that typically live in colonies


herbivore: an animal that gets its energy from eating plants


lagoon: a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by reefs or barrier islands


This potato grouper is a large predator, but groupers have to be wary because they can make a good meal for a large shark.


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