A CLOSE SHAVE

1960S

Plans for Aldabra to be developed as a British/American military base were revealed

1965

After much controversy, the military base plans were aborted and the stewardship of the atoll was passed to the Royal Society of London, who initiated a long-term research programme

1976

Aldabra was returned to Seychelles and immediately granted the highest level of protection by the Seychelles government

1979

The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) was established as the responsible management authority

1982

Aldabra was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list