Seychelles island restoration grew sooty tern colony from 20,000 to 700,000

Once threatened by severe ecological decline, Bird Island has transformed into a remarkable conservation achievement. Over decades of exploitation and farming, the island’s environment was heavily damaged. However, when Guy Savy and partners took over in 1967, they began restoration and promoted eco-tourism. This initiative has led to a major recovery in seabird numbers, proving that long-term conservation can revitalize damaged ecosystems.