Executive Summary

Ile Cocos and Ile aux Sables are located to the west of mainland Rodrigues at about 3.5 km due west of Pointe La Fouche. They are separated by about 1.2km of shallow sea. Ile aux Sables lies to the N-NE of Ile Cocos. Ile Cocos is about 1.4 km long by 175 m wide on roughly in a N-S axis some 850m within the western reefs. The northern tip of the island is situated at S19° 42’ 54” and E 63° 18’ 03”. The islet has an area of about 14.4 ha. is about 800 m long by 100 m wide it lays in a N-S axis some 800m within the western reefs. The northern tip of the island is situated at S19° 41’ 50” and E 63° 18’ 20”, and the southern tip at S 19° 42’ 20” and E 63° 18’ 20”. Both islets are low-lying sand cays with an undulating topography resulting from sand deposition from the windward to leeward side. Other sandbanks are apparent adjacent to and off the southern tip of the Ile aux Sables

The biodiversity value of the remnant native flora of these two islets lies mainly in the association of their landform. Such sandy islet community occurs only on one other islet in the Mascarenes. The fauna biodiversity value arises mainly from its populations of breeding seabirds (four species), and now the small breeding colony Dougall’s Tern (Sterna dougalli) on Ile aux Sables, which is the only one presently within the Mascarenes Islands. Ile Cocos is a breeding site for the Sooty Tern (Sterna fuscata). The centipede Scolopendra morsitans occurs on both islets, Rats are not present on either islet.

It is proposed that both islets remain as Nature Reserves, Cocos being and Open Reserve and Sables Closed. An Integrated Zonal Management (IZM) plan is proposed, for Cocos with zones dedicated to conservation, education and public awareness, and recreation.

The main restoration activities would be to increase the cover of native plant species, being mindful of the main conservation value of the islets in their nesting seabird populations. Given the anticipated increase in visitors to Cocos it is recommended that the facilities and infrastructure be improved. It is proposed that further development of Cocos be implemented through greater community, stakeholder and NGO participation.

A boat-operator licensing system should be investigated as a way to facilitate controlling and monitoring the number of visitors to Cocos.

A Logical Framework is proposed to deliver activities under the following areas:

• Implementation of zoning and maintenance of fence boundaries

• Conservation and restoration.

• Construction of walkways and educational signage.

• Establishment of local community involvement.

• Increase enforcement with respect to Sables.

Click here to access full report >>