In the village of Dar al Salem, low-lying homes are made from coral. On every expedition more plants are discovered, according to Zandri. In fact, since the GEF project began, hundreds of new plants, fish, corals, reptiles, insect and crustacean species have been identified by scientists from all over the world. His team has recruited and trained more than 60 Socotri staff and environmental extension officers throughout the archipelago, teaching them English, environmental survey techniques and computer applications. But life in ecological paradise isn't perfect.
Islanders are very poor.
They need clean water, broader communication networks and better hospital facilities to fight outbreaks of malaria and improve infant mortality rates. Now the trick is to help them grow and adapt to some of the new development pressures. Environmentalists have plenty of support from the Yemen government, says Zandri. The government recently approved a UNDP-GEF Project zoning plan for the archipelago, which sets general guidelines for conservation and sustainable development of the islands. The plan calls for most of the islands and surrounding waters to be designated a national park, with Socotri natives managing natural resources and eco-tourism.