Our initiatives
Discover Socotra is committed to actively organizing and contributing to initiatives that seek to preserve Socotra's abounding, unique and fragile cultural and natural heritage. Such initiatives are approached from a community-based perspective, engaging both local and international stakeholders in efforts of accomplishing concrete and effective results
environmental awareness and education campaign
Discover Socotra contributed to environmental awareness and education efforts by working alongside schools throughout the archipelago to deliver targeted outreach programs. These initiatives introduce students to basic scientific approaches to identifying and appreciating the exceptional biodiversity of Socotra, highlighting the ecological significance of its endemic species and the delicate balance of its unique ecosystems. Simultaneously, the programs emphasized the cultural richness of the island, underscoring the deep connections between Socotra’s natural landscapes and its intangible heritage, such as traditional practices, folklore, and local knowledge systems. Through interactive workshops, field visits, and culturally rooted learning materials, the campaign not only deepened students’ understanding of their natural and cultural heritage but also encouraged a sense of stewardship, equipping the next generation with the knowledge and motivation to protect Socotra’s irreplaceable legacy. Schools in which the project was implemented were: Socotra island - Salah Al Deen Primary School - Hafj Primary School Abd Al Kuri Island - Ali Bin Abi Talib Primary School Samha Island - Muath Bin Jabel Primary School
Frankincense and mangrove forest restoration project
As part of its commitment to ecological restoration, Discover Socotra has contributed to a long-term initiative aimed at rehabilitating two of the island’s most threatened habitats: the Homhill frankincense (Boswellia elongata) forest and the Dehamed mangrove forest. Working in collaboration with local conservation groups and community members, the project established and supported nurseries dedicated to propagating frankincense trees and mangrove seedlings, ensuring a sustainable supply of healthy young plants for reforestation efforts. This approach not only aids in the recovery of these ecologically and culturally significant ecosystems—vital for biodiversity, climate resilience, and traditional livelihoods—but also builds local capacity through training in nursery management, planting techniques, and habitat monitoring. By combining ecological science with community engagement, Discover Socotra has helped lay the groundwork for the long-term preservation and regeneration of these unique Socotri landscapes.
Environmental awareness drawing competitions
Discover Socotra supported environmental awareness drawing competitions at Alzahra Girls High School and the Socotra Institute for English Language and Computer Skills, using art as an engaging medium to inspire dialogue on pressing ecological issues. By encouraging students to creatively express themes such as biodiversity conservation, waste reduction, and habitat protection, the competitions transformed learning into a fun and interactive experience. This approach not only nurtured artistic talent but also deepened participants’ understanding of environmental challenges, fostering a sense of personal connection and responsibility toward Socotra’s unique natural heritage.
Invasive and alien species eradication campaign
Discover Socotra has actively contributed to an island-wide campaign targeting the eradication of invasive plant species that threaten the island’s fragile biodiversity and ecological balance. Working alongside local communities, conservation organizations, and environmental authorities, the initiative focused on identifying, removing, and managing invasive species that outcompete native flora and disrupt critical habitats. Discover Socotra’s involvement included providing logistical support, awareness-raising materials, and training for local volunteers on safe and effective removal techniques. By coupling on-the-ground eradication efforts with educational outreach, the campaign not only addressed immediate ecological threats but also strengthened community capacity to safeguard Socotra’s unique plant diversity for the long term.
Plastic and waste collection campaign
Discover Socotra organized and hosted an island-wide plastic and trash collection campaign, mobilizing communities across Socotra to address the growing problem of waste pollution. The coordinated effort brought together local residents and relevant organisations in a series of clean-up events targeting particularly sensitive coastal and inland habitats. Over the course of the campaign, participants collected multiple hundreds of kilos of discarded plastic and other debris, preventing further harm to human communities, wildlife and sensitive ecosystems. Beyond the immediate environmental impact, the initiative served as a powerful public awareness tool, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and demonstrating the collective power of community action in protecting Socotra’s pristine landscapes.
Protected area ranger and eco-tourism operator training courses
Discover Socotra collaborated with partner organizations and the local Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to deliver comprehensive training programs for protected area rangers, eco-tourism guides, and tour operators, with a focus on promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices. The training covered a range of topics, including minimizing ecological impact, respecting cultural heritage, managing visitor behavior, and implementing conservation-friendly guiding techniques. By equipping participants with both practical skills and a deeper understanding of Socotra’s environmental and cultural sensitivities, the program aimed to ensure that tourism activities contribute positively to the island’s conservation goals. This collaborative effort not only enhanced the professionalism of local tourism services but also strengthened the role of rangers and guides as frontline stewards of Socotra’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
Bird of prey and wetland biodiversity censuses and events
Discover Socotra contributed to vital biodiversity monitoring efforts by supporting censuses of the island’s birds of prey populations and wetland ecosystems, working alongside host communities to gather essential data on species distribution, population health, and habitat conditions. These surveys not only informed conservation strategies but also laid the groundwork for sustained community engagement. Building on the research, Discover Socotra also contributed to organizing events and workshops for local communities to share findings and highlight the ecological importance of these species and habitats, emphasizing their role in maintaining ecosystem balance and supporting traditional livelihoods. By linking scientific monitoring with public outreach, the initiative fostered a deeper appreciation for Socotra’s avian and wetland biodiversity and encouraged community-led stewardship to ensure its long-term protection.
Contact
​WhatsApp:
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+39 391 380 4453
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+967 770 126 974
​Email: ​discoversocotra.info@gmail.com
​Telephone: +967 770 126 974
