Preserving endangered ecosystems – Aldabra Atoll, the 11th site supported by Jaeger-LeCoultre
Aldabra Island is an atoll that lies to the north of the Mozambique Channel. Aldabra, a word of Arabic origin, means “the green one”. The atoll was probably given this name because of the emerald reflections on the surface of the water in the lagoon. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1982, the island is the least disturbed of the large islands in the Indian Ocean.
The Aldabra Atoll is inhabited by around 150,000 giant tortoises that feed on grasses and shrubbery native to the atoll. The island’s isolation has allowed the evolution of a distinct fauna and flora. Most of the aquatic species in the Indian Ocean are found in Aldabra. Kingfish and manta rays are found in abundance, as well as reef fish. The marine fauna inhabiting the coral reef is particularly rich and varied. The presence of numerous varieties of coral and sponges support the proliferation of microorganisms that feed almost 200 species of tropical fish: butterfly fish, angel fish, etc.
Whenever you wish, click here to explore the marine sites supported within the “Tides of Time” partnership and read the IHT articles.
Through its global “Making Time More Beautiful” project, Jaeger-LeCoultre is committed to supporting various local and international causes linked to sustainable development. With this in mind, Jaeger-LeCoultre has entered into a three-year partnership with the UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and with the International Herald Tribune in order to provide support for various endangered sites.
The first year of the partnership has seen the implementation of some ambitious projects: eight sites have already been supported and public awareness has been heightened with regard to the threats facing these regions.
This first year also witnessed the birth of the Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm "Tides of Time" watch, of which the “Number 1” prototype was auctioned for the sum of £13,540. All proceeds from this sale were donated to the Tubbataha marine park, which has been inscribed on the World Heritage List since 1993. This donation will serve to renew the site’s radar system which monitors the comings and goings of ships in the waters of the park.
