SEYCHELLES, Cousin Island - January 2009
Signage and composting toilets for the Cousin Island Special Reserve
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The Seychelles archipelago is composed of 50 coralline and 40 granitic islands in the Indian Ocean, and has a population of 80,000. Cousin Island is a granitic island covering 67 acres. It became the world's first internationally-owned reserve when it was purchased in 1968 by the International Council for the Protection of Birds (now Birdlife International). The objective was to save the last of the Seychelles warblers. The island, formerly a coconut plantation, was afforded further protection in 1974, when it was designated a Special Reserve. It is significant not only for sea birds and endemic land birds, but also as the most important breeding site for Hawksbill turtles in the Western Indian Ocean. Today, Cousin Island is managed by Nature Seychelles. The island attracts some 10,000 visitors per year, as well as catering to local educational groups and residents. To mitigate the effect of staff and visitors to the island, Nature Seychelles is undertaking a project to implement integrated, environmentally-friendly utilities such as clean energy, rainwater harvesting and sewage treatment. Seacology will fund one aspect of this project, eight composting toilets, in addition to funding signage to enhance the experience of visitors to the island. 
UPDATE June 2009 - As of February 2009 all pre-grant materials were returned to Seacology. The project began in March 2009 with site leaders’ discussions of wording for the signage and placement of the facilities. The project leaders estimate that the entire project will be completed by mid-2009. A Seacology delegation will visit the Seychelles in June 2009.
UPDATE December 2009 - As of June 2009 all the signs were printed and posted on Cousin Island. As of September 2009 all 8 toilets were installed on site. The project is now complete.
Indicates full or partial funding by Seacology Japan
