Eipheba Sakhotora – the forgotten diamond of yemen
While searching for stories on Indigenous issues in Yemen I came across this fascinating island – once unheard of it’s, it’s now becoming increasingly popular, you only have to look at the photos to understand why…
Situated approximately 450 km south off the coast of Yemen lies pristine Socotra Island dubbed ‘the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’
Socotra is the ancient source of ambergis, dragon’s blood, frankincense and myrrh as well as being home to 700 rare species of flora and fauna. Over a third of these are found nowhere else on earth.
Inhabited by 40,000 people many of the locals live in caves without running water or electricity. They speak an ancient unwritten language and are self sufficient in all primary needs
Largely isolated by the rest of civilization the unique Socotri culture, language and environment has hardly changed since the middle ages.
But now it’s all under threat.
Technology and tourism are invading and locals are caught between a rock and a hard place, they want to dig themselves out of poverty – but at what cost?
Schools on the island now only teach in Arabic, not Socotri, an airport is now allowing westerners to visit the Island, developers, tour operators, investors, and traders are all showing great interest in the Island
How much longer will the unique landscape survive?
Amanda
