Why Socotra

Amazing Beach
Stunning nature
Diverse environment

Socotra Archipelago

is universal importance because of its biodiversity with rich distinct flora and fauna more than 825 plants ، 192 bird species 44 of which breed on the islands while 85 are regular migrants species, 90% of its reptile species and 95% of its land snail species do not occur anywhere else in the world .

The site also supports globally . The marine life of Socotra is also amazing and very diverse with 253 species of reef-building corals ، 730 species of coastal fish ، 300 species of crab lobster and shrimp .

Socotra Island is one of the most beautiful destination and a very unique diversity in the world .

825

Plants

95%

Unique Land Snail

300

Crab Lobster and Shrimp

253

Reef-building corals

730

Coastal Fish

192

Birds


Location and distance

Socotra

is located in the indian ocean which has got about 480Km distance from Yemeni coasts. It is isolated because of its position .
There are four islands in Socotra which are as follow : Archipelago socotra ، Abd-alkuri ، Samha and Darsa .

The distance of Archipelago Socotra is approximately 130Km length ، 40kilo meters in width and its amount distance 3600 square kilo meters.
Socotra Archipelago is the biggest largest among the other islands The amount distance of Abd al-kuri island is 133 square kilo meters.
The fishermen visit both the two islands during fishing seasons.


Population and history

People have been living in Socotra for several thousand years and have adapted their lifestyle to the natural environment.
Many environmental features have been shaped by their activities and needs .
In the past, many people lived in the interior region during part of the year and moved to the coasts in the dry season while many of the people those who live in the coastal region move to the interior region after the winter rains .
Currently, the majority of the people live in two large towns which are Hadibouh and Qalansiya .
Socotra has a valuable and unique cultural heritage its own language as well ، so, it is important to protect this heritage and this language

It is likely that people first came to Socotra 4,000 years ago, about 200 generations .
people have come to the island since that time some to stay and some for the purpose of trade.
The island's strategic location on the Indian Ocean means that it was used for a long time as a resting point for ships and their other supply .
Currently an estimated population of about 80,000 live on the island . Most of population live in the northern plain and around it in the major towns of Hadibuh and Qalansiya .
Previously, education was provided mainly by parents ، grandparents or other educated members of the community but now many schools and some universities have been built.

The most people of Socotra island are divided into tribes : each one consists of a number of clans and these groups generally include families of relatives.
These groups own the right to land and water sources and they rule over the use of the land to ensure its survival for the benefit of all members of the tribe .
The people of coastal towns and villages are more diverse .
Many people have come to Socotra from the Yemeni mainland in recent years and most of them live in the main towns.


Socotri cultures ، traditions

The people had to adapt their lifestyle according to the different variables realizing that they could continue to survive only by protecting the natural environment that provided them with food and water .
Most of the island’s inhabitants depend on livestock for milk and meat . Also Fishing in the rich seas surrounding the island provides a source of livelihood for many of the island’s inhabitants ,and most of Plants provide the population with other numbers of materials, including In that shelter ، fuel ، lunch ، medicine and dyes .
Some plant products also became ‏profitable commercial commodities, such as the dragon blood ، trees ، and Socotra cactus juice and Gums.

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Weather and Climate


One of the most important climatic factors in Socotra archipelago is the monsoon winds . The southwest summer monsoon brings hot ، dry and very strong winds starting from June until September.

The northeastern winter or monsoon winds blow from November to January and brings with it most of rain .

The highest Areas can be covered with fog or clouds for a long period of time during the year which gives additional . moisture to plants that grow there


Global significance

Socotra is known in all over the world for its natural and cultural heritage.
It has also been classified as a biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its rich and distinguished flora and fauna .

Globally important can be seen in diverse numbers of sea ، wild birds and for the diversity of marine life.
‏ Socotra is also recognized by the World wildlife Fund (WWF) that is an independent global group which upholds nature as one of the most important areas for the flora and fauna on the planet.

"The United Nations as a World Heritage Site", This gives an official declaration that the island of Socotra is outstanding cultural and natural importance to the common heritage of all people on earth.
This classification important for the entire international community to protect the site.
This international recognition helps to give support to Yemeni government in its efforts to protect Socotra from unsustainable development that may harm both nature and culture
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