|
Organizations present on the island:
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA):
The EPA is a branch of Yemen’s Ministry of Water and Environment (MOWE) and has been present on the island since 1996. Along with the Socotra Conservation and Development Program (SCDP), it monitors the state of Socotra’s environment and wildlife and regulates the ongoing process of development. In this it follows the guidelines set down by the Zoning Plan/Presidential Decree no. 275 of 2000.
Socotra Conservation and Development Program (SCDP):
The SCDP is a UNDP, Government of Italy sponsored program currently responsible for the monitoring and regulation of the islands’ conservation and development. Along with the EPA, it has established the protected areas of Homhil, Dhi Hamri, Detwah and Skand, and through its web of extension officers, is in constant contact with the island’s communities. The current phase of the SCDP was completed at the end of 2007.
The Socotra Conservation Fund (SCF):
SCF is an NGO registered in Yemen and the UK on a project by project basis. The SCF was incorporated in the UK in 2002 and formally registered as an NGO in Yemen in 2003. It is currently administrated by the staff of EPA/SCDP, but will soon be independent.
The Socotra Ecotourism Society (SES):
SES is an NGO founded to promote responsible and sustainable tourism on Socotra. It is currently staffed in part by EPA/SCDP employees, but will soon be independent.
The Socotra Women’s Development Association (SWDA):
Founded and initially funded by SCF, the women’s association sells a wide variety of locally made handicrafts and offers opportunities for female tourists to meet with local Socotri women in a relaxed environment.
Socotra’s Culture and Heritage Association:
Founded by local poets and intellectuals, the Culture and Heritage Association aims to document traditional Socotri practices (including poetry, games, ceremonies etc.) and then help preserve the knowledge of these vital elements of Socotri culture.
The Protected Areas Associations:
Both Homhil and Dhi Hamri – two of the current four protected areas – have associations that coordinate local development and conservation efforts and function as important intermediaries between the local populations and SCDP/EPA.
The Local Council:
Composed of 18 elected members and an appointed president, the local council represents the Yemeni’s governments attempt to implement a nationwide policy of decentralization. Together with the EPA/SCDP, the local council coordinates and implements development efforts on the island and coordinates the work of the various ministries on Socotra.
Socotra English language School:
The Triangle :
| 
