Aldabra Atoll (1982)
Seychelles

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The atoll is comprised of four large coral islands which enclose a shallow lagoon; the group of islands is itself surrounded by a coral reef. Due to difficulties of access and the atoll's isolation, Aldabra has been protected from human influence and thus retains some 152,000 giant tortoises, the world's largest population of this reptile. 

• Zil Elwagne Sesel (Seychelles) 1982. Aldabra Atoll designated World Heritage. 
  • 40c. Birds flying over Island. 
  • 2.75 R. Map of Aldabra Atoll. 
  • 7R. Giant Tortoises. 

Zil Elwannyen Sesel comprises the islands of Aldabra, Farquhar, and Des Roches, which were formerly part of the British Indian Ocean Territory [BIOT]. The islands have issued their own postage stamps since 1980, inscribed as indicated below with different spellings. 

1. 1980-1982 stamps were inscribed Zil Eloigne Sesel, 
2. 1982-1984 stamps were inscribed Zil Elwagne Sesel, 
3. and 1985 - date Zil Elwannyen Sesel. 

The islands were attached to the British colony of Mauritius from 1810 to 1903, when they became a separate colony. Seychelles achieved internal self-government in October 1975, and independence on June 29. 1976. 

Sources and links: 

• Stamp Domain - Seychelles Resource Page 
• Natural site datasheet from WCMC
• Seychelles Tourist Office

Other World Heritage Sites in the Seychelles (on this site). Please refer to the UNESCO-listing, Seychelles Section, for further information on the individual properties. 

• Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve