A beach on the Scattered islands. Picture: D.Viola/DICoD

In the Indian Ocean’s Scattered Islands (aka Iles Eparses), a detachment of the French Forces in the southern Indian Ocean (FAZSOI) and a Gendarmerie NCO do not only sustain a French presence, but also contribute to preserving a unique ecosystem.

The Scattered Islands are unique in terms of biodiversity, inasmuch as they are one of the most important egg-laying location for green turtles.

Besides his/her usual duties, the Gendarmerie NCO carries out missions of scientific observation of the marine wildlife, especially the census of turtles, within the scope of an agreement with the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (Ifremer).

Y.B.