The Irresistible Allure of Extended Stays on the Seychelles Island
Experience a transformative getaway in Seychelles with Natucates' North Island sabbatical Immerse yourself in conservation projects, protect endangered wildlife, and make a positive impact while enjoying a unique travel trend Join us in minimizing the environmental footprint of your long-haul flight
CNN Travel's series is sponsored by the country it highlights, but CNN maintains editorial control over the content, ensuring compliance with their policy. Balancing the desire to travel with the environmental impact of flights is a growing concern for travel companies.
The International Energy Agency states that flights contribute to at least 2% of worldwide carbon emissions, with a faster-growing impact compared to road, shipping, and rail. A 2017 EU study found that 85% of programs aimed at offsetting emissions from air travel are ineffective, leading innovative operators to recommend a new approach: taking fewer long-haul trips and spending more time at each destination.
Responsible Travel, a UK-based operator, recommends that travelers adopt this approach. The company screens its vacations to guarantee that they meet high conservation standards and uphold the local cultural heritage.
Tour company Natucate is encouraging travelers to take sabbaticals on North Island in the Seychelles.
Courtesy Natucate
Natucates North Island sabbatical
In the Seychelles, Natucate is pioneering a new approach. Based on North Island, the company offers specialized conservation trips designed for individuals on sabbaticals or those wanting to make the most of their entire vacation time.
Participants have the opportunity to participate in trips ranging from 26 to 52 days, engaging in conservation work to protect native turtle populations and giant tortoises. They will collaborate with local non-government organizations (NGOs) with expertise in conservation education and activities. According to Natucate CEO Daniel Kaul, there is a growing trend of people taking longer trips and reducing the frequency of international flights to support sustainable travel.
10 years ago, Kaul founded Natucate after volunteering in several U.S. National Parks as a university student. Eager to transition into conservation tourism and inspire others to explore nature firsthand, he aimed to share his experiences and knowledge with a wider audience.
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The trend towards longer trips has numerous benefits for all parties involved. According to him, people are opting to stay for extended periods, desiring to make a more significant impact on conservation efforts and gain a deeper understanding of the work being done. This preference for longer stays reflects a shift away from rushed seven-day vacations.
The NGO values their long-term contribution and the skills they learn while working independently. The entire project benefits from their dedication. Additionally, these long trips have a positive long-term impact beyond the Seychelles.
"It's a way to help raise awareness about conservation," explains Kaul. "We've had individuals return from extended breaks and organize fundraising events to support conservation projects. Additionally, we've witnessed people getting involved with local NGOs and considering the impact of wildlife and nature conservation in their own communities. You can make a difference for biodiversity right in your own backyard. This is a result that many of our clients have shared with us."
Visitors can get involved in conservation projects that offer a greater understanding of the region's diversity.
Courtesy Natucate
Turtles, tortoises and trees
Clients of Natucates can engage in extensive conservation efforts and deepen their knowledge of the local biodiversity on North Island, a private island located northwest of the main Seychelles island of Mahé.
"We send individuals to the island for extended periods of eight weeks or more to support the research team and scientists," Kaul explains. "This includes monitoring green turtles, Hawksbill turtles, and conducting daily beach patrols. At times, we need to relocate nests closer to the island to protect them from water damage."
Visitors also help by documenting GPS locations of giant tortoises on the island to ensure their protection and monitor their movements. However, it's not just about the wildlife. Kaul emphasizes that Natucate's work in the Seychelles is also holistic.
Anse Source d'Argent beach, La Digue Island, Seyshelles
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"We want to help endemic vegetation," he says.
That involves removing alien vegetation and planting native trees.
"We planted trees to restore this island's former coconut area." In the water, customers and researchers collaborate to identify and monitor fish and other marine species, prioritizing the health of the ocean.
Visitors can assist research teams and scientists monitoring turtles.
Courtesy Natucate
A growing travel trend
The driving force behind the Natucate project on North Island is the concept of the sabbatical, which is increasingly popular. According to Gusto, a payroll processing company, the number of US employees taking sabbaticals doubled from January 2019 to January 2022, reaching 6%. This trend is attributed to a growing awareness of burnout and the desire to prioritize personal well-being over ambition in the aftermath of the pandemic.
"Absolutely," Kaul affirms when questioned about the increased desire for extended breaks post-Covid.
"We've noticed a significant number of individuals who are yearning for mental peace. They long to immerse themselves in nature, seeking solitude in remote locations. There's a growing desire for purposeful and mindful activities, as well as simply enjoying the beauty of the natural world. Many are seeking a deliberate conservation sabbatical with us, as a means of escaping the demands of everyday life."
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Kaul noted a noticeable shift in the demographic of travelers taking long breaks since the ease in restrictions.
"The demographic of our clients has shifted significantly over the years," he says. "Previously, we mostly saw gap year students or recent high school graduates. Now, the average age of our clients is over 35. Seventy percent are female, many of whom are taking extended sabbaticals."
Kaul shares that one client participated in a 16-month conservation project during their stay. It's evident that a more deliberate and mindful approach to travel is becoming more prevalent on North Island.
Natucate hopes people taking part in conservation trips will often continue to support projects after they go home.
Courtesy Natucate
Big tourism comes on board
Natucate's efforts have clearly played a role in driving change. Kaul is pleased with the progress being made in the tourism sector's approach to engaging with the natural world. He notes a significant trend, with even major tourism companies increasingly focusing on sustainability and conservation. This includes creating guidelines for activities such as swimming with whale sharks and discouraging visitors from participating in elephant activities in Thailand. There is a noticeable shift towards greater awareness and action in this area.
Natucates' initiatives in the Seychelles may indicate a more sustainable approach to travel for everyone. As quick, brief trips lose their appeal in today's world, this deliberate and thoughtful way of traveling appears to be gaining traction for the future.
