Socotra Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and mysterious places in the world.
Unfortunately, this island with extraordinary natural landscapes fell prey to a civil war that, over time, changed its fate a little.
Socotra is an island located in the Indian Ocean, about 340 kilometers off the coast of Yemen, not far from the tip of Somalia, at the mouth of the Gulf of Aden. Technically, it is an archipelago consisting of four islands, Socotra being the largest of them.
The island is known for its biodiversity, which includes many species found nowhere else on our planet.
On this island there are species of animals and plants unique in the world
According to UNESCO, 37% of Socotra’s 825 plant species, 90% of reptile species and 95% of land snail species are found nowhere else in the world.
An example of this is the Dragon Blood Tree, an unusual looking tree that got its name because it releases blood-colored sap.
Some believe that Cain and Abel were born in Socotra after their parents, Adam and Eve, were cast out of the Garden of Eden.
According to local folklore, the Dragon Blood Tree appeared when Cain committed the world’s first murder, against his brother Abel.
However, this idyllic paradise is threatened by man. Socotra was historically part of Yemen, but in recent years has been under the influence of the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE has been accused of planning to turn the island into a “permanent military outpost”.
Critics have also claimed that the UAE is trying to illegally remove protected plants and animals from the island, and the plans are not exactly noble.
After years of complicated political battles, the Southern Transitional Council, backed by the United Arab Emirates, took command of the island in 2020.
Basically, the island of Socotra is stuck in the middle of this conflict.
However, there is still hope. Despite the problems facing Socotra, certain organizations are still fighting for the conservation of the island and its unique species.
