Socotra Island

Source: DD News

Context: The UAE and WHO have jointly launched a two-year humanitarian programme to tackle severe child and maternal malnutrition on Yemen’s Socotra Island.

About Socotra Island:

• What is Socotra Island?

• Socotra is a biodiversity-rich island known as the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean” for its unique flora and fauna. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 due to its high endemism—over 37% of its plant species are found nowhere else.

• Socotra is a biodiversity-rich island known as the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean” for its unique flora and fauna.

• Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 due to its high endemism—over 37% of its plant species are found nowhere else.

• Geography:

• Located in: Approximately 340 km southeast of Yemen, in the Indian Ocean, near the Horn of Africa. Total area: Approximately 3,796 sq. km. The island features coastal plains, a limestone plateau, and the rugged Hagghier Mountains.

• Located in: Approximately 340 km southeast of Yemen, in the Indian Ocean, near the Horn of Africa.

• Total area: Approximately 3,796 sq. km.

• The island features coastal plains, a limestone plateau, and the rugged Hagghier Mountains.

• Political Control:

• Socotra is part of Yemen, currently under complex geopolitical influence involving UAE-backed forces and the Southern Transitional Council (STC). UAE also maintains a military presence, citing humanitarian and security assistance.

• Socotra is part of Yemen, currently under complex geopolitical influence involving UAE-backed forces and the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

• UAE also maintains a military presence, citing humanitarian and security assistance.

• Neighbouring Islands: Socotra Archipelago includes Abd Al-Kuri, Samhah, and Darsa, forming one of the most botanically diverse island groups on Earth.

• Origin of the Name ‘Socotra’: Likely derived from Sanskrit “Dvipa Sukhadhara” meaning “island abode of bliss.”

• Key Features:

• Ecological Diversity: Home to Dragon’s Blood trees, frankincense, myrrh, and endemic aloes. Climate: Semi-desert climate with low annual rainfall. Strong monsoonal winds (June–Sept) historically isolated the island. Economic Activities: Fishing, pearl diving, livestock herding, and small-scale agriculture sustain the population.

• Ecological Diversity: Home to Dragon’s Blood trees, frankincense, myrrh, and endemic aloes.

• Climate: Semi-desert climate with low annual rainfall. Strong monsoonal winds (June–Sept) historically isolated the island.

• Semi-desert climate with low annual rainfall.

• Strong monsoonal winds (June–Sept) historically isolated the island.

• Economic Activities: Fishing, pearl diving, livestock herding, and small-scale agriculture sustain the population.