This wasn’t a holiday in paradise. It was filled with early mornings, turtle tracks, and a deep understanding of what conservation truly means.
I spent three months on Cousin Island as a volunteer and Master’s thesis student in Marine Sciences, and it became one of the most intense and meaningful experiences of my life. During my first month, my days were filled with sunrise fieldwork, interviews with visitors for my thesis, and hands-on work with seabirds. Through guided tours, I explored visitors’ experiences and satisfaction, gaining valuable insights into how conservation and sustainable tourism come together on the island.
As time went on, turtle season finally began – exactly what I had been waiting for! From turtle patrols to egg translocations and nest excavations, every day became more dynamic and challenging while remaining deeply connected to nature and conservation.
Alongside this fieldwork, I continued interviewing tourists and key stakeholders involved in the management of the island. This helped me understand conservation from a broader perspective – not only as the protection of species and habitats, but also as a balance between people, tourism, and fragile ecosystems.
Living on Cousin Island meant shared accommodation, limited electricity, and a daily routine entirely shaped by nature. It wasn’t always easy, but these challenges became an essential part of the experience and its lessons.
Experiences like this shape both professional paths and personal perspectives, helping people truly understand nature and learn how to care for it. I am endlessly grateful to Nature Seychelles, the wardens, Chris, and Cousin Island for the lessons, challenges, and inspiration that shaped this journey – and hopefully, many more to come.
Federica Fioretti