In Seychelles, nature is prized above mass tourism

Seychelles is confronting a tug-of-war over how to keep the economy growing, while protecting its fragile ecosystem. [AFP / Yasuyoshi CHIBA]

In a shady patch along a pristine white beach on Mahe Island, a radio spits out reggae and snapper sizzles on the barbecue, as Seychelloise Nareen tops up her rum and coke on time off from her job aboard a luxury yacht.

Her family is spending the weekend at the beach where a couple dipping their feet into the turquoise waters off in the distance are the only foreign tourists in sight.