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Zed543210 t1_jc5tuor wrote

Socotra Island is a UAE Island now. They blatantly stole it among other territories in their war against Yemen with the Saudis and US. It doesn't look like they ever plan on returning it as apparently they are building a military base there. We don't know how much of the environment is being destroyed in the process as they limit access to the island to see what's going on.

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sebikern_photography OP t1_jc5v5ci wrote

I agree, Socotra now belongs to the UAE, they are really pushing the tourism as of lately. I also drove past the military base, it's really small, a few houses next to the beach in a deserted area. The biggest harm to the environment are the countless goats on the island but for most people there they are the only food source.

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jadeismybitch t1_jc7hpbz wrote

It’s been a place I’ve wanted to visit since I’m a kid. It’s always been under so much pressure that I’ve had to accept it won’t ever happen :(

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Venture_Rus t1_jc5tton wrote

As for me, it looks more like a giant mushroom than a tree

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InvisibleChest t1_jcg3izz wrote

Fun fact I remember from Socotra is that it's the only place (AFAIK) where Punica Protopunica can currently be found. Which is the ancestor of Punica Granatum (pomegranate tree).

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Noache_pleasethnx t1_jc5sblc wrote

How were you able to get there? Tell us in detail, please!

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sebikern_photography OP t1_jc5vc99 wrote

By plane :) I flew from Abu Dhabi, everything was organised by "Photopills" and "Welcome to Socotra" Together with other photographers we camped for 7 nights :) "Living" on the island felt totally save, there were no guns around and all the Socotri were really helpfull and welcoming.

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Noache_pleasethnx t1_jcbpee6 wrote

That is so incredible... I'm so jealous! A few years back, I randomly stumbled upon the island of Socotra when I was just bored and browsing Google Maps (I like to zoom way out, then zoom back in on a completely different part of the world). I was instantly enchanted by all the natural beauty that is completely different than the flora and fauna here in Northern California. Anyway, thank you very much for sharing!!!

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