It is managed by Nature Seychelles, a national nonprofit organization and Partner of BirdLife International, by which it has been identified as an Important Bird Area.

[2] A plateau covered with indigenous woodland extends over most of the island, which is almost encircled by a long sandy beach.

[3] A marine reserve, protecting coral reefs, extends 400 m (1,300 ft) into the sea from the shoreline.

[2][4][5] The island's woodland is dominated by Pisonia grandis, Morinda citrifolia and Ochrosia oppositifolia trees.

[2] There are several species of endemic Seychelles lizards on the island, the skinks Mabuya wrightii, M. seychellensis and Pamelascincus gardineri and the geckos Phelsuma astriata and Ailuronyx sechellensis, as well as a freshwater turtle Pelusios subniger and 12 Aldabra giant tortoises.

Year-round breeders include white and bridled terns, white-tailed tropicbirds and some 1000–1,500 pairs of Audubon's shearwaters.

[2] The island is known as a site for good practice in environmental management and has been the focus of many case studies.

The Centre aims to increase awareness of conservation efforts on Cousin and elsewhere through displays, educational programs and work with grass roots groups.