Help protect Chagos, one of the greatest marine environments left on Earth
Tuesday 12 January 2010
We have until 12th February to convince the UK Government to save the Chagos Islands, one of the greatest marine environments left on Earth, by creating a protected area larger than the Great Barrier Reef.
© Anne and Charles Sheppard
Why Chagos?
The Chagos archipelago is home to the largest coral atoll in the world, and is the most biodiverse marine ecosystem under UK jurisdiction.
The UK is committed to protecting marine biodiversity, both through its own Marine Access Bill and also through numerous EU and international agreements.
But what is so special about the Chagos Islands and waters? What are the values that deserve recognition and protection?
Creating one of the world’s greatest conservation areas
Located in the centre of the Indian Ocean, the Chagos contain the world’s largest coral atoll and the greatest marine biodiversity in the UK by far.
It also has one of the healthiest reef systems in the cleanest waters in the world, supporting half the total area of good quality reefs in the Indian Ocean.
As a result, the ecosystems of the Chagos have so far proven resilient to climate change and environmental disruptions.
Find out more about Chagos and add your name to our petition
