Conserving Chagos Archipelago
Chagos is an archipelago of 55 tiny islands in the central Indian Ocean containing some of the most vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life and cleanest sea water in the world. Amidst the serious threats to reefs around the globe, Chagos is a rare haven for marine biodiversity.
In response to the action of ZSL and partners, the British Government designated Chagos a no-take marine protected area (MPA) in 2010. It is now world's largest MPA at 640,000 km2, a landmark contribution to marine conservation. ZSL scientists and conservationists continue to work studying and protecting Chagos' biodiversity.
Find out more about the diversity of Chagos and the threats it faces
The World's Largest MPA
Over 275,000 people called on the UK government to establish the Chagos region as a protected area in 2010. This decision was one of the most significant ways the UK could contribute to global conservation.
ZSL was amongst organisations that contributed the vital science and support to make this decision happen.
Find out more about the creation of the Chagos reserve and what it has achieved .
Chagos Gallery
Take a look at some stunning images of the Archipelago in our Chagos 2006 Expedition
and the recent Chagos 2012 Expedition
galleries.
Explore the many coral species that are central to the Chagos ecosystem in our Chagos coral collection gallery .
Open Ocean Monitoring
ZSL are part of a team of scientists using the latest technology to begin developing new ways to monitor pelagic sharks and tuna. Find out how and where
the team are doing this.
Chagos Environment Training Course
Follow the progress of ZSL's new training course recruits and download free access course materials on our new CETC webpage. Check out the trainee's blog here.
Our Work in Chagos
As part of Chagos Conservation Trust's ongoing work, ZSL scientists and conservationists join expeditions to study the reefs. This vital work ensures that the reefs remain healthy, and explores how best to manage the MPA.We also work with Chagossian communities and the Trust provides studentships to educate new coral conservationists.
Chagos Expedition Blog
The latest autumn 2012 Chagos expedition focuses on the open ocean, trialling new technology to understand the status and trends of its top predator populations. Two ZSL staff join a multitude of scientists, telling their story via the new Expedition Blog
(English and Creole)
Chagos Community Environment Project
As part of ZSL’s commitment to global and local conservation capacity building, a multi-phase project to build environmental skills and awareness within the Chagossian community in the UK and overseas has begun. Find out more about the Chagos Community Environment Project
Chagos Fun Day 2012
Check out highlights from ZSL's event for the UK Chagossian community
