CCT forms ‘Monitoring and Evaluating Scientific Working Group’ for scientific scrutiny of projects

The Trust's Healthy Islands, Healthy Reefs (HIHR) Working Group has expanded into a Monitoring and Evaluating Scientific Working Group (MESWG). The group not only monitors the progress of our current key rewilding programme, but all the projects CCT takes on, ensuring the Trust is doing everything it needs to from keeping within budget boundaries to on-time reporting.

Chaired by Trustee Dr Nicole Esteban who frequently undertakes scientific work in the archipelago, members include other CCT Scientific Advisors and Trustees: Dr Colin Clubbe, Ken Johnson, Dr John Turner and Dr Bryan Wilson. Plus scientists with expertise and experience of working in the Chagos islands, including recent CCT expedition team member and previous CCT Trustee Rachel Jones from the Zoological Society of London.

MESWG meets quarterly, and met recently (see photo) to discuss the last and upcoming HIHR expeditions and the scientific work that needs to take place before, during, and after the trips - including financial and logistics decisions.

"Having scientific scruntiny and overview of all our projects ensures environmental monitoring is well-planned and completed within the timeframe," Director Sarah Puntan-Galea said. "Apart from helping projects complete successfully, this will also help enhance project outcomes and ensure effective delivery of services so all CCT funds used are done so responsibly."