CCT Statement: Virtual signing of the Chagos Sovereignty Treaty

The Chagos Conservation Trust (CCT) has not been consulted on the environmental aspects of this Treaty, and have serious concerns about the handing over and future of one of the world's largest no-take Marine Protected Areas. 

CCT would encourage an open discussion about the future and conservation of the archipelago, and call on Mauritius to continue the full protection of the islands and the seas around them in the interests of preserving their unique and valuable ecosystems, as well as contributing to global marine protection efforts as agreed by the international community.

Made up of 55 islands, the Chagos Archipelago is home to more than 300 species of coral and 800 types of fish. Many endemic and vulnerable wildlife breed on the five atolls, with 76 species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, from the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle to 175,000 pairs of seabirds. 

This unique and ecologically diverse habitat includes the world's largest atoll, the Great Chagos Bank, 66,000 km2 of shallow reefs, 86 sea mounts, 243 deep sea-knolls and mangroves, which all provide protection to approximately 1.5% of the total global area of near-surface coral reefs. 

In a world threatened by climate change, overfishing, pollution and irresponsible development, the protection of the Chagos Archipelago is more important than ever, and CCT will work towards the continued preservation and conservation of this precious haven.