The United Nations has declared this the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) and CCT fully supports this initiative through Healthy Islands, Healthy Reefs, our flagship programme to rewild 30 ecologically degraded islands of the outer atolls of the Chagos Archipelago.

“The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. It can help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent a mass extinction. It will only succeed if everyone plays a part.” 

This important decade will end with the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, which is the timeline scientists have reported as our last chance to prevent catastrophic climate change.

Healthy Islands, Healthy Reefs will give the corals of the Chagos Archipelago the best chance to recovery from significant ocean warming events that have happened previously and build resilience to any future events. The rewilding of 30 degraded islands, by removing invasive rats and managing abandoned coconut plantations, will triple the land available for biodiversity to reclaim. Seabirds will return and native plants will regrow creating a balanced and well-functioning ecosystem on the islands and reefs.

“Against a backdrop of environmental crisis, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a chance to revive the natural world that supports us all. A decade may sound like a long time. But it is these next ten years that scientists say will count most in the fight to avert climate change and the loss of millions of species.”

Check out the ten actions in the strategy of the UN Decade that can build a #GenerationRestoration.

What can you do? Support CCT in its endeavour to rewild the Chagos Archipealgo. This is an opportunity for you to support the largest rewilding operation ever to be attempted on tropical islands. Together, with your support, we will secure the future of the Chagos Archipelago. We’re looking for donors and investors to make this vision a reality and secure the future of this unique and spectacular ecosystem.

If you would like to discuss how you can get involved please contact CCT Director, Helen Pitman, helen.pitman@chagos-trust.org.