EU Funded Environmental Information Projects
The BIOT Administration received funding from the EU BEST initiative for several environmental information projects in the Territory, which are aimed at raising awareness on protecting species and habitats in BIOT. These projects included information boards, located at key sites on Diego Garcia, as well as environmental brochures and an educational film. Further details are below.
BEST is a voluntary scheme for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in EU Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories.
The BEST initiative seeks to promote the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of ecosystem services including ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation in the EU outermost regions and overseas countries and territories. Further information can be found about the initiative on the European Commission environment website.
Diego Garcia Southern Restoration Site
The southern restoration site is an area on Diego Garcia where native trees are being restored to the area and the coconut palms, that have taken over and prevent any other kind of tree from growing, are being removed.
To go with this restoration work, a forest trail has also been built. This takes people through the forest and past information boards that tell them more about the environment, flora and fauna that they see.
These are a few of the information boards created through this project. If you’d like to see higher resolution versions of all the signs, please have a look at our Terrestrial Protected Areas pages.
Snorkel Trail
The snorkel trail is located on Diego Garcia and information boards give further details about the types of wildlife that can be encountered both in the water and on the shore. They also tell how people can help protect and conserve this environment.
These are a few examples of the information boards created through this project. If you’d like to see higher resolution versions of all the signs, please have a look at our Marine Protected Area pages.
Transiting Vessels and Invasive Species
We have also produced a leaflet for vessels transiting the Territory’s waters about invasive species. This leaflet warns of the devastating impacts that bringing invasive and non-native species into the Territory can have. It outlines what preventative measures people can take do avoid doing this and thus preserve BIOT’s rich environment.
Educational Film and Brochure
A new film and brochure depicting the natural treasures of BIOT aimed at those working in or transiting through the British Indian Ocean Territory is also available. It shows how those in the Territory can help protect and preserve the environment.
<https://youtu.be/bPgbBARMW6c>
