Conservation Management Plan 2018 – 2023

On 5 – 6 March 2018, the BIOT Administration hosted a workshop in London to begin the process of developing a new Conservation Management Plan for the Territory. The workshop brought together scientists, academics, representatives from non-governmental organisations and experts on conservation management. The aim of the workshop was to identify the major existing and potential threats to the Territory, and establish a strategic approach to combat these pressures. Discussions were also held around future opportunities for conservation management in BIOT, including new technologies and research opportunities. The Management Plan, which will replace the existing Interim Conservation Management Framework, will be published in autumn 2018.

Protecting the incredible biodiversity and ecological integrity of BIOT is of the utmost importance. By utilising BIOT’s advantage of being geographically isolated and the benefits afforded by its no-take Marine Protected Area, the Administration wants to ensure that BIOT retains its status as a reference site for global conservation efforts and an observatory for undisturbed ecosystems.

In developing the Conservation Management Plan, the BIOT Administration is committed to working with all parties with an interest and stake in the environmental protection of BIOT, including the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme, non-governmental organisations and members of the scientific community.