The report, compiled by John Howell, former director of the Overseas Development Institute, acknowledges that while previous studies have highlighted the potential environmental risks associated with inhabiting a fragile coral reef ecosystem, they have failed to identify the benefits a settled community could bring to the area. The report proposes the establishment of conservation areas that, with the help of islanders, would not only protect the area’s rich biodiversity, but would also help to attract tourists and develop high-quality ecotourism ventures, providing an income for the returning families.

During the 1960s, more than 1,800 islanders were evicted from the archipelago after a deal was struck between the UK and USA, giving the go-ahead for the establishment of a US military base on Diego Garcia, the territory’s main island. Most islanders were moved to Mauritius, with smaller numbers displaced to the Seychelles and UK.

Last year, the Chagossians won the right to return home in the Court of Appeal. On 30 June, the House of Lords will begin to hear the British government’s appeal.

July 2008