Central Indian Ocean Islands bioregion

The bioregion’s land area is provided in units of 1,000 hectares. The protection goal is the combined Global Safety Net (GSN1) areas for the component ecoregions. The protection level indicates the percentage of the GSN goal that is currently protected on a scale of 0-10. N/A means data is not available at this time.

  • 55
    Total Land Area (1000 ha)
  • 1
    Number of Ecoregions
  • 33%
    Protection Target
  • 4
    Protection Level

The Central Indian Ocean Islands bioregion is part of the Indian Subcontinent subrealm within Indomalaya. It contains one ecoregion — Maldives-Lakshadweep-Chagos Archipelago Tropical Moist Forests [1] —totaling approximately 55 thousand hectares of land area and consisting primarily of the marine areas surrounding the Maldives, Lakshadweep, and Chagos -- three volcanic island groups in the Indian Ocean that together form a vast underwater mountain range, the Chagos-Laccadive Plateau. Known mostly for its biodiverse coral reef system, the islands themselves provide critical habitats for seabirds and turtles. 

The Central Indian Ocean Islands bioregion is part of the Indian Subcontinent subrealm and is made up of one ecoregion: Maldives-Lakshadweep-Chagos Archipelago Tropical Moist Forests [1].

One Earth is dedicated to mobilizing philanthropic capital to protect the ecosystems and peoples of ​Indomalaya. Visit the Project Marketplace​ ​to explore projects in this realm that need your support. Learn more about the ​Central Indian Ocean Islands ecoregion below.

Sign up for our Newsletter

We feature fascinating species, inspiring climate heroes, and impactful projects from around the world led by individuals and community organizations who are making the vision of a green, resilient future a reality.

Explore the Global Safety Net

Explore the Global Safety Net

The Global Safety Net (GSN) is the first global-scale analysis of land areas requiring protection to solve the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, upholding and strengthening Indigenous land rights.

Explore The GSN