11 UNIQUE THINGS & PEOPLE FOUND ONLY IN BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom located in the Indian Ocean. Here are some of BIOT's unique features:
1. Disputed Sovereignty
The BIOT region is the subject of a sovereignty dispute with Mauritius. Mauritius claims this area as part of its territory and has pursued an international legal case to regain control of BIOT.
2. Strategic Military Bases
Diego Garcia Island, located in BIOT, is home to a large military base used by the United States Air Force and the Royal Navy. This base has an important strategic role in international military and security operations.
3. Diego Garcia Island
This island is one of the largest islands in the BIOT region and is an important center for military bases. This island has beautiful beaches and is an important habitat for various marine species.
4. Marine Environmental Protection
The BIOT marine area is declared a large marine protection zone. This is done to protect the diverse and rich marine ecosystem around this area.
5. Diving and Ecotourism
BIOT waters are an attractive place for divers because of their beautiful coral reefs and marine biodiversity. However, access to these islands is very limited and strictly regulated.
6. Marine Biodiversity
The region is home to a variety of marine species, including whale sharks, sea turtles, tuna and other marine animals. It is an important destination for scientific research and nature protection.
7. Limited Population
Most of the islands in BIOT do not have a permanent population. The civilian population was evacuated from the region in the 1960s and 1970s when a United States military base was built on Diego Garcia.
8. Language and Culture
English is the official language of the region, but there is no unique culture in BIOT due to the lack of a permanent population.
9. Remote Borders
BIOT is a very remote region and is located quite far from the UK mainland. Travel to this region involves long-haul flights.
10. Small Islands
This region consists of a number of small islands and atolls scattered in the Indian Ocean.
11. Environmental Protection
BIOT has committed to protecting its marine environment and participates in international programs to safeguard important marine ecosystems.
The uniqueness of BIOT includes a combination of military, environmental and political aspects that impact the management and status of this region in the context of the modern world.