Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 27
27
Accepted
UK Government funding for Overseas Territories marine conservation is critical for global protection and local empowerment.
Conclusion
The UK Government’s funding for programmes that enable local communities in Overseas Territories (OTs) to deliver marine conservation initiatives is critical for global marine protection, given the vast marine areas that are part of the UK’s OTs, and for empowering local communities. It is vital for the UK Government to demonstrate international leadership in marine protection to reinforce the UK’s commitment to sustainable marine governance globally. (Conclusion, Paragraph 97)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees, confirming its continued support for UK Overseas Territories through programmes like Darwin Plus and the Blue Belt Programme, which received increased funding for 2025/26, demonstrating its commitment to marine protection and leadership.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Defra has continued its support for the UK Overseas Territories through Darwin Plus. This includes bringing the new biodiversity strategy to publication thereby improving the reach and effectiveness of not just the programme but wider efforts to improve and protect biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience across the Overseas Territories. Since its inception in 2012, Darwin Plus has invested more than £56 million in over 340 environmental projects benefiting the marine and terrestrial environments across the Overseas Territories. Each project addresses at least one of the four programme themes: • Biodiversity: improving and conserving biodiversity, and slowing or reversing biodiversity loss and degradation; • Climate change: responding to, mitigating and adapting to climate change and its effects on the natural environment and local communities; • Environmental quality: improving the condition and protection of the natural environment; • Capability and capacity building: enhancing the capacity within the Overseas Territories to support the environment in the short- and long-term. Currently, Defra is finalising plans to fund successful 2025/26 project proposals. Applicants have been advised to expect updates over the summer. Updates will also be made available on the Darwin Plus website at: www.darwinplus.org.uk. For funding beyond March 2026, Defra has secured a multi-year funding commitment through the most recent Spending Review as part of its funding for nature. The department will continue to engage closely with stakeholders to ensure transparency and to support continuity wherever possible. In addition, the Blue Belt Programme provides support for marine protection and sustainable management to both official development assistance (ODA) and non-ODA eligible Territories. The fact that more Overseas Territories have joined the Programme in recent years is a testament to the success of this partnership. Recognising that the UK Overseas Territories are disproportionately impacted by the nature and climate crisis, for 2025/26 the Blue Belt Programme received an increase in funding (from £8m in 24/25 to £8.5m–£6.5m non-ODA, £2m ODA) to aid the development of the ‘Climate’ pillar of support. The aim of this pillar is to improve adaptive capabilities, climate resilience and prosperity of coastal communities, alongside more sustainable management of marine and coastal resources. The UK Government is clear on its intention to support the UK Overseas Territories via programmes such as the Blue Belt, and to remain a global leader in ocean protection. The Government therefore agrees with this recommendation.