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ARCHIVE: Biodiversity action internationally

The loss of biodiversity is a global issue, with all countries needing to be part of the solution. This page shows key strategies at the international level relating to the protection of biodiversity.

On this page:

United Kingdom Overseas Territory Strategy

Biodiversity in the UK Overseas Territories (OTs) is globally significant. The OTs support unique ecosystems and a large number of rare and threatened species. Effective conservation of biodiversity in the OTs is essential if the UK is to meet the 2010 Biodiversity Target as well as commitments under other relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).

Together with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Defra has agreed a Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in the UK Overseas Territories. The Strategy aims to address the needs of the Overseas Territories (OTs), and has been built upon an assessment of priorities for biodiversity conservation action carried out by the JNCC. 

For more information please see the Overseas Territory Strategy document.

Overseas Territories – additional funding in International Year of Biodiversity

Under the umbrella of International Year of Biodiversity, Defra is delighted to announce funding of £250,000, dedicated to biodiversity projects in the UK Overseas Territories. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) is administering this funding on behalf of Defra. More information on this fund and its projects can be viewed on the JNCC webpage:

In addition you can find information on the UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, including the Defra funded projects, at:

Halting the Loss of Biodiversity by 2010 - and beyond

In 2001 the EU Heads of State agreed "to halt the decline of biodiversity by 2010". The was followed up in 2006 by a communication for the Commission called "Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 - and beyond". It details the progress so far based on both the EC biodiversity strategy and member states action plans, as well as setting new priorities and targets for the future.

A video explaining the importance of biodiversity is also available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=UotgGud9HKQ

EU biodiversity strategy

The EU Biodiversity Strategy is a framework designed to complement the member states' existing strategies. As well as ensuring that these strategies are implemented and they are integrated in relevant future policies. For this reason, it takes a broad-brush approach proposing objectives for work in a number of key policy areas, covered by 4 sectoral Action Plans published by the Commission in March 2001 on Fisheries, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Economic Co-operation and Development. Progress on the implementation of the Action Plans is monitored by a Biodiversity Expert Group chaired by the Commission.

Overseas Territories Biodiversity Group

The official-level Overseas Territories Biodiversity Group (OTBG), comprises of the three Government departments, with JNCC as the acting Secretariat, and the UK Overseas Territories Association, with additional governmental and non-governmental organisations participating where relevant. This official level-group meets broadly biannually.

Page last modified: 23 December 2010
Page published: 23 October 2008