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Protection for two South Atlantic islands

Defra has announced two islands in the South Atlantic Ocean that will be added to Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Gough Island and Inaccessible Island are home to millions of rare seabirds, a number of which such as the Gough bunting and Inaccessible rail are only found on the islands.

The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. It aims to achieve sustainable development through the conservation and wise use of all wetlands with local, regional and national actions and international cooperation.

Huw Irranca-Davies, Minister for Wildlife said:

"It is great to be able to add Gough Island and Inaccessible Island to the global list of wetlands of international importance. Some of the world's rarest species are found only on these islands, and designation of the islands and surrounding sea under the Ramsar Convention is recognition of their importance".

Problems faced by the environment in overseas territories are similar to those faced by all our wildlife, including the threats of climate change and invasive non-native species. Many of the species on these islands face their own uniquely challenging conservation issues. The islands are already covered by Environmental Charters between the UK Government and the Governments of UK Overseas Territories, and this is a positive message to the international community of the importance of these islands.

Page published: 29 October 2008