New wildlife projects to help world’s poorest communities
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn will today announce grants of more than £8 million for wildlife conservation projects across the developing world.
Defra’s Darwin Initiative, which gives money and UK expertise to help start up and extend wildlife conservation projects in developing countries, will fund 43 projects. Activities will range from the conservation of chameleons in Madagascar to the restoration of habitats in small Pacific islands.
Hilary Benn, who is attending the Governing Council of the United Nations Environmental Programme in Nairobi visited a Darwin Initiative project in Kenya earlier this week. The project has trained local conservationists in film-making to help educate their communities about the importance of biodiversity to their lives and livelihoods.
Hilary Benn said:
“Seeing the commitment of local people in Naivasha to the protection of their biodiversity and of Lake Naivasha was really inspiring.
“I hope the projects we are announcing today will be as successful over the next three years. These projects are vital not just in helping the world’s biodiversity and wildlife, but in also opening up new opportunities for local communities.
“This year’s 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species celebrates the start of modern-day conservation, and today’s announcement will help continue his legacy.”
Further details
Page last modified: 19 February 2009
Page published: 19 February 2009