Science
|
|||
|
|
Science |
|
| Homepage | Contact Defra | About Defra | News | Access to information | Links | Search | Site A-Z | |||
|
|||
|
|
| ||
Homepage > Science
UK Focal Point on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit SharingIntroduction | Legal Summary | Access To Resources | Related Links UK Overseas TerritoriesThe 13 UK Overseas Territories (OTs) and the two Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) are listed below.
Any individual or organisation wishing to access genetic resources in one of the Overseas Territories would need to contact the government of the Territory concerned. The contact details, together with some basic information on each Territory, are set out below. ANGUILLAArea: 37sq. miles (96 sq. km) Anguilla is a flat coralline island in the Caribbean, about 16 miles in length, three and a half miles in breadth at is widest point and its area is about 37 sq miles (96 sq km). The island is covered with low scrub and fringed with white coral-sand beaches. The climate is pleasant, with temperatures in the range of 24-30°C throughout the year. Its dry climate and thin soil hamper commercial agricultural development. Most residents are involved in tourism, fishing and subsistence farming, raising such crops as pigeon peas, sweet potatoes, Indian corn, and beans. Governor Contact for access to genetic resources BERMUDAArea: 20sq. miles (53 sq. km) The Bermudas, or Somers Islands, are a cluster of about 100 small islands (about 20 of which are inhabited) situated in the west of the Atlantic Ocean, the nearest point of the mainland being Cape Hatteras in North Carolina, about 570 miles distant. Internal self-government was introduced in 1969. There is a Senate of 11 members and an elected House of Assembly of 40 members. The Governor retains responsibility for external affairs, defence, internal security and the police, although administrative matters for the police service have been delegated to the Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety. Independence from the UK was rejected in a referendum in August 1995. Governor Contact for access to genetic resources THE BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORYArea: 660,000 sq. miles (1,709,340 sq. km) The British Antarctic Territory was designated in 1962 and consists of the areas south of 60°S latitude and bounded by longitudes 20°W and 80°W. The territory includes the South Orkney Islands, the South Shetland Islands, the mountainous Antarctic Peninsula (highest point Mount Jackson: 10,443 ft above sea level) and all adjacent islands, and the land mass extending to the South Pole. The British population consists of scientists and technicians at the British Antarctic Survey stations. The British population peaks at around 250 in the southern hemisphere's summer months with the arrival of field scientists. Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Korea (South), Poland, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, Uruguay and the USA also have scientific stations in the territory. Commissioner Administrator THE BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORYArea: 23 sq. miles (59 sq. km.) The British Indian Ocean Territory was established by an Order in Council in 1965 and included islands formerly administered from Mauritius and the Seychelles. The islands of Farquhar, Desroches and Aldabra became part of the Seychelles when it became independent in 1976; since then the Territory has consisted of the Chagos Archipelago only. The Chagos Archipelago consists of five main groups of islands situated on the Great Chagos Bank and covering some 21,000 sq. miles (54,389 sq. km). The largest and most southerly of the Chagos Islands is Diego García, a sand cay with a land area of about 17 sq. miles approximately 1,100 miles east of Mahé, used as a joint naval support facility by Britain and the USA. The other main island groups of the archipelago, Peros Banhos (29 islands with a total land area of 4 sq. miles) and Salamon (11 islands with a total land area of 2 sq. miles) are uninhabited. The islands have a tropical maritime climate, with average temperatures between 25°C and 29°C in Diego García, and rainfall in the whole archipelago of 90-100 inches a year. Administrator Contact for access to genetic resources BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDSArea: 58 sq. miles (151 sq. km) The Virgin Islands, divided between the UK and the USA, are situated at the
eastern extremity of the Greater Antilles. Those of the group which are British
number 46, of which 11 are inhabited and have a total area of about 58 sq. miles
(151 sq. km). The principal islands are Tortola, the largest (area, 21 sq.
miles), Virgin Gorda (8¼ sq. miles), Anegada (15 sq. miles) and Jost Van Dyke
(3½ sq. miles). Governor Contact for access to genetic resources CAYMAN ISLANDSArea: 102 sq. miles (264 sq. km) The Cayman Islands consist of three islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. About 150 miles south of Cuba, the islands are divided from Jamaica, 180 miles to the south-east, by the Cayman Trench, the deepest part of the Caribbean. The nearest point on the US mainland is Miami to Florida, 450 miles to the north. Cooled by trade winds, the annual average temperature and rainfall are 28.5°C and 50.7 inches respectively. The Constitution provides for a Governor, a Legislative Assembly and an Executive Council, and effectively allows a large measure of self-government. The official members also sit in the Assembly. The Governor has responsibility for the police, civil service, defence and external affairs. The Governor handed over the presidency of the Legislative Assembly to the Speaker in 1991. Governor Contact for access to genetic resources FALKLAND ISLANDSArea: 4,700 sq. miles (12,173 sq. km) The Falkland Islands, the only considerable group in the South Atlantic, lie about 300 miles east of the Straits of Magellan. They consist of East Falkland (area 2,620 sq. miles; 6,759 sq. km), West Falkland (2,090 sq. miles; 5,413 sq. km) and over 700 small islands. Mount Usborne (E.Falkland), the loftiest peak, rises 2,312 feet above sea level. The islands are chiefly moorland. The climate is cool. At Stanley the mean monthly temperature varies between 24°C in January and -5°C in July. Under the 1985 constitution, the Governor is advised by an Executive Council consisting of three elected members of the Legislative Council and two ex-officio members, the Chief executive and the Financial Secretary. The Legislative Council consists of eight elected members and the same two ex-officio members. Governor Contact for access to genetic resources GIBRALTARArea: 2.5 sq. miles (6.5 sq. km) Gibraltar is a rocky promontory which juts southwards from the south-east coast of Spain, with which it is connected by a low isthmus. It is about 20 miles (32 km) from the opposite coast of Africa. The town stands at the foot of the promontory on the west side. The 1969 constitution makes provision for certain domestic matters to devolve to a local government of ministers appointed from among elected members of the House of Assembly. The Governor retains responsibility for external affairs, defence, internal security and financial security, while the local government is responsible for other domestic matters. Gibraltar is part of the EU (with the UK government responsible for enforcing EU directives affecting Gibraltar) but is not a fully-fledged member. Governor Contact for access to genetic resources MONTSERRATArea: 39 sq. miles (102 sq. km) Montserrat is about 11 miles long and seven miles wide. It is volcanic with
several hot springs. About two-thirds of the island is mountainous, the rest
capable of cultivation but volcanic activity has covered two-thirds of the
island with ash and lava, destroying the economy. Governor Contact for access to genetic resources PITCAIRN ISLANDSArea: 2 sq. miles (5 sq. km.) Pitcairn is the chief of a group of islands situated about midway between New Zealand and Panama in the South Pacific Ocean. The island rises in cliffs to a height of 1,100 feet, and access from the sea is possible only at Bounty Bay, a small rocky cove, and then only by surf boats. The other three islands of the group (Henderson, lying 105 miles east-north-east of Pitcairn; Oeno, lying 75 miles, north-west; and Ducie, lying 293 miles east) are all uninhabited. Mean monthly temperatures vary between 19°C in August and 24°C in February, and the average annual rainfall is 80 inches. With an equable climate, the island is very fertile and produces both tropical and sub-tropical trees and crops. Pitcairn became a British settlement under the British Settlement Act 1887 and was administered by the Governor of Fiji from 1952 until 1970, when the administration was transferred to the British High Commission in New Zealand, and the British High Commissioner was appointed Governor. The local Government Ordinance of 1964 provides for a Council of ten members of whom six are elected. Governor Contact for access to genetic resources ST HELENAArea: 47 sq. miles (122 sq. km) St Helena is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, 955 miles south of the Equator, 702 miles south-east of Ascension, 1,140 miles from the nearest point of the African continent, 1,800 miles from the coast of South America and 1,694 miles from Cape Town. It is 10.5 miles long and 6.5 broad. St Helena is of volcanic origin, and consists of numerous rugged mountains, the highest rising to 2,700 feet (820m), interspersed with picturesque ravines. Although within the tropics, the south-east trade winds keep the temperature mild and equable. The government of St Helena is administered by a Governor, with the aid of a Legislative Council, consisting of a Speaker, three ex-officio members (Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary and Attorney-General) and 12 elected members. Five committees of the Legislative Council are responsible for the overseeing of the activities of the five biggest government departments and have in addition a wide range of statutory and administrative functions. The Governor is also assisted by an Executive Council of the three ex-officio members and the chairmen of the Council committees. Governor Contact for access to genetic resources ASCENSION ISLANDArea: 34 sq. miles (88 sq. km) The small island of Ascension lies in the South Altantic some 750 miles north-west of the island of St Helena. It is a rocky peak of purely volcanic origin. The highest point (Green Mountain), some 2,817 ft, is covered with lush vegetation. The island is a breeding area for green turtles and for the sooty tern, or wideawake. Other wildlife includes feral donkeys and cats, nine varieties of sea birds and five of land birds. There is no indigenous population. Ascension Island's residents consist of the employees and families of the organisations, civilian and military, operating on the Island, together with employees of the Ascension Island Government (AIG). The Governor of St Helena is also the Governor of Ascension Island. The two islands are administered separately although the laws of St Helena apply to Ascension, except where otherwise provided by Ascension laws made by the Governor. The Governor is represented on the Island by an Administrator who is advised on an informal basis by a ‘Forum’ of employees, most of whom are St Helenian. In April 2001, the AIG assumed responsibility for Public Services, such as Health and Education, previously provided by Ascension Island Services (AIS). A statutory body (AIWSA), owned by AIG, provides additional services such as maintenance of public infrastructure and disposal of waste. There is a small police force, bank and post office. Administrator Contact for access to genetic resources TRISTAN DA CUNHAArea: 38 sq. miles (988 sq. km) Tristan da Cunha is the chief island of a group of islands in the South Atlantic which lies some 1,260 nautical miles (2,333 km) south-south-west of St Helena. Inaccessible Island lies 20 nautical miles south-west and has an area of 4 sq. miles (10 sq. km), and three Nightingale Islands lie 20 nautical miles south of Tristan da Cunha and have an area of three-quarters of a sq. mile (2 sq. km). Gough Island lies some 230 nautical miles south-south-east of Tristan da Cunha and has an area of 35 sq. miles (91 sq. km). In 1938 Tristan da Cunha and the neighbouring islands of Inaccessible, Nightingale and Gough were made dependencies of St Helena. The Governor of St Helena is also the Governor of Tristan da Cunha. The two islands are administered separately although the laws of St Helena apply to Tristan except where otherwise provided by Tristan laws made by the Governor. There is a resident Administrator at Edinburgh. Under a constitution introduced in 1985, the Administrator is advised by an Island Council of eight elected members, of whom one must be a woman, and three appointed members. There is universal suffrage at 18. Elections are held every three years. Administrator Contact for access to genetic resources SOUTH GEORGIA AND THE SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDSArea: 1,580 sq. miles (4,092 sq. km) The island of South Georgia is situated some 1390 km east-south-east of the Falkland Islands. Its population comprises a marine officer and staff of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) research station at King Edward Point which replaced the military garrison in March 2001. The main focus of BAS research is directed towards the sustainable management and development of South Georgia’s marine resources. BAS also have a research station on Bird Island to the north-west of South Georgia. The present constitution came into effect in 1985 and provides for a Commissioner who, for the time being, is the officer administering the government of the Falkland Islands. In 1993 the British Government decreed an extension of Crown sovereignty and jurisdiction from 12 miles around South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands to 200 miles around each in order to manage and preserve marine stocks. Access to the Territory is closely controlled to protect its environmental integrity. Permission is required from the Commissioner for all visits to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Applications should be made in writing by completing the appropriate form, which is available from the Commissioner. Travel to the Islands should not be undertaken without having first obtained official approval. Completed Visitor Application Forms are to be returned to the Office of the Commissioner no later than 60 days before the intended visit. The territory is of great importance for sub-Antarctic flora and fauna. South Georgia's inshore eco-system has a diverse marine algal flora with over a 100 recorded species. Land-based plant life is limited as a result of the island's isolation and cool summers. The native flora that exists is closely related to that of the Falkland Islands. However, there are no trees or shrubs and there is no development of the dwarf shrub dominated maritime heath prevalent in the Falklands. South Georgia is the breeding ground for some 85% of the world's Southern Fur Seal population, as well as globally significant populations of albatrosses, petrels and penguins. The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) fully recognises the islands' significance for global conservation and has developed a policy framework (set out in Environmental Management Plan for South Georgia, published by the British Antarctic Survey on behalf of GSGSSI) which conserves, manages and protects the islands' rich natural environment, whilst at the same time allowing for human activities and for the generation of revenue which allows this to be achieved The South Sandwich Islands which lie some 756 kms south-east of South Georgia, is a chain of uninhabited, actively volcanic islands about 240 kms long, with a wholly Antarctic climate. Their remoteness and climate provides a maritime eco-system scarcely modified by human activities. Commissioner Contact for access to genetic resources TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDSArea: 166 sq. miles (430 sq. km) The Turks and Caicos Islands are about 50 miles south-east of the Bahamas of which they are geographically in extension. There are over 30 islands, of which eight are inhabited, covering an estimated area of 166 sq. miles (430 sq. km). The principal island and seat of government is Grand Turk. A constitution was introduced in 1988, and amended in 1993, which provides for an Executive Council and a Legislative Council. The Executive Council is presided over by the Governor and comprises the Chief Minister and five elected Ministers, together with the ex-officio Chief Secretary and Attorney-General. Governor Contact for access to genetic resources |
||
|
|
|
| Back to top | Site feedback | Help | Copyright | Email webmaster | Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs |