Conservationists alarmed by drastic cuts to key UK fund for global nature protection
Conservation groups warn slashing Darwin Initiative will put species and habitats in jeopardy, and set back efforts to halt decline in nature
TL;DR
- The Darwin Initiative, a UK fund for global nature protection, is significantly cutting back its support.
- At least 89 countries, including most of Africa, central Asia, and parts of Latin America, will lose eligibility for funding.
- Conservationists warn these cuts will put species and habitats in jeopardy and hinder global efforts to protect nature.
- The initiative, started in 1992, has supported projects like reducing peatland fires in Indonesia and establishing Bhutan's first national botanical garden.
- Some excluded countries are emerging economies like China and India, while others are rapidly developing or middle-income nations.
- This reduction is seen as part of broader cuts to the UK's international aid and climate finance budgets.
- A Defra spokesperson stated the decision focuses funding where biodiversity loss is most acute and can achieve the greatest measurable difference.