The UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy establishes a joint framework for the United Kingdom Government and the governments and administrations of the Overseas Territories to conserve, protect and restore biodiversity and promote the benefits of nature. It recognises the global significance of the Territories’ terrestrial and marine ecosystems, which contain most species unique to the United Kingdom and extensive protected areas. The Strategy identifies habitat loss, resource exploitation, pollution, invasive non-native species, pests, disease and climate change as interconnected threats affecting ecosystems, food security, livelihoods, infrastructure and nature-dependent economies. The Strategy defines six joint goals: reconnecting people with nature; developing conservation skills and talent; increasing access to funding, partnerships and collaboration; strengthening management and regulatory frameworks; enhancing environmental resilience; and championing the benefits of nature. Proposed measures include environmental education, community participation, professional training, sustainable financing, improved biodiversity legislation and enforcement, stronger biosecurity, monitoring and data sharing, habitat restoration, protected-area management and nature-based solutions. It also supports implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and closer integration of biodiversity into development, tourism, agriculture, fisheries and marine management. Individual chapters set out locally identified priorities for 16 Territories, reflecting their distinct species, habitats, ecosystems and institutional circumstances. These priorities address marine and terrestrial protected areas, coral reefs, wetlands, forests, fisheries, invasive-species control, climate resilience, environmental impact assessment, sustainable resource use and regulatory reform. Implementation will be supported through cooperation with United Kingdom institutions, technical and ministerial working groups, and an annual roundtable of Territory environment ministers during a three-year review phase, allowing governments and administrations to assess progress and update the Strategy’s goals and actions.
Anguila (RU), Bermudas (RU), Islas Caiman (RU), Acrotiri y Dhekelia (RU), Reino Unido de Gran Bretaña e Irlanda del Norte, Gibraltar (RU), Montserrat (RU), Pitcairn (RU), Santa Elena, Ascensión y Tristán de Acuña (RU), Islas Turcas y Caicos (RU), Islas Vírgenes Brit. (RU) · 2025-11-01