Conservationists alarmed by drastic cuts to key UK fund for global nature protection
Summary
The UK government is cutting funding to the Darwin Initiative, a program that supports nature protection projects in many countries. As a result, at least 89 countries, including many in Africa, Central Asia, and parts of Latin America, will no longer qualify for this funding, raising concerns among conservationists about the future of global nature conservation efforts.Key Facts
- The Darwin Initiative is a UK fund started in 1992 to support biodiversity and nature conservation worldwide.
- At least 89 countries will lose eligibility for this funding, including Argentina, Iran, Sudan, Chad, Mali, Angola, and Armenia.
- Most African countries, Central Asia, and parts of Latin America are among the regions losing access to the fund.
- Some middle-income or emerging economies like China, India, Mexico, and Turkey are also excluded due to their changed status.
- Brazil and Indonesia, both G20 countries, remain eligible for funding.
- The cuts come amid UK government decisions to reduce international aid to some countries and overall climate finance budgets.
- Conservationists warn that these cuts may harm efforts to protect wildlife and habitats and undermine global agreements on biodiversity.
- It is unclear how much the total Darwin Initiative funding will be reduced, but existing projects will continue to receive funds for now.
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