An ambitious new strategy, published today and coordinated by Defra and facilitated by JNCC, aims to protect globally significant wildlife and ecosystems found across the Overseas Territories
The UK Overseas Territories are home to more than 90% of the UK's unique species – many found nowhere else on Earth - from the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana to the Tristan Albatross which nests only on the islands of Tristan da Cunha. With such a rich and unique natural heritage, the UK Overseas Territories are a beacon for nature on the global stage.
The new UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy, developed jointly by the UK Government and Governments and Administrations of the UK Overseas Territories, represents the most collaborative approach to biodiversity conservation across the UK Overseas Territories to date. JNCC led an extensive consultation with territory governments and administrations, communities, and stakeholders, capturing local knowledge, and priorities central to conservation efforts.
The strategy outlines six key goals:
- Reconnect people with nature – Fostering deeper community engagement with our natural environment
- Develop skills and talent – Building local conservation expertise and career pathways
- Maximise funding opportunities – Securing sustainable investment through partnerships and collaboration
- Strengthen regulatory frameworks – Enhancing policies and legislation to protect biodiversity
- Enhance environmental resilience – Building ecosystem health to withstand climate change
- Champion the benefits of nature – Celebrating and promoting our unique biodiversity globally
JNCC's Chief Executive Dr Gemma Harper OBE said: "The UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy represents a truly inclusive approach to nature conservation and recovery that recognises both the globally significant and locally unique nature found across our Territories. From the pristine coral reefs of the British Virgin Islands to the remarkable penguin colonies of the Falklands, these Territories are home to wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
"This strategy's emphasis on inclusivity ensures that local communities, traditional knowledge, and modern science are central to our nature conservation and recovery efforts. By working together, we can protect these irreplaceable ecosystems that are home to more than 90% of the UK's unique biodiversity, preserving this extraordinary natural heritage for future generations."
Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: “We are blessed with remarkable wildlife in our Overseas Territories from the polar landscapes of British Antarctica to the cloud forests of St Helena – there are thousands of species that cannot be found anywhere else.
“However, this precious biodiversity is under threat from global warming and it is our duty to protect it. For the first time all 14 UK Overseas Territories have signed off this strategy to safeguard these treasured species in these iconic places.”
People and cooperation are at the heart of the strategy. The strategy emphasises the importance of partnerships in addressing global biodiversity challenges. It provides a new adaptive framework for partnership working, building on the success of previous Environmental Charters, whilst addressing challenges including climate change, invasive species, and sustainable development.
JNCC will be working with Defra and the Overseas Territories to support delivery of the high ambitions of this joint biodiversity strategy.
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