Tashi R Ghale/GPN Nepal Snow Leopard Family

photo courtesy of Tashi R. Ghale/GPN Nepal

 

Darwin Initiative – 52 new projects to receive £10.6 million  

On International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22, 2018, the UK Government has announced the latest round of successful funding bids from the Darwin Initiative to deliver on flagship committments set out in the 25-Year Environment Plan. Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, awarded a total package of £10.6 million to 52 projects over the next three years from across the globe that will support and enhance biodiversity. Since 1992, Darwin Initiative has funded 1,055 projects from 159 countries, with a value of £140m.

 

Environment Secretary, Michael Gove

According to Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, “International Day for Biological Diversity offers an important moment for us all to consider how we can help the natural environment thrive on our planet. Through the Darwin Initiative, we are driving change to protect and enhance international biodiversity. Our 25-Year Environment Plan has set the priorities for funding and demonstrates the UK’s global leadership.”

 

Darwin Initiative

The Darwin Initiative is a grant scheme that helps to protect biodiversity and the natural environment around the globe. Many of the applications reflect the UK Government’s 25-Year Environment Plan commitments to protect the marine environment, to secure the benefits of biodiversity for the poorest communities, and to help prevent the extinction of species. The fund is administered by the Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs and uses the UK Government’s Official Development Assistance.

 

Snow Leopard Conservancy

As a project receiving funding, the Snow Leopard Conservancy has been given support for sustaining snow leopard conservation through strengthened local institutions and enterprises.

 

Director of the Snow Leopard Conservancy, Dr. Rodney Jackson

Director of the Snow Leopard Conservancy, Dr. Rodney Jackson said, “Nepal is adopting the new Federal Constitution aimed at devolving more powers to the local municipality level, thereby giving local communities a greater role in biodiversity conservation. The Darwin Inititavie support comes at the perfect time, enabling the Snow Leopard Conservancy and partners to greatly expand important grassroots, community-driven actions benefitting the snow leopards, known by some as the Ghost of the Mountains, in two of Nepal’s most important mountain protected areas.”

 

A full list of projects, including a number of small schemes, to be supported by the Darwin Initiative is available on gov.uk.

 

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