UK Government Dumps Nearly £40 Million into Global Wildlife Protection
The UK government has dropped nearly £40 million into over 80 wildlife projects worldwide, from Ghana to Ecuador. The funding aims to stop illegal wildlife trading, protect threatened species like elephants and pangolins, and fight biodiversity loss.
Wildlife Warriors Funded Across the Globe
- The International Snow Leopard Trust gets support to train rangers in Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Pakistan to combat poaching.
- The Wildlife Conservation Society works to cut demand for pangolin scales used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
- The Zoological Society of London helps humans and elephants coexist peacefully in conflict zones like Thailand.
These efforts are part of the Darwin Initiative and Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, tackling threats to nature and supporting communities living alongside wildlife.
Ministers and Experts Praise New Funding Push
Environment Minister Trudy Harrison says: “These fantastic projects will protect threatened wildlife, boost economies in developing countries, and drive nature recovery.”
“The UK is a global champion in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Through these funds, we’re leading conservation efforts worldwide.”
Dr Charudutt Mishra, International Snow Leopard Trust: “Snow leopards face deadly retaliation and illegal trade. This funding empowers local communities with better livelihoods and conflict management to coexist with these majestic cats.”
“We’re also boosting ranger training and morale across three countries.”
Prof. E.J. Milner-Gulland, Chair of Darwin Expert Committee: “Delighted to see Darwin Initiative back a vast range of innovative projects improving biodiversity and human wellbeing globally.”
“These projects bring fresh ideas and will nurture the next generation of conservationists.”
UK Leads Global Fight Against Illegal Wildlife Trade
The Darwin Initiative alone funds 63 projects with over £31.5 million aimed at conserving nature-rich regions and helping local communities adapt to climate change.
The Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund backs 21 projects with £7.8 million to protect species like elephants and pangolins, striking hard against the £17 billion-a-year illegal wildlife trade. This trade fuels corruption, destroys ecosystems, and ravages livelihoods.
The funding supports delivery on the global nature deal from the UN Nature Summit COP15 — aiming to protect 30% of land and ocean by 2030.
Next Round of Funding Opens May 2023
The government confirms that Round 10 of the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and Round 30 of the Darwin Initiative open for applications in May 2023. Another £40 million will be up for grabs to help stop biodiversity loss and improve animal welfare worldwide.
