Written question asked by Michael Meacher (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 October 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 14 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What opportunities exist under the provisions of the Darwin initiative for British-based taxonomists and entomologists to study the inventory of known species and to explore the development of inventory taxonomy of species thought likely to exist but not yet identified at research institutes and universities in the United Kingdom.

Answer: Mr. Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what opportunities exist under the provisions of the Darwin initiative for British-based taxonomists and entomologists to study the inventory of known species and to explore the development of inventory taxonomy of species thought likely to exist but not yet identified at research institutes and universities in the United Kingdom. [40483] Mr. Clappison: The Darwin initiative is designed to bring British expertise to bear on the biodiversity needs of developing countries, and the Department has just invited applications for the next round of funding. Taxonomic work is one of the main areas funded under the initiative. The only work on British collections is that carried out in the course of training developing country scientists.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 40483; 282 c824-5W;282 c822W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Biodiversity Finance Insects Nature conservation Research Systematic biology Darwin initiative