Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Monday, 28 November 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 November 2022. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Monday, 5 December 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Pitcairn Islands: Biodiversity

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to protect the biodiversity of Henderson Island.

Answer: The FCDO Blue Belt Programme supports the Government of the Pitcairn Islands to manage the large Marine Protected Area, which covers the Territory's waters including Henderson Island. Scientific surveys to Henderson Island have assessed marine litter, coral reefs, and fish and cetacean species. The Conflict Security and Stability Fund has funded a new marine science base on Pitcairn. In addition, the Defra Darwin Plus scheme is funding several projects of benefit to Henderson Island, including one on the feasibility of removing rodents, and one on understanding the importance of the Marine Protected Area for an endangered population of humpback whales.

Secondary information