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Written question asked by Toby Perkins (Labour) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Darwin Plus

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what projects have been funded and for what amount since 1 January 2024 under a) the Darwin Plus Local, b) Darwin Plus Main and c) Darwin Plus Strategic funding schemes.

Answer

Since 1 January 2024, the Darwin Plus programme had awarded nearly 130 projects of benefit to the UK Overseas Territories with a lifetime value of over £20 million across its four funding schemes. The full details of funded Darwin Plus projects can be found on the programme website at www.darwinplus.org.uk.

Darwin Plus funding scheme

Number of projects awarded since 1 January 2024

Lifetime value of projects

Darwin Plus Main

24

£9,942,990

Darwin Plus Local

94

£4,002,814

Darwin Plus Strategic

2

£5,564,500

Darwin Plus People & Skills (previously named “Darwin Plus Fellowships”)

8

£602,180

Total

128

£20,112,484

At the Joint Ministerial Council in November, the UK Government reaffirmed its joint ambition with the UK Overseas Territories to protect their ecosystems and address the climate and nature crises. The new UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy marks a new era of collaboration and communication between the UK and Territory governments, united for nature.

Defra has now confirmed internal business planning allocations to its programmes leading to March 2029. The Darwin Plus programme’s plan for spending its allocation is currently progressing through Defra’s internal assurance processes before it is approved. This plan includes spending both for projects and to support the implementation of the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy and reflects the reduction in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget as a result of the necessary increase in defence spending last year.

Applications for Darwin Plus Local Round 6 are currently being reviewed internally and applicants will be kept informed of developments. No date has yet been confirmed for the next funding round of Darwin Plus. Defra will provide an update in due course, and information will be published on the Darwin Plus website once future rounds are scheduled to open.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
124529
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Darwin Plus
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk