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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Thursday, 25 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 2026. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Thursday, 2 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Blue Planet Fund: São Tomé and Príncipe

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Department's press release entitled UK backs communities on the ocean's front line with £13.9 million investment, published on 17 June 2026, what assessment she has made of the contribution of UK-funded programmes to eliminating poverty in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Answer

Through PROBLUE, a World Bank multi-donor trust fund supported by the UK, the World Bank has invested $4.4 million in the Coastal Resilience and Sustainable Tourism Project (WACA+) in São Tomé and Príncipe, unlocking a further $14.4 million in public and private co-funding. The project will run until 2029 and aims to strengthen coastal resilience, sustainable livelihoods and long-term blue economy growth across Small Island Developing States (SIDS).


The project in São Tomé and Príncipe aligns with the World Bank’s mission to end extreme poverty on a liveable planet. PROBLUE’s model supports countries to build sustainable blue economies that create jobs in coastal communities, improve livelihoods and protect ocean ecosystems.

The World Bank oversees the project’s delivery, providing consolidated annual reports and case studies to contributing donors. The impact of the UK’s contribution to PROBLUE is assessed through Annual Reviews which are available on GOV.UK here.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13419
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
São Tomé and Príncipe Blue Planet Fund
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk