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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: Biodiversity

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 effectiveness of biodiversity credit schemes in delivering measurable environmental improvements.

Answer

The UK uses Official Development Assistance (ODA) to help establish robust and transparent biodiversity credit schemes that can mobilise private finance while delivering measurable environmental and social outcomes. These outcomes include equitable benefits for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

The UK-funded Vanga Seagrass Project, Kenya, one of a pipeline of projects funded through the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA), is testing how marine biodiversity credits can support measurable gains for biodiversity. These include improved seagrass condition, alongside locally managed marine areas and sustainable fishing. The project is being piloted under the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits, which the UK is supporting to develop high-integrity credit standards.

Effectiveness of UK-funded initiatives is assessed through agreed performance indicators and regular monitoring and reporting on biodiversity and community outcomes. Safeguards are embedded through ODA environmental and social standards, risk assessments, site visits and Annual Reviews. The most recent ORRAA Annual Review is here: GOV.UK.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13425
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Biodiversity Blue Planet Fund
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk