UK’s Darwin Initiative cuts eligibility for 89 countries
The Story
The UK is cutting back its Darwin Initiative fund for global nature protection, removing eligibility for at least 89 countries, according to The Guardian. Conservationists have warned the cuts will put species and habitats in jeopardy and set back global biodiversity efforts. The regions affected include most of Africa, central Asia, and parts of Latin America.
Key Facts
- At least 89 countries will lose eligibility for biodiversity project funding under the Darwin Initiative, according to the Guardian.
- Regions dropped include most of Africa, central Asia, and parts of Latin America; specific countries listed are Argentina, Iran, Sudan, Chad, Mali, Angola, and Armenia.
- The Darwin Initiative began in 1992, announced by Prime Minister John Major at the Rio earth summit.
- Some excluded countries are rapidly emerging economies: China, India, Mexico, and Turkey.
- International development minister Jenny Chapman said the UK would stop supporting G20 countries with aid, but Brazil and Indonesia remain eligible for Darwin funding.
- The overall funding reduction amount is not yet clear; existing funds will not be cut.
- The cuts come one week after the UK hosted an international aid conference celebrating climate and nature spending.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
- How much the overall Darwin Initiative funding will be reduced.
- Whether the UK will act on a report by its spy chiefs that warned of national security risk from ecosystem collapses.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Andrew Terry, ZSL’s Director of Conservation and Policy
- Catherine Weller, director of policy at Fauna & Flora
- Adrian Gahan, Campaign for Nature
- Jenny Chapman, international development minister
- Yvette Cooper, foreign secretary
- John Major, former prime minister (historical mention)
- Defra spokesperson (unnamed)
Sources: The Guardian
