Royal Gazette: UK outlines OT biodiversity strategy
Britain is preparing to discuss with Overseas Territories the next steps in a blueprint designed to conserve, protect and restore biodiversity.
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in partnership with England’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will speak with countries including Bermuda “in early 2026” on implementation, monitoring and reporting of the UK Overseas Territories Strategy, published in November.
A spokeswoman for Defra told The Royal Gazette: “To ensure the strategy remains fit for purpose, the UK Government will chair an annual round table with territory environment ministers as part of a three-year review phase.
“Using this forum to understand and maximise impact, the UK Government and governments and administrations of the territories will agree updates to the strategy to ensure its goals and actions remain fit for the future.
“Implementation will be measured in such a way that minimises administrative burden on the territories.”
Local environmentalists have largely welcomed the development of the strategy but said they would have appreciated being consulted on the issues.
Defra explained that it ran an online call for evidence from December 15, 2022 to March 24, 2023 to gather views globally on the former 2009 UK OT Biodiversity Strategy.
The spokeswoman said an initial questionnaire was circulated to the Bermuda Government in July 2023, seeking thoughts on OT priorities, a former 2009 strategy, and future desires and needs from a new strategy. This was followed up with a number of discussions.
She said: “The Government of Bermuda was subsequently consulted through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Experts from the department inputted to the consultation and sign-off process.
“The Bermuda Government was encouraged to engage local stakeholder representatives in developing its responses and/or priorities.”
A spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works and Environment said in response to questions from the Gazette: “In January and February [2025], two DENR technical officers examined the document and provided their feedback.
“As a result of that feedback, two additional national priorities were added to the document and minor adjustments were made to the information on Bermuda.
“Beyond this, Bermuda had no further involvement in developing the overall strategy.”
The spokesman did not specify which priorities were added.