The UK will stand among the first countries to contribute to the newly launched Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, Defra has announced.

Previously funded work included providing new software to support rangers in Africa to track and protect animals from poachers, targeted finance towards more effective ocean management strategies in Asia, and helping to safeguard the world’s remaining ancient primary forests.

£10 million of UK funding to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) was announced on 24 August 2023 during the Global Environment Facility assembly in Vancouver, Canada. During the assembly, Nature Minister Trudy Harrison pledged the contribution which will go towards protecting species and ecosystems globally.

(photo: Ian Schneider)

So far, Canada and the U.K. announced initial contributions to start the fund’s capitalization, contributing $146.8 million (CA$200 million) and $12.58 million (£10 million), respectively. Targets include about 20% of funds to support Indigenous and local action to protect and conserve biodiversity and at least 36% of the fund’s resources to support the most vulnerable people, small island developing states, and least developed countries.

The newly launched fund will support the implementation of the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) – agreed by almost 200 countries – which sets out a plan of action to half and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

Nature Minister Trudy Harrison said:

“As we confront the critical challenge of halting and reversing biodiversity loss around the world, working together has never been more important.

Our initial contribution to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund showcases the United Kingdom’s ongoing dedication to protecting our planet’s natural diversity – and through vital international cooperation we are paving the way for a more sustainable future for our planet.

Now that the fund has been launched, it will build on the existing work of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).”

The GEF supports developing countries in tackling major environmental problems and provides funding for environmental projects in 144 Overseas Development Aid eligible countries. It will support implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the fund will be open to all sources of financial contributions.

More than half of global GDP – $44 trillion – is linked to biodiversity and supports the livelihoods of some of the remotest communities on the planet. That is why the UK is already leading the way by delivering its commitment to spend £3 billion of its £11.6 billion International Climate Finance pledge on protecting, restoring and sustainably managing nature.

As leader of the Global Ocean Alliance and Ocean Co-chair of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, the UK continues to champion the ‘30by30’ target, and other ambitious outcomes for the land, ocean and species.