"awarded... through the Darwin Initiative in 2007/08... Darwin projects support people in developing countries to conserve their wealth of natural habitats and ecosystems... at the same time ensuring their livelihoods benefit from the sustainable use of biodiversity. ... Barry Gardiner [Minister for Biodiversity] said:
"The natural environment is our richest resource, by ensuring its conservation with programmes like the Darwin Initiative we are not only securing it for future generations to enjoy; we are also harnessing its power to allow local communities in some of the poorest countries of the world to flourish. "This year we are funding projects that span twenty-two different countries across the globe, including initiatives that encourage sustainable management of forest resources in Brazil by indigenous communities, to improving sustainable fisheries management in Indonesia. "Each project benefits from the wealth of UK knowledge, as our experts work directly with host institutions to develop their skills, with a strong focus on collaboration, community involvement and ownership - to improve lives and livelihoods long term." Funding... divided across a range of new and existing projects and awards including: ... fourteen new projects, each lasting around three years. ... four post project awards: these have been awarded to current projects in order to maximise the results of these projects and strengthen their long term impact and legacy. ... Funding... also go towards a number of fellowships, which support selected individuals from developing countries to gain expertise... in the UK. In addition, a number of scoping awards will be granted to support one off travel costs to host countries in order to develop future project applications in collaboration with partners there. ... The Darwin Initiative (DI)... is funded by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and draws on the wealth of biodiversity expertise in the UK to work with local partners in host countries to protect and enhance their biodiversity. Since its launch in 1992 it has committed over £53 million to over 450 projects in over 100 countries and has helped to provide training to over 35,000 people. The DI seeks to assist countries rich in biodiversity but less rich in resources in meeting their commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity. As well as in developing countries, the DI has also funded projects in the UK Overseas Territories and countries with economies in transition. Darwin projects are wide-ranging from scientific research; through influencing policy; to demonstrating the value of biodiversity and helping communities use it in a sustainable way. ... An increase in funding for the DI to £7M from 2005/06 was announced by the Prime Minister at the WSSD (World Summit on Sustainable Development) in 2002. ... Over 100 UK institutions have been involved in Darwin projects, forming collaborative partnerships with local communities, organisations and governments in host countries. ... Project Leader : Hugh Pritchard Organisation : Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Seed Conservation Department Title : Orchid Seed Stores for Sustainable Use (OSSSU) Country : Ecuador, China" article url : http://www.gnn.gov.uk/content/detail.asp?NewsAreaID=2&ReleaseID=275942+ ************** Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
