His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar warmly welcomes the launch of the new UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy, announced last night at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) closing reception in London.

​The new strategy marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the UK and the Overseas Territories (OTs) regarding environmental protection. HMGoG is pleased to note that the document is the result of extensive consultation and has been "co-created" with the Territories, ensuring that Gibraltar’s specific needs and legislative independence are respected. Gibraltar already boasts robust environmental protection laws, including the Nature Protection Act, and this strategy will serve to give these local goals greater impetus on the global stage.

The Government welcomes the strategy's recognition that “no two Territories share the same needs.” The commitment to ensure that future funding and resources are focused on "what matters most" to local administrations is a positive step. This approach will help ensure that resources are used to deliver locally important gains on the ground in Gibraltar.

With climate extremes becoming the "new normal," the strategy highlights the vital role of nature-based solutions across the Overseas Territories. Gibraltar shares many of the challenges also faced by the Caymanian mangroves and St Helena’s cloud forests, particularly regarding invasive non-native species and the need to enhance environmental resilience against changing weather patterns.

​The Minister for the Environment the Hon Prof John Cortes, who was present at the launch in London and wrote the Foreword to the Strategy as co-Chair of the OT Environment Ministers’ Council, said: “This is a really significant document because all the Overseas Territories have contributed to it, together with officials from DEFRA and the JNCC, and it's a significant milestone in cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Overseas Territories. It provides visions for biodiversity conservation and enhancement, and it's particularly gratifying to me as chair of the Overseas Territories Environment Ministers Council. It really plots the future of biodiversity conservation, which is critically important in this day and age.

​“Gibraltar is home to species found nowhere else in the UK family. This strategy, with its promise of targeted resources and respect for our own strong environmental legislation, will help us protect our unique biodiversity for future generations while strengthening our partnership with the UK and other Territories.”