About the Darwin Initiative

The Darwin Initiative was announced by the UK Government at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.

The Darwin Initiative assists countries that are rich in biodiversity but poor in financial resources to meet their objectives under one or more of the three major biodiversity Conventions: the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES); and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), through the funding of collaborative projects which draw on UK biodiversity expertise.

The Darwin Advisory Committee (currently chaired by Professor David MacDonald), consisting of experts from government, academic, science and the private sector, advises Ministers on development of the Initiative and makes recommendations on applications for funding.

Darwin projects are diverse. Typically, they may address issues in the following areas:

  • institutional capacity building
  • training
  • research
  • work to implement the Biodiversity Convention
  • environmental education or awareness

Page last modified: Monday, 11 May 2009

£80,583,844 invested in 729 projects in 155 countries since 1992

The Darwin Initiative on Google Earth

Latest tweets

Wed Jan 18 13:03 | Fossils collected by #Darwin discovered in cabinet at HQ of the British Geological Survey http://t.co/GAe0n921
Thu Jan 12 12:00 | Remember - there is a subtle difference in the eligibility requirements this year. Read the guidance materials closely. http://t.co/ltEQ77oI
Thu Jan 12 11:57 | Working in biodiversity and development? 18 days til the deadline for applications to the Scoping, Fellowship and Challenge Fund.
Thu Jan 12 09:20 | The Darwin Initiative @Darwin_Defra assists poor countries that are rich in #biodiversity. Research by @UniofExeter http://t.co/SC0OQuwJ
Fri Jan 06 09:06 | Birdlife new documentary highlights importance of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) for people in Nepal http://t.co/35avTjgN
Wed Jan 04 13:33 | We're looking for articles for the next #Darwin newsletter from all Darwin project past and present. Deadline January 23rd!
Thu Dec 22 15:58 | Merry Christmas from all at the Darwin Initiative. We hope to announce the results of the recent funding call in the New Year.

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