The Darwin Initiative

Dear Darwin Family

I am writing to you in my capacity as Chairman of the Darwin Advisory Committee to update you on the next round of the Darwin Initiative. I am extremely pleased to be able to inform you that Round 16 of the Darwin Initiative will be opened imminently. An e-mail to all Darwin project leaders will be sent shortly and a formal press release from Defra will be issued notifying you that the new round has opened. This will also be advertised on the Darwin website http://darwin.defra.gov.uk/.

Round 16 of the Darwin Initiative will also mark the exciting expansion of the Darwin Initiative. To date, Darwin Initiative projects have focussed on the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This will now be extended to include the objectives of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) as well as the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Projects will also be asked to adopt, where it is relevant and applicable, an ecosystem-based approach to conservation. We see this as an extension of the previous strengths, and it involves building on, rather than abandoning, successful approaches of previous projects. In addition, the Darwin Initiative will particularly welcome projects relating to the UK's Overseas Territories.

In order that we may better serve the conservation community, revised guidance, application forms and a timetable have also been developed. Along with the new Darwin website, we are hoping that these will help to improve the Darwin Initiative and make it easier for applicants to apply for funding.

A thorough audit of the Darwin Initiative finances has now been carried out and new processes and arrangements have now been put in place with the aim of further improving the management and transparency of the Darwin Initiative.

I look forward to seeing all your applications forms in due course. An exciting part of my role within the Darwin initiative is seeing so many high-quality applications on such diverse topics, and thus having a finger on the pulse of the enormous enthusiasm and high calibre of professionalism that characterises the Darwin Family. I am sure that this new round will continue the record of ever-increasing standards and greater contributions to biodiversity conservation at the cutting edge of international efforts in this sphere.

Yours sincerely

David Macdonald

Chairman.

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