Key projects

Project work is a central part of what we do. Whilst we do not run projects in every UKOT, those that we do are based on need, as specifically requested by the territory’s government and/or non-government bodies, and subject to the resources available or which we can acquire. This close involvement on the ground with some territories ensures that we maintain an understanding of the issues facing the UKOTs and on what is being done to overcome these.

Working directly with our counterparts is one of the most enjoyable aspects.

Delivering biodiversity and human well-being gains for Montserrat’s sustainable development

Starting in April 2023, this project is being delivered by the Montserrat National Trust (MNT) and other partners. It is funded by the UK Government's Darwin Plus. The overall aim of the project is to create a biodiversity and human well-being toolkit for the community, physical planners and developers.

Securing Montserrat’s threatened endemic species and natural capital through community-action

In 2021, we received a Darwin Plus grant for a project in partnership with the Montserrat National Trust (MNT) and other partners. The projects overall aim is to ensure that Montserrat's unique biodiversity is conserved for future generations through the management of a network of sites. The initiative is called "Adopt a Home for Wildlife".

Blue Iguana to Blue Vervain

This collaborative project is lead by the UK Centre for Hydrology & Ecology with partners at the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, The Montserrat National Trust, Meise Botanic Garden, Belgium; Leeds Museum and the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum. Funding is provided under the United Kingdom Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

Championing UK's most special species

This project aims to raise awareness in Britain of the global importance of UKOT & CD wildlife, and reinforce feelings of shared responsibility across UK. Working with our network of some 30 partner organisations across the UKOTs/CDs , we compiled a list of flagship species. These are ones whose conservation benefits other species or the ecosystem itself – and ecosystem services to humans.

Maximising long-term survival prospects of Montserrat’s endemic species and ecosystem-services

In 2016, we received a Darwin Plus grant for a project in partnership with the Montserrat National Trust (MNT), Montserrat Government Department of Environment, Montana State University (MSU) and Treweek Environmental Consultants. The projects overall aim is to ensure that Montserrat's unique biodiversity is conserved for future generations.

Wise water use in the Turks and Caicos Islands

With our partners, the Turks and Caicos National Museum, we were awarded a grant by the Royal Bank of Canada, Blue Water Programme to create a model garden and develop a rainwater-harvesting demonstration area and other associated education materials for the Museum’s Caicos Heritage House site in Providenciales.

Management of Protected Areas to Support Sustainable Economies (MPASSE)

Like many other UKOTs, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Cayman Islands (CI) and the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) are particularly rich in biodiversity. This serves to underpin sustainable livelihoods in these areas for many generations and raise living standards especially through sustainable tourism. This project aimed to both safeguarding and manage these natural assets.