British colonies wildlife conservation funding, after long neglect

This video is called The Southern Ocean, South Georgia Island Part 1.

And this video is the sequel.

After a long time of governmental neglect of conservation in the British overseas territories, this news; from Wildlife Extra:

New UK government funding for conservation in UK overseas territories

Endangered animals in the UK’s overseas territories such as the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands and South Georgia will receive expert protection thanks to £1.5 million pounds of new government funding it has been announced.

Eleven projects will receive grants from Darwin Plus, an internationally renowned programme which gives funding to help protect some of the world’s most threatened species.

The successful projects to receive the funding include a plan to help coral reef in the Cayman Islands resist the effects of climate change, a seabird recovery programme in the British Virgin Islands, and a scheme to save 300 species of insects on St Helena from extinction.

Also supported will be a project in South Georgia to eradicate rats that were introduced to the island in the 18th century by visiting ships. As the rats have no natural predators there, they have been decimating the island’s plants and birds, particularly eating albatross and pipit chicks. The project, which has previously received Darwin support, will now benefit from a further £249,783 to help bring it to completion.

Environment Minister Lord de Mauley said: “Our Overseas Territories are home to thousands of amazing creatures, from Staghorn Coral to Rockhopper Penguins, which all play a part in the delicate balancing act of nature.

“That’s why we’re enabling world class conservation scientists to carry out ground-breaking work where it is needed the most, ensuring precious species are protected and given the best chance of survival.”