The Darwin Initiative is a UK government grants scheme that helps to protect biodiversity and the natural environment in developing countries.
Darwin-funded projects usually aim to help preserve biodiversity and the local community that lives alongside it. Most projects will include one or more of:
Since 1992, the Darwin Initiative has awarded over £177m to more than 1,220 projects across 159 countries.
For information on projects working within the UK Overseas Territories supported under Darwin Plus, please follow the link to the website here.
Darwin Expert Committee membership
The Darwin Expert Committee, consists of experts from government, academia, science and the private sector. The committee advises ministers on development of the initiative, reviews applications and makes recommendations to ministers on applications for funding.
Professor EJ Milner-Gulland (Chair) – Oxford University
Dr Abigial Entwhistle – Fauna and Flora International (FFI)
Amy Dickman – University of Oxford
Chris McOwen – UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)
Dr Chris West – Independent
Dave Pritchard – Independent
David Tickner – World Wildlife Foundation (WWF)
Dr Dilys Roe – International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
Dr Frances Humber – Independent
Dr Howard Nelson – Fauna and Flora International (FFI)
Jo Elliot – Fauna and Flora International (FFI)
Julia Jones – Bangor University
Katherine Abernethy – University of Stirling
Dr Mark Watson – Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
Dr Paul Smith – Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)
Patricia Davis – Community Centred Conservation (C3)
Serah Munguti – Fauna and Flora International (FFI)
Dr Tom Clements – Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Ex-officio members:
Chris Lyal – National History Museum
Ed McManus – Cefas
Professor Monique Simmonds – Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Vicky Morgan – Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
