Applications Open For Environmental Grants

Applications are now open for the latest round of Darwin Plus, the UK Government’s flagship environment fund supporting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience across the UK Overseas Territories.

A Government spokesperson said, “The Darwin Plus scheme provides vital financial support for projects that protect some of the world’s most unique ecosystems, helping to deliver long-term environmental outcomes and build resilience to climate change.

“The opening of this funding round comes as the UK Government and Overseas Territories continue to implement the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy, which sets a shared ambition to conserve, protect, and restore nature across territories that are home to over 90% of the UK’s globally unique species. Funding is available across four schemes with organisations, researchers, governments and individuals all invited to apply:

• “Darwin Plus Local: Up to £50,000 for organisations and £20,000 for individuals, for projects typically lasting up to 12 months.
• “Darwin Plus Main: From £50,000 to £1 million per project, for mediumscale projects lasting up to 3 years.
• “Darwin Plus People & Skills: Up to £100,000 for training, education and capacity building.
• “Darwin Plus Strategic: £1million to £3million for large-scale, collaborative, and transformative projects over 3–5 years.

“Together, these schemes support a pipeline of activities—from community-led conservation to large-scale ecosystem restoration and strategic, multi-partner interventions.

“Bermuda has been a strong beneficiary of Darwin Plus funding, with projects demonstrating tangible impacts for biodiversity, climate resilience, and community engagement. Recent and past examples include:

• “Micro Forest Restoration Initiative: A Darwin Plus Local grant of £50,000 supported the Bermuda Zoological Society in restoring native habitats by replacing invasive species with endemic plants across multiple sites, enhancing biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

• “Coral Restoration and Coastal Protection Projects: Darwin Plus funding has enabled the Living Reefs Foundation to develop coral propagation techniques and pilot nature-based solutions to strengthen coastal resilience, including projects designed to protect infrastructure from storm surge and hurricanes.

• “Deep-sea biodiversity research: A £316,829 Darwin Plus Main project led by the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences filled key data gaps on deep-sea species to inform marine protection and spatial planning.

• “Invasive lionfish control initiative: Early Darwin Plus funding supported research and management tools to control invasive lionfish populations, helping to safeguard reef ecosystems, fisheries, and tourism.

• “Regional invertebrate conservation partnership: A multi-territory Darwin Plus Main project [valued at nearly £400,000] includes Bermuda partners working to identify and protect important invertebrate habitats.

“These projects highlight Bermuda’s leadership in applying innovative, science-based approaches to biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.

“Supporting a shared vision for nature, Darwin Plus plays a central role in delivering the priorities of the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy, which emphasises protecting globally significant and unique species, strengthening ecosystem resilience to climate change, tackling invasive non-native species and building local capacity, skills, and partnerships. The Strategy marks a new era of collaboration between the UK and the Overseas Territories, aligning investment with locally identified priorities and long-term environmental goals.

“Since January 2024 alone, Darwin Plus has supported nearly 130 projects across the Overseas Territories, with a combined value exceeding £20 million, demonstrating the scale and impact of the programme.

“Eligible applicants—including government bodies, NGOs, research institutions, and private sector organisations—are encouraged to apply for funding to support projects that deliver measurable outcomes for biodiversity and climate resilience. Whether you are scaling up a proven project, or building conservation skills, Darwin Plus has a scheme for you.

“Full guidance and application details are available at: https://darwinplus.org.uk/.”

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Category: All, Environment