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Behemoth
Joined: 01 Dec 2004
Posts: 19023
Location: Leeds
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 Posted: Mon Dec 19, 05 12:51 pm Post subject: Biodiversity Grants |
 
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BIODIVERSITY GRANT SCHEME LAUNCHED "WORKING TO HALT THE LOSS OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY"
Today (Thursday 15 December 2005) Dr Andy Brown, English Nature’s Chief Executive, launched the new Countdown 2010 Biodiversity Action Fund during The World Conservation Union (IUCN) UK committee meeting in York.
This fund will support projects that help achieve the UK government’s commitment to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010, through delivering the objectives of the England Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan targets. The commitment to halt biodiversity loss was made by European leaders at the 2001 EU Summit in Gothenburg and Countdown 2010 is a Europe-wide initiative led by the IUCN which seeks to raise awareness of this target.
The Countdown 2010 Biodiversity Action Fund is the new name for the Environmental Action Fund (EAF) biodiversity stream which was previously administered by Defra.
Only voluntary conservation sector organisations are eligible to apply for this fund. Grants will be made for two years (2006/07 and 2007/0 and the value of awards will be between £25,000 and £250,000 per year.
Biodiversity Minister Jim Knight said he was delighted that Defra was continuing to fund the environmental projects through the new fund.
"Through these grants, we will be providing almost £4 million over two years to fund important biodiversity projects that will play a valuable role in highlighting and integrating biodiversity issues into all aspects of our lives, no matter where we live. I'm pleased that the government has been able to continue funding for these types of projects, which will deliver practical results and encourage more people to play a part in helping to protect our natural environment. This is also an important component of Defra's efforts to deliver the Countdown 2010 target.
"The name of this new fund is very appropriate, since without the enormous and valuable contribution of voluntary organisations, we would find it very difficult to meet the challenge of stopping the loss of biodiversity in this country by 2010."
Peter Brotherton, Head of English Nature’s biodiversity unit, said: “Achieving the 2010 target to halt biodiversity loss is a challenge that the government can not meet alone. Along with other sectors of society, voluntary conservation organisations have an important role to play and the Countdown 2010 Biodiversity Action Fund will help to support their valuable work. English Nature is delighted to run this important scheme.”
Sebastian Winkler, Head of Countdown 2010, said at the IUCN National Committee Meeting: “All over Europe, the movement to reach the 2010 biodiversity target is gaining momentum. With only five years to go, the British contribution serves as an excellent example to other countries.”
Application form and guidance notes can be downloaded from www.english-nature.org.uk/about/countdown.htm
The closing date for applications is 19 January 2006. For more information contact Trudie Mills on 01733 455185 or email countdown2010@english-nature.org.uk.
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Notes for editors
1. From April 2006 Defra's Environmental Action Fund will no longer be supporting biodiversity projects. However, the Fund is still active and now focussed entirely on supporting voluntary and community sector sustainable consumption and production projects. Please see www.defra.gov.uk/environment/eaf/index.htm for more information.
2. Following publication of the draft Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill in February, English Nature, the Rural Development Service and the Countryside Agency’s Landscape, Access and Recreation division are working towards integration as a single body: Natural England. It will work for people, places and nature with responsibility for enhancing biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas; promoting access, recreation and public wellbeing, and contributing to the way natural resources are managed – so they can be enjoyed now and for future generations.
English Nature is the independent Government agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England. For further information please contact the National Press Office, English Nature Northminster House Peterborough PE1 1UA. Tel: 01733 455190; Fax 01733 455188; Out of hours 07970 098005; Email press@english-nature.org.uk or see www.english-nature.org.uk |
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tahir
Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 45431
Location: Essex
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tahir
Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 45431
Location: Essex
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