Indicator assessment
There has been an increase in real terms in UK
public sector funding for global biodiversity between 2000/1 and
2007/8. In 2007/8 spending totalled £54 million, an increase
of 85% on 2000/1. Over the same period UK GDP has grown
by 19%. The indicator is therefore assessed as improving.
Description of trends
The trend for UK public sector funding on
global biodiversity shows a major increase between 2000/1 and
2007/8. The most prominent increase was in 2003/4 with
increased contributions to the Global Environment Facility
(GEF). Note UK spending on global biodiversity has been
revised substantially on that previously published due to the
inclusion of expenditure by the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew.
Relevance
Spending is one way of assessing the priority that is given to
global biodiversity within the UK Government. Adequate access to
resources is essential for the effective implementation of the
Convention on Biological Diversity in developing countries as part
of more general development aid and poverty alleviation.
Background
The information published by the indicator is
drawn from a number of sources. The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew is
increasingly involved in the global conservation of endangered
plant species as threats to the world's vegetation escalate.
Others such as the Global Environment Facility and Global
Opportunities Fund are some institutions that channel funds
directly to developing countries in order to protect the
environment and biodiversity. In addition, the UK Government
provides funding for biodiversity through direct bilateral aid -
the Darwin Initiative, the Flagship Species Fund and the Overseas
Territories Environment Programme. This indicator is based upon
published and unpublished estimates of spending by the UK public
sector, combined with estimates and assumptions about the element
relating to global biodiversity using expert opinions from the
relevant organisations. The information is collated by the
Environmental Statistics Service in Defra. A technical background
report on the method used to compile the figures is available from
the link below.