Deadline: 07-Sep-2026
Darwin Plus People & Skills is part of the broader Darwin Plus Programme and is designed to strengthen environmental expertise in the UK Overseas Territories. It focuses on developing skilled individuals who can contribute to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, and sustainable resource management. The programme emphasizes long-term capacity building and knowledge transfer to support resilient environmental governance.
Programme Objectives and Focus Areas
The programme aims to build conservation capacity and strengthen environmental leadership across UK Overseas Territories. Key focus areas include:
- Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection
- Environmental education and professional development
- Scientific and technical skills development
- Sustainable natural resource management
- Conservation-focused academic training and qualifications
- Capacity building for environmental institutions
- Knowledge transfer between territories and institutions
- Long-term conservation leadership development
- Innovation in environmental training approaches
Types of Supported Activities
The programme funds a wide range of learning and development opportunities, including:
- Conservation training programmes and workshops
- Academic qualifications such as master’s and associate degrees
- Professional development courses in environmental fields
- Internships and conservation placements
- Field-based training and practical conservation work
- Online and remote learning programmes
- Attendance at conferences and scientific events
- Territory-to-territory knowledge exchange programmes
- Expert-led training sessions and mentorship initiatives
Funding Details
- Maximum grant amount: up to £100,000 per project
- Project duration: up to 24 months
- Funding purpose: training, education, and capacity building
- Focus: conservation skills development linked to UKOT environmental priorities
Programme Purpose and Outcomes
The programme is designed to ensure long-term environmental sustainability in UK Overseas Territories by investing in human capital. Expected outcomes include:
- Increased local expertise in biodiversity conservation
- Stronger environmental leadership within territories
- Improved scientific and technical capacity
- Enhanced ability to manage ecosystems and protected areas
- Sustainable knowledge transfer systems
- Development of future conservation professionals
- Strengthened institutional resilience in environmental management
Eligibility and Participation
Eligible participants include:
- Nationals of UK Overseas Territories
- Long-term residents of UK Overseas Territories
- Individuals with strong long-term connections to UKOTs
Projects must demonstrate:
- Clear relevance to environmental and conservation priorities
- Strong partnership between applicants and lead organisations
- Practical or academic skill development outcomes
- Contribution to long-term biodiversity goals
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Contribution to long-term environmental impact
- Strength and quality of training or education approach
- Innovation in capacity-building methods
- Value for money and efficient use of funds
- Sustainability of outcomes beyond project duration
- Collaboration between organisations and beneficiaries
- Alignment with UKOT conservation priorities
Programme Requirements
Projects must:
- Demonstrate strong collaboration throughout implementation
- Provide additional value beyond existing initiatives
- Offer innovative or distinctive conservation training approaches
- Contribute directly or indirectly to UKOT environmental priorities
- Focus on long-term capacity building rather than short-term outputs
Why This Programme Matters
Darwin Plus People & Skills plays a critical role in strengthening conservation capacity in some of the world’s most ecologically important regions. By investing in education and training, it helps build a skilled workforce capable of protecting biodiversity, managing ecosystems, and responding to environmental challenges in UK Overseas Territories.
How the Programme Works
- Applicants identify a conservation-related training or education need
- A project proposal is developed with clear capacity-building objectives
- Applications are submitted under Darwin Plus People & Skills
- Proposals are assessed based on impact, innovation, and sustainability
- Successful projects receive funding up to £100,000
- Activities are implemented over a period of up to 24 months
- Outcomes focus on skills development and long-term environmental benefit
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects without clear conservation relevance
- Focusing only on short-term training without long-term impact
- Lack of collaboration with relevant institutions or partners
- Weak justification of capacity-building outcomes
- Proposing activities already covered by existing programmes
- Insufficient alignment with UK Overseas Territories priorities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly link training outcomes to biodiversity conservation needs
- Demonstrate long-term career or capacity development impact
- Include strong partnerships with conservation organisations
- Highlight innovative or practical learning approaches
- Show how skills will be applied in real environmental contexts
- Ensure sustainability of knowledge transfer beyond project life
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Darwin Plus People & Skills?
- It is a UK government programme supporting conservation training and education in UK Overseas Territories
- It builds environmental skills and long-term conservation capacity
- How much funding is available?
- Up to £100,000 per project
- What is the project duration?
- Up to 24 months
- Who can benefit from the programme?
- Nationals and long-term residents of UK Overseas Territories
- Individuals with strong connections to UKOTs
- What types of activities are funded?
- Training courses and workshops
- Academic qualifications
- Internships and fieldwork
- Conferences and online learning
- Professional development programmes
Conclusion
Darwin Plus People & Skills strengthens biodiversity conservation in UK Overseas Territories by investing in education, training, and professional development. By building long-term environmental expertise and leadership capacity, the programme ensures sustainable protection of ecosystems, species, and natural resources.
For more information, visit Darwin Plus.