Deadline: 25-Jun-2026
Darwin Plus Local is a streamlined funding scheme under the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). It supports practical environmental action in UK Overseas Territories with a strong emphasis on biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable ecosystem management.
The programme aims to strengthen local capacity while delivering direct environmental benefits in some of the world’s most ecologically sensitive regions.
Programme Objectives
The grant supports:
- Protection and restoration of biodiversity in UK Overseas Territories
- Climate change adaptation and resilience building
- Improvement of environmental quality and ecosystem health
- Capacity building for local communities and institutions
- Strengthening long-term environmental management skills
- Supporting local economies through sustainable environmental practices
- Aligning with the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy (OTBS)
Key Focus Areas
Funded projects typically address:
- Biodiversity conservation and species protection
- Ecosystem restoration and habitat management
- Climate resilience and adaptation strategies
- Environmental monitoring and research activities
- Community engagement and environmental awareness
- Capacity building for local environmental governance
- Practical implementation of proven conservation solutions
Funding Details
- Organisations: up to £50,000 per project
- Individuals: up to £20,000 per project
- Programme type: Small-scale environmental grants
- Funding availability: Subject to annual Defra budget allocations
- Long-term funding commitment: Over £9 million annually until March 2029
Eligible Projects
The programme supports:
- Biodiversity conservation initiatives
- Climate adaptation and resilience projects
- Environmental improvement and restoration work
- Capacity building and training programmes
- Research and development projects (ODA and non-ODA eligible)
- Capital expenditure projects for environmental benefit
- Implementation of proven environmental solutions
Geographic Scope
Eligible activities must take place in:
- UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs)
- Including all territories aligned with the UKOT Biodiversity Strategy
- British Indian Ocean Territory is also eligible
Funding Categories
Projects may fall under:
- ODA-eligible research and development projects
- Capital expenditure for environmental infrastructure
- Non-ODA research, development, and capital projects
- Practical implementation of conservation solutions
Application Process
Darwin Plus Local uses a single-stage application system:
- Identify environmental issue or conservation need
- Develop project aligned with OT Biodiversity Strategy
- Prepare budget and implementation plan
- Submit single-stage application form
- Review and assessment by programme evaluators
- Funding decision based on impact, feasibility, and alignment
- Project delivery and reporting upon approval
Applicants are encouraged to consult Finance Guidance for:
- Budget preparation
- Payment structures
- Financial reporting requirements
- Grant management procedures
Key Outcomes Expected
Projects are expected to deliver:
- Measurable biodiversity improvements
- Reduced environmental degradation
- Stronger ecosystem resilience
- Increased local environmental awareness
- Enhanced community participation
- Improved technical and institutional capacity
- Long-term sustainability of conservation outcomes
Eligible Applicants
The programme generally supports:
- Local organisations in UK Overseas Territories
- Environmental NGOs and community groups
- Research and conservation organisations
- Individuals working on environmental initiatives
- Institutions implementing conservation projects
Ineligible or Restricted Considerations
Projects may be excluded if they:
- Do not take place in UK Overseas Territories
- Lack alignment with biodiversity or environmental objectives
- Do not demonstrate measurable environmental outcomes
- Fall outside ODA/non-ODA funding rules
- Lack sustainability or long-term impact planning
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Weak alignment with biodiversity conservation goals
- Poorly defined environmental outcomes or indicators
- Overly large or complex project scopes beyond “Local” scale
- Missing financial or implementation planning details
- Ignoring OT Biodiversity Strategy alignment
- Assuming future funding beyond 2029 is guaranteed
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve success chances:
- Clearly define environmental problem and solution
- Align strongly with UKOT Biodiversity Strategy
- Include measurable ecological indicators
- Demonstrate local community involvement
- Focus on practical, implementable conservation actions
- Provide realistic budgets and timelines
- Highlight capacity-building and long-term sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Darwin Plus Local?
- It is a UK government environmental grant programme for UK Overseas Territories.
- It supports biodiversity, climate resilience, and environmental improvement projects.
- It focuses on small-scale, practical conservation initiatives.
- How much funding is available?
- Up to £50,000 for organisations
- Up to £20,000 for individuals
- Where can projects be implemented?
- Only in UK Overseas Territories
- Including the British Indian Ocean Territory
- What types of projects are funded?
- Biodiversity conservation
- Climate adaptation projects
- Environmental restoration and research
- Capacity-building initiatives
- What is the application process?
- Single-stage application
- Evaluation based on environmental impact and feasibility
- Is long-term funding guaranteed?
- No, funding beyond March 2029 is not guaranteed
- Future budgets depend on government allocation decisions
Conclusion
Darwin Plus Local is a targeted environmental funding programme supporting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience across UK Overseas Territories. By funding small-scale, high-impact projects, it strengthens local capacity, protects ecosystems, and delivers long-term environmental benefits aligned with national biodiversity strategies.
For more information, visit Darwin Plus.
