Bermuda was represented as conservation officers and scientific researchers from around the world teamed up for a conference in Gibraltar.

Best practice tips were exchanged and partnerships forged with the aim of securing wildlife and ecosystems in the UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.

Bermuda is one among many far-flung and diverse territories whose unique inhabitants range from whales, sea turtles and albatrosses, to blue iguanas and the critically-endangered Caribbean frog known as the Mountain Chicken — one of the biggest species in the world that is hunted for food.

Arlene Brock, the former Ombudsman for Bermuda, gave input on the legally binding implications of environmental charters.

Improving legislation and practices for environmental impact assessments came up for discussion, plus the urgent need to target invasive species — particularly on vulnerable small islands.

Along with Ms Brock, the five-day event was attended by the Island’s Andrew Dobson, Annie Glasspool, Jennifer Gray, Lady Ground and Alison Copeland.

The meetings, which Bermuda hosted in 2003, have resulted in numerous conservation initiatives since they began in Gibraltar in 2000.

The full proceedings of the conference are to be posted online at www.ukotcf.org.