Britain is preparing to discuss with Overseas Territories the next steps in a blueprint designed to conserve, protect and restore biodiversity.

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in partnership with England’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will speak with countries including Bermuda “in early 2026” on implementation, monitoring and reporting of the UK Overseas Territories Strategy, published in November.

A spokeswoman for Defra told The Royal Gazette: “To ensure the strategy remains fit for purpose, the UK Government will chair an annual round table with territory environment ministers as part of a three-year review phase.

“Using this forum to understand and maximise impact, the UK Government and governments and administrations of the territories will agree updates to the strategy to ensure its goals and actions remain fit for the future.

“Implementation will be measured in such a way that minimises administrative burden on the territories.”

Local environmentalists have largely welcomed the development of the strategy but said they would have appreciated being consulted on the issues.

Defra explained that it ran an online call for evidence from December 15, 2022 to March 24, 2023 to gather views globally on the former 2009 UK OT Biodiversity Strategy.

The spokeswoman said an initial questionnaire was circulated to the Bermuda Government in July 2023, seeking thoughts on OT priorities, a former 2009 strategy, and future desires and needs from a new strategy. This was followed up with a number of discussions.

She said: “The Government of Bermuda was subsequently consulted through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Experts from the department inputted to the consultation and sign-off process.

“The Bermuda Government was encouraged to engage local stakeholder representatives in developing its responses and/or priorities.”

A spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works and Environment said in response to questions from the Gazette: “In January and February [2025], two DENR technical officers examined the document and provided their feedback.

“As a result of that feedback, two additional national priorities were added to the document and minor adjustments were made to the information on Bermuda.

“Beyond this, Bermuda had no further involvement in developing the overall strategy.”

The spokesman did not specify which priorities were added.

Myles Darrell, the head of natural heritage for the Bermuda National Trust, said the charity was not consulted during the development of the strategy.

“We broadly welcome its publication and are encouraged by its direction,” he added.

“Many of the joint goals outlined closely align with the work the trust has been undertaking for decades, particularly in the areas of conservation, education and community engagement.

“Nature in the UK Overseas Territories is on the front line and low-lying islands such as Bermuda are especially vulnerable to invasive non-native species and the impacts of climate change.

“We are pleased to see recognition of the need to drive new investment in biodiversity and to strengthen engagement and education as part of the solution.

“While it would have been valuable to see clearer acknowledgement of the role of NGOs in delivering these outcomes, we are keen to engage with the opportunities presented by the strategy and welcome its progress.”

Kim Smith, the executive director of the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce, was pleased to see the formation of a plan but was cautious.

She said: “Of course, we are very supportive of greater environmental protections and considerations being at the forefront of decisions and actions.

“We have become wary, though, about putting too much trust right upfront given the abysmal record countries have around enforcement, making many gestures more like empty promises, for whatever gains we don’t know.

“We have a poster that reflects our raison d’être that BEST works to inspire greater awareness and appreciation of the natural environment and the need for human activities to exist in harmony with nature, not in competition with it.

“We are gathering stats to put something together to speak to the doubters that human activities aren’t the reason for climate change.”

Noelle Young, a sustainability activist and Bermuda consultant for Greenpeace UK, praised the document.

However, she said: “I would welcome further clarity regarding the local organisations and individuals consulted in the development of the national strategy, as well as details on how community engagement will be integrated into future processes.”

A vision for biodiversity in Bermuda, including a review of environmental legislation, was set out in the 121-page strategy on November 28.

As earlier reported by the Gazette, the strategy is said to align with Britain’s approach to partnership with the territories and agreements of the 2024 Joint Ministerial Council.

Six joint goals stand out: to reconnect people with nature; develop skills and talent; maximise opportunities for funding, partnership and collaboration; strengthen and implement management and regulatory frameworks; enhance environmental resilience; and champion the benefits of nature.

Defra said that the UK Government would continue to work in close partnership with the territories to implement the strategy, including through distinct technical and ministerial working groups.

The spokeswoman added: “Where requested, the UK Government may provide additional support to help in advance delivering in some territories.”

In a joint statement in the report, Stephen Doughty, the Minister for the British Overseas Territories, and Mary Creagh, the Minister for Nature, said that their ambition was to “unite administrations, agencies and communities” to build resilient communities and safeguard “irreplaceable” species.

The report cited sources from as far back as a 2001 Biodiversity Country Study and as recent as the Sargasso Sea Commission in 2024.

Other references include the Hamilton Declaration on collaboration for the conservation of the Sargasso Sea, 2014, and information online from the DENR.