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<p>Defra spend on biodiversity in England was £278m in 2015/16; and £258m in 2016/17.
Figures for 2017/18 are still being compiled for publication, and should be available
in July 2019 as part of our update of our Biodiversity Indicators.</p><p>These figures
include a proportion of the total expenditure on agri-environment schemes (55% – the
proportion that is assessed to directly contribute to biodiversity outcomes specifically).
They also include expenditure by Natural England, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee,
the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission on managing the public estate,
advice, research and monitoring.</p><p>This is likely to be an underestimate as spend
on biodiversity is integrated into a wide range of Departmental programmes that support
multiple outcomes. For example, the figures do not include all spend on marine and
fisheries. In 2018/19 £21m will be spent on activities that contribute to the conservation
of marine biodiversity. In addition to this, much of the Department’s work to improve
the sustainability of our fisheries will also contribute to improving marine biodiversity.</p><p>The
main source of Departmental funding for biodiversity in the UK Overseas Territories
(OTs) is through Darwin Plus, also known as “The Overseas Territories Environment
and Climate Fund”. Defra’s contribution to Darwin Plus funding in the last three years
is as follows: £1.85 million in 2015/16; £2 million in 2016/17; £2 million in 2017/18.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development
also contribute.</p><p>Defra leads on a number of environmental protection projects
under the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) but these are funded and administered
by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.</p><p> </p>
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