Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Endangered Species: Developing Countries

20 July 2020 · 9 other contributors

Opened by Chris Grayling Con Berkshire West

ClimateForeign AffairsEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Chris Grayling raised concerns about endangered species: developing countries in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The financial pressures on local communities dependent on tourism have led to increased poaching and deforestation in areas like Madagascar's Ranomafana national park.
  • International wildlife trade was worth 17 billion annually before the pandemic, and many parks have had to reduce patrols due to budget constraints.
  • The minister emphasised the need for sustainable economic routes to combat poverty while protecting biodiversity, stressing the importance of policing and community engagement to tackle organised wildlife trade crime.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Chris Grayling Con Berkshire West

There has been positive environmental impact due to lockdowns, but many endangered species and habitats face crises. The financial pressures on local communities who rely on tourism have led to increased poaching and deforestation. Areas like Madagascar's Ranomafana national park are struggling financially. International wildlife trade was already worth £17 billion annually before the pandemic. Many parks have had to cut back on patrols due to budget constraints, leading to more illegal activities. The UK’s aid budget should be used to support conservation projects and habitat restoration in poorer countries.

Other contributors (9)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Questions whether the Government will consider financing NGOs to pay for rangers to protect wildlife parks, as they are struggling financially due to the pandemic.

  • Chris Grayling Con Berkshire West

    Emphasises the need for sustained and increased support from the UK's aid budget to conservation projects, especially with the absence of ecotourism. Proposes focusing on habitat restoration which has both short-term and long-term benefits, including economic advantages for local communities through poverty alleviation, food security, recreation opportunities, and biodiversity protection.

  • Andrew Rosindell Con Romford

    Proposes that the aid budget should prioritise support to British overseas territories which have significant biodiversity and endangered species. Emphasises the importance of political and national duty towards these territories in conservation efforts.

  • Anthony Mangnall Con Fylde

    Agrees with Chris Grayling's stance on protecting flora and fauna globally. Urges the Minister to provide a timeline for implementing the Ivory Act 2018, which tackles ivory trade and illegal poaching of walrus, narwhal, and hippo.

  • James Duddridge Con Rochford and Southend East

    Acknowledges the debate's timing as crucial. Discusses the impact of the pandemic on wildlife conservation and development issues, highlighting how economic loss from tourism affects anti-poaching efforts. Emphasises the need for sustainable economic routes to combat poverty while protecting biodiversity.

  • Andrew Rosindell Con Romford

    Encourages the Minister to continue supporting British zoos and aquariums as part of global conservation efforts.

  • Barry Gardiner Lab Brent West

    Points out that 95% of UK biodiversity is in overseas territories but receives only 5% of funding, questioning the relationship between responsibility and funding for these territories under the convention on biological diversity.

  • James Duddridge Con Rochford and Southend East

    Emphasised the importance of supporting overseas territories in marine diversity, highlighted the UK's commitment to doubling international climate finance to £11.6 billion over five years, discussed efforts to conserve and restore mangrove forests, mentioned support for the Global Environment Facility, and outlined plans for COP26 and COP15.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Asked about assistance in holding accountable criminal gangs involved in wildlife crime across Africa, mostly of Chinese origin.

Government Response

Government Minister

Discusses the impact of the pandemic on wildlife conservation and development issues, highlighting economic losses from tourism affecting anti-poaching efforts. Emphasises the need for sustainable economic routes to combat poverty while protecting biodiversity. Addressed the importance of policing and community engagement to tackle organised crime related to wildlife trade, underlined the UK's commitment to biodiversity conservation through international partnerships and initiatives such as COP26 and COP15.

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