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Endangered Species: Developing Countries
20 July 2020
Lead MP
Chris Grayling
22:15:00
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementEconomyTaxationClimateCulture, Media & Sport
Other Contributors: 9
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Chris Grayling
22:15:00
Opened the debate
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.
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
Crime & Law EnforcementEconomyTaxationClimateCulture, Media & Sport
Government Response
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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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.