In the final blog of the series, we explore how UK Overseas Territories’ ambitions for marine protection are translating into action on the ground. Using South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands as a case study, we examine how effective Marine Protected Area (MPA) management is helping to safeguard some of the world’s most ecologically …
This three-part series explores what marine protected area management across the UKOTs looks like in practice. In part 2, we delve a bit deeper into the marine protected area management cycle, starting from MPA design and management to long-term monitoring and adaptation.
As the Convention on Biological Diversity COP17 begins in Yerevan, Armenia, this week, the global 30 by 30 target will be firmly in focus: conserving and effectively managing at least 30% of the world’s land, inland waters, coastal areas and …
The Cayman Islands are renowned for their clear waters and vibrant near shore coral reefs, yet far offshore lie little‑explored underwater banks and deep sea habitats. Over 12 days onboard the RRS James Cook, eight scientists from the Cayman Islands …
After years of collaboration, the Blue Belt Programme is delighted to welcome the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) as an Associate Partner. The partnership brings together world-leading expertise in marine conservation and natural resource management.
With oceans and biodiversity high on the agenda at COP30 in Belém this week, the vital role that marine ecosystems play in both tackling and adapting to climate change — especially for smaller islands and territories — is gaining increasing attention. A key part of the Blue Belt Programme's work is partnering with the UK …
In January 2026, the Blue Belt Programme will set sail from the Dominican Republic to the Territories of Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and the Cayman Islands. This is the first expedition to the Caribbean in the 10-year history of the …
Since its initiation in 2016, the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme has been at the forefront of global marine protection, working closely with the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) to establish and manage one of the largest networks of marine protected …
Authors: Corrine Aldred The Blue Belt Programme is unique in facilitating learning exchanges between UK Overseas Territories. In October 2024, marine enforcement officers from St Helena had the opportunity to shadow the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management (DFMRM) …
The sub-Antarctic South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) are a UK Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, approximately 1,400 km northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula. They are home to a globally important, diverse and distinct marine ecosystem, with …
