The Overseas Territories contain a range of habitats and environments of global significance. An important aspect of British aid to the Territories – as well as in the wider programme throughout the rest of the world – is help with conserving and managing the environment. In June 1999, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and a number of non-governmental organisations organised a conference in London to discuss ideas for an Environmental Charter for the Overseas Territories.

The resulting Charters are formal, individual agreements, which list commitments to develop and implement sound environmental management practices in the Overseas Territories and clarify the roles and responsibilities of the UK government, Overseas Territory governments, the private sector, NGO's and local communities.

Overseas Territories Environment Programme (OTEP)

OTEP is a joint programme of the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to support the implementation of the Environment Charters, and environmental management more generally, in the UK Overseas Territories.  It was established to support the Overseas Territories (OTs) in developing and implementing action plans under their respective Environment Charters signed jointly with HMG in September 2001. These Charters set out a range of policy objectives and undertakings entered into by the OTs and HMG.  This has now been extended with an annual budget of £1,000,000, FCO and DFID each providing £500,000.

The goal of OTEP is 'enhanced quality of life and livelihood opportunities for the inhabitants of all UK Overseas Territories through the sustainable use (or protection, where necessary) of environmental and natural resources, whilst securing global environmental benefits within the scope of the core principles of the relevant multilateral environmental agreements.' It assists the OTs in taking ownership of and responsibility for the issues, by helping them to assess problems and to promote sustainable solutions to them through national strategic planning processes and action at the local level.

Projects proposed must contribute to the implementation of the Environment Charters. In the case of those Territories that do not have Environment Charters, proposals must comply with the core Charter principles. Proposals will be assessed on the basis of their potential to contribute in practical and lasting ways to:

• meeting the Territory’s obligations under those Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) extended to it, and preparing for possible future extensions;
• building environmental management capacity in the Territory; and
• raising awareness of environmental issues; promoting participation by civil society in decisions affecting the environment; and supporting environmental education in the Territory.

Project applicants are encouraged to seek complementary support from other sources where appropriate, either in cash or in kind. This might be attracted, for example, from other donors, the private sector, government departments, NGOs, or fund-raising activities. Lack of success in attracting collaborative inputs will not, however, necessarily disadvantage otherwise strong proposals.  OTEP funding cannot be used for environmental work which is part of the normal core responsibilities of environmental and natural resource departments in overseas territories' governments (and which is therefore budgeted for by each overseas territory government or administration).

Other sources of funding

UK Overseas Territories are also eligible to apply for funding under the Darwin Initiative (administered by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)). Further information on accessing Darwin funds can be found at www.darwin.gov.uk.

Bids for Project Funding

When the bidding round is open the application form will be available on this page.  Project bids should be submitted on the application form and then sent to  Claire Hunter:

OTEP Guidance / OTEP Application

Claire Hunter
Project Officer
Office of the Governor
Waterfront Drive
P O Box 702
Road Town
Tortola