UK launches £16.2m funding package for climate change and ocean protection projects

The government has announced that it is boosting projects to tackle climate change with £16.2m of funding.

The funding comes through the government’s Blue Planet Fund, which will support projects to protect the ocean and tackle climate change.

The programmes will increase marine protection, tackle plastic pollution and the decline of global coral reefs, as well as helping to respond to marine pollution disasters.

The projects receiving funding include the launch of a new programme which will help developing countries partner with scientists to better manage marine protected areas.

George Eustice, environment secretary, said: “The UK is a global leader in marine protection and will continue to advocate for ambitious climate and ocean action at COP26 this year.

“Our shared ocean is a vital resource and provides habitat to precious marine life, as well as supporting the livelihoods of one in every ten people worldwide.

“The Blue Planet Fund will support many developing countries on the front line of climate change to reduce poverty and improve the health of their seas.”