Marianne Carter, Director, Conservation Capacity & Leadership at Fauna & Flora International (FFI), said: “Fauna & Flora International has received notice that the UK Space Agency’s International Partnership Programme will no longer be able to support SAT4WILDLIFE as it moves from the ‘Discovery’ to the ‘Operational’ phase, following a reduction in overall government spend on international development.
“While this is obviously disappointing, FFI, WILDLABS and their partners will be pressing ahead and seeking alternative sources of funding for this exciting project, which will deploy satellite technology to aid conservationists trying to halt the loss of biodiversity and degradation of habitats, while conserving local livelihoods in Kenya.
“The UK government’s cut to international development spending has led to many projects like ours losing funding. While FFI welcomes ministers’ commitment to restore the 0.7% of GDP target as soon as the post-pandemic fiscal situation allows, the UK government must recognise that cuts to projects like this are inconsistent with the prime minister’s own commitment that combatting climate change and biodiversity loss will be the government’s ‘number one international priority.’”
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