Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

If he will provide additional aid funding for anti-poaching projects during the covid-19 pandemic.

The full extent of the impact of Covid 19 on the illegal wildlife trade is not currently known. However, it is a serious crime, often undertaken by organised criminal networks – and it decimates endangered species, undermines growth and deprives communities of resources. In 2018 the UK hosted the largest ever illegal wildlife trading Conference, at which 65 countries signed up to the London Declaration, committing to accelerating efforts to stopping the trade. Part of that involves significantly expanding the UK’s Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund which has already committed over £26 million to 85 projects since 2014. We also contribute £250 million to the Global Environment Facility which runs the world’s biggest programme tackling illegal wildlife trading.