The Ascension Island Government (AIG) welcomes the launch of the new UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy, developed jointly by the UK and Overseas Territories to protect some of the world’s most precious wildlife and ecosystems. Home to more than 90% of the UK’s unique species, many found nowhere else on Earth, the strategy represents the most collaborative approach to biodiversity conservation across the UK Overseas Territories to date.
Ascension is proud to be part of this historic collaboration that will guide conservation efforts for years to come. Ascension is home to 2,418 currently known native species, including 71 species found nowhere else in the world. Our territory hosts the second largest Green Turtle rookery in the Atlantic Ocean, supports 11 species of breeding seabirds including the largest Atlantic population of Sooty Terns, endemic flora that is critically endangered like the Ascension Spurge, unique coastal anchialine pools which are habitats for endemic shrimp and a 445,000 km2 of MPA which protects pelagic species like the yellow and blue fin tuna and houses hydrothermal vents, seamounts and mesophotic reefs. We are already leading conservation efforts through protecting nine areas on island which conserve 20% of land. These include six nature reserves, one Sanctuary, one Area of Historical Interest and Green Mountains National Park. As well a Marine Protected Area which encompasses Ascension Island. Our dedicated conservationists are implementing invasive species monitoring, feral cat eradication, and baseline data analysis to protect globally significant wildlife.
• supporting the local community with the development of sustainable inshore fisheries management
• support community-led protection and management of biodiversity through voluntary and school groups
• provide opportunities for public consultation on conservation plans and strategies
• expand a public awareness and pride in biodiversity among local people
• foster youth conservation action and education through trips, events, and committees
1. Fostering deeper community engagement with our natural environment
2. Building local conservation expertise and career pathways
3. Securing sustainable investment through partnerships and collaboration
4. Enhancing policies and legislation to protect biodiversity
5. Building ecosystem health to withstand climate change
6. Celebrating and promoting our unique biodiversity globally
“Ascension’s conservation team works tirelessly to protect the extraordinary wildlife and ecosystems that make our island unique. Their dedication, whether monitoring invasive species, restoring habitats, or supporting our community’s involvement in conservation, underpins everything we have achieved so far. This new UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy recognises that local expertise is essential to global biodiversity protection. It strengthens our ability to safeguard Ascension’s natural heritage for future generations, and I am immensely proud of the commitment and professionalism our team brings to this effort every day.”
The strategy was developed through extensive consultation, with other territory governments and administrations, communities, and stakeholders, capturing our local knowledge, and priorities central to conservation efforts. It provides a new adaptive framework for partnership working, building on the success of previous Environmental Charters, whilst addressing challenges including climate change, invasive species, and sustainable development.
People and cooperation are at the heart of the strategy. The strategy emphasises the importance of partnerships in addressing global biodiversity challenges. Ascension will work closely with other territories, the UK Government, regional and international partners to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to champion and conserve our biodiversity. Together, we host globally important biodiversity, from the Falkland Islands one million nesting pairs of penguins to St Helena holding 30% of unique species associated with the UK’s biodiversity alone. We will be working closely with a range of stakeholders through technical and ministerial working groups, with annual roundtables, to deliver the high ambitions of our joint biodiversity strategy.
For more information, please contact the Conservation and Fisheries Directorate on 66359.
Office of the Administrator
29 November 2025