The Falkland Islands Environment Strategy 2021 – 2040
The Falkland Islands Government is proud to launch its flagship Environment Strategy 2021 – 2040, which recognises the central and universal role that the natural environment plays in the sustainable development of our health and wellbeing, our economy and our nation as a whole. The strategy outlines our national vision for the future, one that includes a biodiverse, healthy, sustainable, adapted and connected natural environment for all.
The Falkland Islands Environment Strategy 2021 – 2040 was adopted by Executive Council in September 2021.
To read more please download the Strategy here:
Environment Strategy Progress Report
Following the adoption of the Falkland Islands Environment Strategy 2021 – 2040 by ExCo in late 2021, there has been much work across government towards achieving the Vision of the Strategy. The first progress report for 2022 has been released and is available on the FIG Environment Department website.
One of the highlights from the report is that the Environmental Studies Budget grew along with the number of projects submitted and then funded. Projects have expanded beyond research organisations to include individuals from across the community working on a diversity of projects; from the Falkland Islands Community School projects on earwig control and 3D printing of recycled plastic, farmers eradicating invasive species and a survey of all FIG-owned Islands to understand the status of their biodiversity. Another highlight is that risks from climate change have been assessed for the Falkland Islands, with input of specialists and the community; the results of which are informing how we will adapt to growing threats and where to focus our efforts. Policy development is also underway in key areas, such as pollution control and improving protections for wildlife and special areas. Key recommendations from the fin-fish review have been implemented and a solar renewable energy trial has obtained planning and ExCo approval to go ahead on the Common at the Sand Bay site.
To read more please download the full progress report here:
FAQs - Falkland Islands Environment Strategy
Why do we need an Environment Strategy?
The environment is essential for human existence. We rely on our ecosystems to provide us with clean water, air, food and shelter. In the Falkland Islands, the foundations of our livelihoods are reliant on our environment – our key sectors would not exist without our natural resources. Our environment is also part of our national identity and way of life. In the face of a suite of complex environmental challenges for the Islands, the Environment Strategy makes clear our commitment to act to protect our unique home and resources. It identifies issues and opportunities in relation to our environment, and provides the direction needed to help us face these challenges together.
How will the Strategy be implemented? How will the community/NGOs/industry be involved?
The Strategy sets out clear mechanisms for delivery. We know that everyone can, and must, play a role in protecting and enhancing our environment. Participation from business and industry, NGOs, members of the public and other important stakeholders such as BFSAI will be an essential element of implementation. FIG will provide leadership and direction as well as guiding more detailed plans for action, including identifying links with those outside government and ways that they can contribute. Within FIG, the strategy will be embedded across all of government – the direction and operation of individual directorates will be guided by the vision and strategic objectives set out in the strategy. Within government we will also be bringing together a new Environment Strategy Programme Board to coordinate the integration and delivery of the strategy. FIG will also take opportunities to share progress with the Environment Committee and with the public more broadly as work continues. The Strategy in Practice section of the document sets out implementation mechanisms in more detail.
When will work begin?
Work to deliver the ambitions of the Environment Strategy will begin immediately, starting with the establishment of the Programme Board. The next Assembly will help to guide the priorities and actions to be taken forward.
How will the strategy be resourced?
The Strategy will require resourcing over its 20-year lifespan, and not just at the beginning. This will mean new resources, but also using the existing resources that we have to help achieve our objectives. The specific financial implications of each workstream will be determined through the fine-scale work that will follow the strategy. The allocation and prioritisation of the resources needed to implement this Strategy will be guided by the priorities of the Assembly, and will be subject to consideration in future budget processes.
What consultation took place on the strategy?
The overall consultation period started internally at FIG in 2020, with external engagement with stakeholders since February 2021 and multiple opportunities for comment since then. Annex 1 of the Strategy details this process in more detail.
Will there be more stakeholder engagement?
This is the final version of the Strategy, so there won’t be further consultation on this document. However, the Strategy is a framework that will guide future work, and there will be multiple workstreams emerging under all of the themes. Where there is future policy development, there will be further engagement as per the normal process. We intend to continue to work with our community and stakeholders throughout the lifetime of the Strategy and its implementation. This is not the end of a process, but the start of one.
For more information, please contact the Environment Department on:
Phone: + 500 28449
Email: