§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the conclusions of the conference at London Zoo on 29 to 30 June relating to overseas dependent territories on the importance for poor people of coral and mangrove ecosystems. [89930]
§ Clare ShortThe Conference considered environmental issues in the UK Overseas Territories and highlighted the diversity of natural resources in these small island states. Coral reefs and mangrove forests are among their more threatened environments. They directly provide a range of services important to poor people, including food, income, building materials, and tourist-related employment. Mangroves and coral reefs are often the only resources to which poor people have ready access. The Conference discussed the importance of controlling the exploitation of these ecosystems at sustainable levels by engaging the coastal peoples in their management, and helping to develop alternative livelihood options. We are actively engaged in supporting such programmes in UK Overseas Territories and other island states.