BEST IMPACT FACTSHEET S O U T H A T L A N T I C • 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 9 © Simon Vacher B E S T I N T H E S O U T H A T L A N T I C Saint Helena S T R E N G T H E N I N G L O C A L C O N S E R V A T I O N The Overseas Countries and Territories of the South Atlantic region are composed of two UK Overseas Territories of four very distinct islands or islands groups reaching across the South Atlantic Ocean: Ascension Island Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and Tristan da Cunha (part of a single territory) as well as the Falkland Islands (Malvinas). They span a range of climatic systems and harbour differing ecosystems but are all vulnerable to invasive species, climate change and illegal fishing. Tristan da Cunha Copyright © Free Vector Maps.com From 2015 to 2019, the BEST 2.0 programme supported field actions to empower and strengthen local stakeholders committed to local development, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem services. 6 projects, worth more than Falkland Islands (Malvinas) €600,000, were supported by BEST in the region. NOTE: A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).. PAGE 1 O V E R A L L F I G U R E S Geographical Scope of Projects Grant Beneficiaries 16.7% Tristan da Cunha 16.7% Saint Local Ascension 16.7% NGOs Island Helena Authorities 16.7% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 16.7% 50% Falkland Islands (Malvinas) 16.7% BEST projects covered marine areas in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and Ascension, and terrestrial areas in St Helena and Tristan da Cunha. P R O J E C T R E S U L T S C O N S E R V A T I O N O F B I O D I V E R S I T Y , S U S T A I N A B L E U S E O F E C O S Y S T E M S E R V I C E S , C L I M A T E C H A N G E 50% of the BEST beneficiaries developed practices on the sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystem services. S P E C I E S E C O S Y S T E M © Ben Dilley © Ben Dilley Protection measures were enhanced for 8 571 km2 of marine and coastal areas endangered endemic species, including benefited from a new assessment. through the establishment of nurseries. BEST contributed to the creation of the Marine Protected Area of the entire Ascension Island Exclusive Economic Zone, covering 445,000 km2. NOTE: A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).. PAGE 2 P R O J E C T R E S U L T S C A P A C I T Y B U I L D I N G , S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y , A N D V I S I B I L I T Y S C I E N C E I N S T I T U T I O N S P E O P L E A N D A N D P O L I C Y M E D I A © Stewart McPherson © Maria Taylor © Dan Laffoley 4 jobs were supported and 10 public events across the 33 collaborations were 16 volunteers involved. region sensitised 4,400 initiated or strengthened at 80% of employees and people. local, regional and volunteers were women. 29 publications and 40 international level. interventions in local All projects extended media reached 3,500 their activities beyond the people. lifespan of BEST grants. A B O U T B E S T BEST 2.0 is a programme financed by the European Commission (EC) – DG DEVCO, which continues the EU BEST Initiative as part of Biodiversity4Life. Since 2011 the BEST Initiative has supported the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of ecosystem services, including ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation, in the 9 EU Outermost Regions (ORs), and 25 Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), through more than 100 projects. The South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI) was a partner to BEST 2.0 for the South Atlantic region. This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of IUCN and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union. For more information on the BEST Initiative: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/best https://www.iucn.org/theme/protected-areas/our-work/eu-overseas/good-better-best In 2020, the BEST 2.0+ programme took over following the end of BEST 2.0 covering the OCTs. To learn more, visit: https://www.best2plus.org PAGE 3.