Baroness Amos,
Foreign Office Minister
Foreign Office Minister, Baroness Amos, and senior elected representativesof Overseas Territories have signed a set of Environment Charters,setting out for the first time the mutual responsibilities ofthe UK and Overseas Territories regarding the environment.
The Charter sets out 10 Guiding Principles, which express thekey environmental commitments that the international communityhas adopted.
A release from the Governor's Office said that these are followedby specific commitments on the part of the UK and Overseas Territories'governments, indicating how they will work in partnership forthe benefit of the environment.
NGOs, business and all relevant UK government departments wereconsulted during the drafting of the Charter.
Speaking in advance of the signing ceremony, Baroness Amos said:"The adoption of this Environment Charter by the UK and theOverseas Territories is a powerful indication of the importancewe attach to the environment both locally and globally. It representsour shared commitment to working together for the future healthof our environment.
"The document is a real achievement because not only doesit set out the principles which will guide us, but it containssome real long-term commitments which will make a practical differenceto our environment.
"The environment, after all, is critical to the future prosperity,well-being, and even survival, of many of the Overseas Territoriesand their communities. Both global and local actions are needed.This document shows how we can all contribute."