Join our growing army of changemakers and get unlimited access to our premium content
The Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy was published today (28 November) and is described as the first coordinated approach of its kind across the territories.
The Overseas Territories contain most of the UK's unique wildlife. An estimated 94% of species found only in the UK live in these areas, including more than 1,800 endemic species.
The territories also provide habitats for a quarter of the world's penguin population and support every major ecosystem type, from coral reefs and rainforests to polar environments.
The strategy applies to Anguilla, Ascension, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, St Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Tristan da Cunha and Turks and Caicos Islands.
The strategy will aim to protect more than 40,000 species that have been identified across the territories to date, including emperor penguins and green turtles.
Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: "We are blessed with remarkable wildlife in our Overseas Territories from the polar landscapes of British Antarctica to the cloud forests of St Helena - there are thousands of species that cannot be found anywhere else.
"However, this precious biodiversity is under threat from global warming, and it is our duty to protect it.
"For the first time all 14 UK Overseas Territories have signed off this strategy to safeguard these treasured species in these iconic places."
The six pillars of the strategy
The new strategy sets out six pillars to address threats from rising temperatures, pollution, habitat destruction and invasive species:
Each territory will be required to take specific actions suitable for its environment and circumstances.
Progress will be reviewed every three years to ensure the plan adapts to emerging threats and scientific evidence.
The strategy is supported by recent funding of around £5m through the Darwin Plus programme, which is directed at restoring nature in the territories, and forms part of the UK's wider commitment to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030.