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Official Development Assistance (ODA) Announcement 

On the 25 February, the UK Prime Minister announced that the UK will increase defence spending to 2.5% of UK gross national income (GNI) from 2027. This will fund the capabilities, technology and industrial capacity vital to keep the UK and allies safe amid an era of renewed state conflict. This uplift will be funded through reductions to UK Official Development Assistance (ODA, also known as overseas aid) spend from 0.5% to 0.3% of GNI. 

The UK remains committed to playing a significant role in the world, in our national interest, in the interests of the poorest, and to ensure a liveable planet. But the Prime Minister has made it clear that we cannot continue with the current level of spending on ODA in the face of such immediate geopolitical instability and increased threats. 

What does this mean for the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund? 

Over the next 4-5 months HM Government will set multi-year budgets for UK Government Departments and programmes. HMG will prioritise legal obligations and aims to minimise disruption. The UK remains committed to being a credible and reliable development partner, ensuring that ODA spending continues to deliver for the poorest. 

What does this mean for applications in Round 11? 

Defra will wait for greater certainty over the affordability of grants before deciding if we are able to fund Round 11 proposals still under consideration. We will keep prospective grantees updated as we hear more. 

We expect to provide an update in July or August.  

What does this mean for new launches? 

At this point, we don’t have any further information on launching new funding rounds, but as above, we expect to provide an update in July or August. We will update the website and Biodiversity Challenge Funds social media as we receive more information about future funding rounds.