The United Kingdom has withdrawn substantial financial commitments from conservation projects in the Congo basin rainforest, scaling back initiatives that were integral to its international climate pledges. At COP26, the UK committed £200 million to protect the Congo basin as part of a broader international effort, alongside pledges of £350 million for Indonesian tropical forests and up to £300 million for the Amazon. However, recent data released by Development Minister Jenny Chapman indicates that as of 2024, the UK had provided only £39.8 million toward its Congo goal, representing a significant shortfall from initial commitments.
The funding reductions stem from broader cuts to the UK’s aid budget, implemented by successive governments as part of measures to redirect resources toward defense spending. Two major programs have been particularly affected. The Congo Basin Forest Action Programme, which was explicitly designed to provide roughly half of the UK’s £200 million pledge, has seen its budget reduced from £90 million to £18.8 million, with £15 million already expended. Additionally, the Congo component of the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund, valued at least £12.3 million, has been closed after just two years of its seven-year schedule.
Government documents indicate that additional Congo forest funding faces further risk as the UK continues scaling back its aid budget. Two of the UK’s largest remaining regional projects may face reduced budgets or be forced to operate in fewer countries. Officials have cited operational challenges in the region, including complex political dynamics and recent instability such as a military coup in Gabon.
Critics argue that the UK has not honored its international commitments. Zac Goldsmith, a former Conservative minister involved in establishing the forest targets, stated that the UK has effectively “discarded” its regional pledges. However, the government maintains it has met broader climate finance targets and continues to “prioritize” Congo rainforest protection within its new Africa aid strategy. The government has also noted its role in launching a new call for Congo basin funding at a recent international climate summit, though observers remain concerned about the absence of ring-fenced allocations for nature and forest funding in the UK’s updated climate finance pledge.
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