I was pleased to join fellow MPs at ZSL London Zoo this week to support #BackTheBlueBelt. Through its Overseas Territories the UK is responsible for the fifth largest ‘marine estate’ in the world – home to a globally significant populations of albatross, whales and endangered turtles; and as many as a quarter of the world’s penguins.

The Blue Belt Charter calls on the UK Government to work with Overseas Territories Governments to create a 4 million square kilometre marine protection area around 7 of the 14 British Overseas Territories under the sovereignty of the UK.

Marine Protected Areas like these have been found to be a productive, cost-effective and viable way to preserve the ocean’s wildlife. They protect vital ecological processes for both local communities and the planet as a whole.

Fore more information on the Blue Belt Charter, and important steps that can be taken to protect the world’s oceans, visit https://greatbritishoceans.org/home