Minister John Cortes today held a meeting with the UK Minister for Nature, the Rt Hon. Mary Creagh, during which a wide range of environmental matters were discussed. 

A statement from the Government follows below:

The Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Professor John Cortes, today held a highly constructive  meeting with the UK Minister for Nature, the Rt Hon. Mary Creagh, during which a wide range of  environmental matters were discussed.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on Minister Creagh’s recent participation at COP30  in Brazil. Minister Cortes described the exchange as “extremely positive,” noting that the outcomes  of COP30 were, in many respects, more encouraging than widely reported. Both ministers  discussed the global environmental agenda and shared insights on the progress being made by  smaller jurisdictions in addressing climate and biodiversity challenges. 

During the meeting, Minister Cortes presented Minister Creagh with an advanced copy of  Gibraltar’s forthcoming 25-Year Environmental Plan, due to be officially launched shortly. Minister  Creagh expressed strong interest in the initiative and welcomed Gibraltar’s long-term, strategic  approach to environmental sustainability. 

Minister Cortes also discussed with his UK counterpart on the imminent launch of the Overseas  Territories Biodiversity Strategy, a project in which he has played a leading role as Chair of the  Environment Ministers’ Council of the UK Overseas Territories. The strategy will be formally  unveiled in the coming days. 

Reflecting on the discussions, Minister Cortes said: “It was a very productive and friendly meeting. I  have known Mary for many years and it was great to exchange views and catch up. We spoke about  the work we are doing in Gibraltar, and it was encouraging to see the UK’s interest in some of our  local initiatives, which we sometimes take for granted.” 

Topics discussed included sustainable fishing practices, such as tuna management, and even  everyday environmental behaviours, like the requirement for dog walkers in Gibraltar to carry  cleaning materials. 

“These are small but significant examples of how we embed environmental responsibility into daily  life,” Minister Cortes added. “It is always rewarding to discuss such matters with someone who is  not only a fellow politician but, in many ways, an environmental soulmate.”

Minister Cortes was accompanied by the Gibraltar Representative to the United Kingdom, Jonathan  Scott, and the Department of the Environment’s Nadia Murphy. 

The Government of Gibraltar welcomes the strong engagement with the UK Government and looks  forward to continued cooperation on environmental protection, climate action, and biodiversity  conservation.