Milbank Pro Bono Team Advises Margaret Pyke Trust on Groundbreaking Conservation and Poverty Reduction Project in Uganda

A Milbank LLP pro bono team has advised The Margaret Pyke Trust on its agreement with The International Crane Foundation and the Rugarama Hospital in the Kabale District of south-west Uganda to launch the next stage of the groundbreaking Darwin Initiative – a UK government grants scheme for biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction in low-income countries. This initiative is focused on improving both human and environmental health in Uganda and is funded by the UK Biodiversity Challenge Funds (UKBCFs).

This project is already having a significant impact on the social and economic environment in western Uganda. By providing alternative sustainable livelihoods and healthcare services (e.g., reducing unplanned pregnancy and improving infant and maternal health) and undertaking habitat restoration and soil and water conservation, The Margaret Pyke Trust and its partners can enable long-term wetland health for both the people and the wildlife in the region. As pressures on families and ecosystems reduce, ecosystems are better able to support the human and non-human species relying on them. Greater conservation, health and gender outcomes result from these integrated projects.

The London based Milbank team included Global Projects, Energy & Infrastructure partner John Dewar, special counsel Vicky May, senior associate Emily Whittaker and trainee Rachel Tay.