In 2009, Cayman Government, with the support of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, hosted the 5th conference organised by UKOTCF for conservation practitioners in the UKOTs and Crown Dependencies. Over 100 people participated, including representatives from 15 UKOTs and 3 CDs, as well as from a few other countries, and the UK Minister for the Natural and Marine Environment, Wildlife and Rural Affairs, Mr Huw Irranca-Davies, MP. Territory personnel report that these gatherings are invaluable in bringing together a critical mass of expertise and generating important conservation initiatives that would not otherwise happen.