asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to mark the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin in 2009. [HL3152]

The Natural History Museum, which is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, is championing a national partnership of several organisations from across the arts, education, heritage, local government, libraries, media, museums, science and tourism sectors, under the brand of “Darwin200”, to produce a high-profile programme of activities and events to mark the birth of Darwin during 2008 and 2009. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills is providing £90,000 over the next two years in funding for the co-ordinating secretariat for Darwin200.

The Government plan to nominate Darwin at Downe, Charles Darwin's home and workplace, to UNESCO for inscription on the World Heritage List in 2009.