Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me regarding nature and biodiversity.
Biodiversity loss is a global problem which requires a global solution and I welcome that at COP15, the UN biodiversity summit held in Canada, a new deal to protect nature was agreed by 195 countries. The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) includes a commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and to protect 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030. The GBF also commits to ending human-induced extinctions of known threatened species. You can read more here: Landmark deal for nature reached at COP15 - Defra in the media (blog.gov.uk)
The UK played a leading role in the negotiations, building on the UK’s COP and G7 presidencies, including the Leaders Pledge for Nature. This commits world leaders to taking action to drive sustainable food production, end the illegal wildlife trade and tackle climate change. At the recent meeting of Climate and Environment Ministers of the G7, members committed to the swift implementation of the GBF, as well as international climate finance to nature-based solutions, Efforts to protect habitat and wildlife around the world boosted by £34 million of UK government funding - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Domestically, the Environment Act 2021 sets a legally binding target to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030. Biodiversity net gain and a strengthened biodiversity duty on public authorities will create and restore rich habitats that enable wildlife to recover and thrive, while conservation covenants will help secure habitat for the long-term.
The Act also introduces measures that will strengthen our action for nature and lay the foundation for the Nature Recovery Network, a network of places that are richer in wildlife, more resilient to climate change and provide wider environmental benefits including carbon capture and recreation. Further details are here: Nature Recovery Network - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Regarding farming, the Sustainable Farming Incentive provides farmers with a range of paid actions to manage hedgerows for wildlife, plant nectar-rich wildflowers and manage crop pests without the use of insecticides. These incentives will make food production more resilient and efficient over the longer term while contributing towards the UK’s environmental goals on carbon, biodiversity, water quality and net zero, Sustainable Farming Incentive: full guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Further, Countryside Stewardship Plus will reward farmers for taking coordinated action, working with neighbouring farms and landowners to support climate and nature aims. It will deliver environmental ambitions including managing floodplain meadows to reduce flood risk and improve biodiversity, restoring and maintaining peatland for carbon capture and storage, and enhancing and managing woodland to mitigate against drought, Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
I hope the above is helpful to clarify what action the Government is taking both nationally and internationally to protect our biodiversity. Over recent years, we have seen very significant reforms which have underpinned the commitment to reverse the biodiversity loss and I am grateful to you for your contribution to this vital shared aim.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
