7
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Species Reintroduction
Acknowledged
We welcome the formation of the Defra England Species Reintroductions Taskforce. However, we regret that the positive impact it has the potential to create has been undermined by its slow establishment and resultant lack of stakeholder engagement. The Defra proposed species reintroduction Stakeholder Forum, created to support the work of …
Read more
We welcome the formation of the Defra England Species Reintroductions Taskforce. However, we regret that the positive impact it has the potential to create has been undermined by its slow establishment and resultant lack of stakeholder engagement. The Defra proposed species reintroduction Stakeholder Forum, created to support the work of the Taskforce, has an important role to play in engaging positively with stakeholders, broadening the Taskforce’s reach and buy-in. However, we are concerned that there is little information publicly available about that forum.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the committee's concerns by providing updates on the Taskforce's establishment, meeting schedule, published terms of reference, and its plans to hold further meetings with key stakeholder groups this autumn to improve engagement.
Read full response →
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
8
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Species Reintroduction
Acknowledged
Urgent stakeholder engagement is required to build relationships with key individuals; these stakeholders should have an open invitation to join the Stakeholder Forum and be able to feed into Taskforce decisions through it. The Government should be clear when the Taskforce is expected to provide advice and the influence of …
Read more
Urgent stakeholder engagement is required to build relationships with key individuals; these stakeholders should have an open invitation to join the Stakeholder Forum and be able to feed into Taskforce decisions through it. The Government should be clear when the Taskforce is expected to provide advice and the influence of that evidence. In cases where the Taskforce’s recommendations are not followed, there should a clear explanation and rationale published by the Government so as to not undermine the Taskforce’s credibility and scientific authority. The Government should publish a protocol with clear guidelines stating when the Taskforce will, and will not, be consulted on reintroduction decisions.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government responded by outlining the Taskforce's existing activities, including its establishment, meeting schedule, published terms of reference, and ongoing efforts by the Chair to contact stakeholders, with further plans for meetings this autumn to improve engagement. It did not explicitly commit to the specific …
Read full response →
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
9
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Species Reintroduction
Acknowledged
A sign-up opportunity and terms of reference for the Stakeholder Forum should be publicised by October 2023 with the first meeting taking place before 2024. The Stakeholder Forum should inform the risk-based categorisation of species and be consulted before changes are made to classifications.
Read more
A sign-up opportunity and terms of reference for the Stakeholder Forum should be publicised by October 2023 with the first meeting taking place before 2024. The Stakeholder Forum should inform the risk-based categorisation of species and be consulted before changes are made to classifications.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the importance of stakeholder engagement by outlining the Reintroductions Taskforce's activities and plans for further stakeholder meetings, but did not commit to publicising a dedicated Stakeholder Forum with specific deadlines or roles in species categorisation.
Read full response →
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs