Recommendations & Conclusions
26 items
2
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
We recommend that the UK Government play a leadership role in addressing global biodiversity loss by demonstrating what ‘transformative action’ to address biodiversity loss in an advanced industrialised economy looks like. This should entail the production of credible plans, which include measures to phase out economic incentives which threaten conservation …
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We recommend that the UK Government play a leadership role in addressing global biodiversity loss by demonstrating what ‘transformative action’ to address biodiversity loss in an advanced industrialised economy looks like. This should entail the production of credible plans, which include measures to phase out economic incentives which threaten conservation and restoration, with a view to meeting the 2030 Biodiversity Framework, once agreed, and the development of robust means to ensure that these plans are owned and implemented across Government. Assessments of the potential impact of Government actions on biodiversity loss must be introduced for all Government departments.
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Government response AI summary
The government has amended the Environment Bill to include a legally binding target to halt species decline by 2030, with details to be set by October 2022, and outlines a statutory cycle for monitoring and reporting on environmental improvement plans.
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4
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
No such system yet exists to restore the UK’s greatly depleted natural environment. It is thus unsurprising that the UK failed to achieve at least 14 of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and the Government is not on track to achieve its goal to provide the next generation with a better …
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No such system yet exists to restore the UK’s greatly depleted natural environment. It is thus unsurprising that the UK failed to achieve at least 14 of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and the Government is not on track to achieve its goal to provide the next generation with a better natural environment.
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Government response AI summary
The government details ongoing and planned actions, including scoping an inspectorate and allocating funding for invasive non-native species, awarding contracts for biocontrol methods, and initiatives from the England Trees Action Plan. It also notes an upcoming GB Plant Biosecurity Strategy by 2022, all contributing to …
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7
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
We recommend that the Government introduce mechanisms to ensure that each Government department and non-departmental public body is required, by their policies and actions, to contribute to reaching the targets set out above. The Office for Environmental Protection should be responsible for ensuring their enforcement.
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We recommend that the Government introduce mechanisms to ensure that each Government department and non-departmental public body is required, by their policies and actions, to contribute to reaching the targets set out above. The Office for Environmental Protection should be responsible for ensuring their enforcement.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the Environment Bill already places an explicit duty on government to meet species abundance and other environmental targets, and that the Office for Environmental Protection will provide regular scrutiny to ensure accountability.
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11
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
Public expenditure on measures to promote biodiversity has been cut in real terms over recent years. As a result, levels of monitoring have been scaled back, and the capacity for assessing the state of protected areas and vulnerable species nationally has been reduced. Government bodies do not have enough skilled …
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Public expenditure on measures to promote biodiversity has been cut in real terms over recent years. As a result, levels of monitoring have been scaled back, and the capacity for assessing the state of protected areas and vulnerable species nationally has been reduced. Government bodies do not have enough skilled ecologists to provide comprehensive expert monitoring, and these bodies are over-reliant on the voluntary sector to fill the gaps which arise. Currently, local authorities do not have enough in-house ecologists to provide the monitoring which is expected to underpin the Government’s policy on biodiversity net gain.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that Natural England has already received a 47% increase in its Grant in Aid budget and has increased external income by over 90% since 2013 to support biodiversity monitoring. It also highlights existing bodies responsible for monitoring.
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21
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
We support the recommendations of the Natural Capital Committee that the development of soil indicators should be fast-tracked; that a shadow target for soil health should be established urgently; and that a legally-binding target for soil health ought to be established as soon as monitoring data allows. Healthy soils should …
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We support the recommendations of the Natural Capital Committee that the development of soil indicators should be fast-tracked; that a shadow target for soil health should be established urgently; and that a legally-binding target for soil health ought to be established as soon as monitoring data allows. Healthy soils should be a priority outcome for the Environmental Land Management Schemes, so as to encourage farmers to adopt beneficial agri-environmental practices. (Paragraph 105) Funding biodiversity
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendations, stating it is developing new soil health indicators, investing £8.8m in research, plans to launch a new soil health standard in 2023, and is committed to setting a legally binding target for soil health as soon as data allows. Healthy …
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33
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
At present there is no strategy to tie the reporting framework for the 25 Year Environment Plan to the ten 25 Year Environment Plan goals. Nor does the plan explain how it will be delivered by local government and arm’s length bodies or how key environmental policies, like the Environmental …
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At present there is no strategy to tie the reporting framework for the 25 Year Environment Plan to the ten 25 Year Environment Plan goals. Nor does the plan explain how it will be delivered by local government and arm’s length bodies or how key environmental policies, like the Environmental Land Management Scheme, will seek to deliver on the Plan’s goals. We look forward to the new monitoring and reporting cycle introduced by the Environment Bill and will be assessing whether it addresses previous issues with the reporting framework and delivers tangible improvements on the ground. (Paragraph 154) Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? 119
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the Outcome Indicator Framework already provides a method for reporting on the progress of the 25 Year Environment Plan and its goals, drawing together measures to describe environmental change.
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35
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
The 25 Year Environment Plan is not yet supported by clear, ambitious, quantified statutory targets and milestones. The Environment Bill will provide a statutory underpinning for five of the goals in the Plan, but government has not set long-term objectives for the other five plan areas or how its goals …
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The 25 Year Environment Plan is not yet supported by clear, ambitious, quantified statutory targets and milestones. The Environment Bill will provide a statutory underpinning for five of the goals in the Plan, but government has not set long-term objectives for the other five plan areas or how its goals will be met. The current significant improvement test for targets within the Environment Bill is ultimately decided by the Secretary of State. We agree with the Natural Capital Committee that the test is highly subjective.
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Government response AI summary
In response to concerns about a lack of clear statutory targets, the government states it has amended the Environment Bill to require a new legally binding target to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030, with details to be set by October 2022. It …
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46
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
Effective Environmental Land Management Schemes will only be possible if farmers and land managers are brought into the process of policy design. This must include reaching out beyond the ‘usual suspects’ of big farming unions and environmental groups.
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Effective Environmental Land Management Schemes will only be possible if farmers and land managers are brought into the process of policy design. This must include reaching out beyond the ‘usual suspects’ of big farming unions and environmental groups.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, detailing how it is already involving over 3,000 farmers in co-designing and testing ELM schemes through the Test and Trials programme, and plans further engagement workshops this Autumn.
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47
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
To include harder-to-reach farmers and land managers, rural broadband connectivity must be addressed as a matter of urgency, as recommended by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in 2019. Defra should also make provision for tailored, farm-specific advice, farm visits, demonstration farms, and other knowledge-sharing activities that support the …
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To include harder-to-reach farmers and land managers, rural broadband connectivity must be addressed as a matter of urgency, as recommended by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in 2019. Defra should also make provision for tailored, farm-specific advice, farm visits, demonstration farms, and other knowledge-sharing activities that support the achievement of biodiversity goals. Defra should identify ‘win-wins’ that deliver production and environmental benefits to encourage early buy- in from farmers to the scheme. The scheme should include sufficient flexibility to allow for alternative land-uses, such as using land for storing carbon, helping to prevent floods, and maintaining beautiful landscapes for people to enjoy and reconnect with Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? 121 nature. The introduction of ELMS should be used as an opportunity to encourage monitoring of on farm biodiversity, with funded audits of soil health, carbon sequestration and wildlife species prevalence forming a routine element of compliance and reporting.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, outlining its Agricultural Transition Plan and new Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes (Sustainable Farming Incentive, Local Nature Recovery, Landscape Recovery). It commits to developing these schemes with farmers, providing tailored advice and support, and ongoing engagement to achieve biodiversity goals.
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50
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
We welcome the Government’s focus for COP26 on nature-based solutions (NbS) and the increased investment provided by the Nature for Climate fund. Nature- based solutions could substantially contribute to meeting the UK’s net zero goals 122 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? but must not be seen as a …
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We welcome the Government’s focus for COP26 on nature-based solutions (NbS) and the increased investment provided by the Nature for Climate fund. Nature- based solutions could substantially contribute to meeting the UK’s net zero goals 122 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? but must not be seen as a substitute from the urgent task of decarbonising all sectors of the economy, and in particular, the UK’s energy system. It’s also essential that the Government follows best practice standards for Nature Based Solutions. This will ensure biodiversity benefits are delivered as part of NbS, and the trade- offs between cost effectiveness, long and short-term gains and securing different environmental benefits, can be managed through a transparent and inclusive process.
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Government response AI summary
The government highlights its investment in nature restoration and nature-based solutions through the £640m Nature for Climate and £80m Green Recovery Challenge funds, aiming to treble tree planting rates and restore 35,000ha of peatland by 2025.
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52
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
Protection and restoration of peatlands have an important role to play in NbS. The Government’s announced ban on rotational burning of peat in protected areas is welcome, as part of the transformational change necessary to meet biodiversity and net zero targets. We commend the consultation on banning the sale of …
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Protection and restoration of peatlands have an important role to play in NbS. The Government’s announced ban on rotational burning of peat in protected areas is welcome, as part of the transformational change necessary to meet biodiversity and net zero targets. We commend the consultation on banning the sale of peat products and believe the proposal should be brought in as soon as possible.
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is investing in nature restoration, including a Peatland Grant Scheme to restore approximately 35,000 hectares of peatland by 2025, through existing funds like the £640m Nature for Climate Fund.
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53
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
We welcome the Government’s Trees Action Plan, and the intention to focus on planting broadleaf native species. The Government must not try to meet its tree planting target solely through commercial timber plantations using non- native species. A balance of tree planting is required to allow increased domestic commercial timber …
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We welcome the Government’s Trees Action Plan, and the intention to focus on planting broadleaf native species. The Government must not try to meet its tree planting target solely through commercial timber plantations using non- native species. A balance of tree planting is required to allow increased domestic commercial timber production to reduce reliance on imports. The appropriate mix of tree species will depend on site conditions. Creating woods with more native broadleaf tree species will provide greater biodiversity benefits, carbon stocks, more improved water quality and reduce soil erosion. These benefits can be scaled up through greater public and private investment in NbS.
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is investing in nature restoration and nature-based solutions through funds like the £640m Nature for Climate Fund, which aims to treble tree planting rates by the end of Parliament and includes a Peatland Grant Scheme.
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55
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
Tackling over-consumption of natural resources is essential to meet the Government’s net zero goals and to reverse biodiversity loss. The first step in doing this is recognising the need to reduce the UK’s overall consumption. We welcome indications that Ministers are starting to consider adopting a consumption-based measure of the …
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Tackling over-consumption of natural resources is essential to meet the Government’s net zero goals and to reverse biodiversity loss. The first step in doing this is recognising the need to reduce the UK’s overall consumption. We welcome indications that Ministers are starting to consider adopting a consumption-based measure of the UK’s environmental impact.
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Government response AI summary
The government has commissioned the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to develop a global environmental footprint indicator as part of the 25 Year Environment Plan's Outcome Indicators Framework, with the first phase published and further development underway to inform future policy.
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57
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
Professor Dasgupta has emphasised that family planning and sexual and reproductive healthcare is a neglected feature of public policy. The unmet demand for family planning is huge and addressing human population numbers is also key to reducing our demands on the biosphere. The UK needs to remain a global leader …
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Professor Dasgupta has emphasised that family planning and sexual and reproductive healthcare is a neglected feature of public policy. The unmet demand for family planning is huge and addressing human population numbers is also key to reducing our demands on the biosphere. The UK needs to remain a global leader in supporting family planning and encouraging other countries to do the same. Announced cuts to the UK overseas development assistance threatens this. Given the Government’s intension to take a strategic approach to cuts, and the disproportionate benefits of family planning and sexual and reproductive healthcare compared to other development initiatives, spending in this area needs to be prioritised.
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is a proud defender of sexual and reproductive health and rights, highlighting past spending and commitments to use aid and diplomacy to empower women, and confirms it will continue to fund relevant programs despite difficult financial decisions.
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59
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
Economic models that do not value nature and ecosystems cannot address climate change and biodiversity loss. GDP is a well-established measure of economic activity, but as Professor Dasgupta has highlighted, by itself it is not an adequate way to assesses the UK’s economy. GDP does not account for the depreciation …
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Economic models that do not value nature and ecosystems cannot address climate change and biodiversity loss. GDP is a well-established measure of economic activity, but as Professor Dasgupta has highlighted, by itself it is not an adequate way to assesses the UK’s economy. GDP does not account for the depreciation of the natural environment. We are encouraged by the innovative work of the ONS to develop measures and frameworks beyond GDP.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges GDP limitations and commits to further work with ONS, including providing additional funding, to improve the incorporation of nature into national accounts and natural capital estimates.
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61
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
Further work is needed on the natural capital accounting and assessment methodology, but this should not stop the Government and businesses using natural capital accounting now. Accounting for natural capital in some way, is better than ignoring it completely because the system is not yet perfect. As a world leader …
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Further work is needed on the natural capital accounting and assessment methodology, but this should not stop the Government and businesses using natural capital accounting now. Accounting for natural capital in some way, is better than ignoring it completely because the system is not yet perfect. As a world leader in the development of natural capital accounts, the UK has an important role to play in promoting this practice international.
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Government response AI summary
The government highlights its existing global leadership in natural capital approaches, referencing G7 agreements, UN guidance development (which it funded and contributed to), and ongoing work with the UN Statistical Division.
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62
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
The UK should work with countries at COP15, COP26 and through the G7 to construct an internationally agreed way to integrate natural capital accounts into core national 124 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? accounts. This aligns with two of the Government’s COP26 presidency goals: finance and collaboration. The …
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The UK should work with countries at COP15, COP26 and through the G7 to construct an internationally agreed way to integrate natural capital accounts into core national 124 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? accounts. This aligns with two of the Government’s COP26 presidency goals: finance and collaboration. The UK should also use its leverage within the IMF, to call for the incorporation of natural capital accounts in macroeconomic surveillance undertaken by IMF.
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Government response AI summary
The government states the UK is already demonstrating global leadership by securing G7 agreements on natural capital accounting and embedding biodiversity in financial decision-making, and has actively contributed to the UN Statistical Commission's approval of ecosystem accounting guidance.
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63
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
The Committee acknowledges that currently natural capital approaches cannot capture intrinsic values of nature, but they do serve as a first stepping-stone to valuing the natural environment in existing economic models.
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the conclusion and commits to further action by working with the ONS and providing additional funding to improve the incorporation of nature into national accounts and natural capital estimates.
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64
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
At present, the impact of Government policies and projects on nature is not adequately factored into spending decisions. As a result, the Government is not on track to meet its nature recovery goals. On aggregate, HM Treasury and other departments spending decisions must support not undermine the realisation of the …
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At present, the impact of Government policies and projects on nature is not adequately factored into spending decisions. As a result, the Government is not on track to meet its nature recovery goals. On aggregate, HM Treasury and other departments spending decisions must support not undermine the realisation of the Government’s environmental goals and legal commitments. The Treasury has tried to prioritise the environment better in spending decisions through updating its Green Book guidance on evaluating projects. Through the Treasury’s Net Zero Review, its continuing response to the Dasgupta Review and new guidance on the valuation of biodiversity, the Treasury aims to integrate climate and environmental considerations further into spending decisions. At present, departments are not doing this consistently and environmental considerations are not embedded in the spending review process. The Government’s £27 billion road-building programme is an example of the type of policy decision likely to conflict with goals on nature recovery. Contrary to this Committee’s recommendations, when making policy on spending, taxation and the allocation of resources, Ministers do not have to apply the Environmental Principles. To achieve the transformational change necessary to address biodiversity loss, nature must be considered to ensure the best balance in policy-and decision making. Failure to do so will mean we continue to over-exploit nature, to the detriment of the natural world and ourselves.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that departments are already required to assess environmental impacts using the Green Book, which is continuously improved through revisions and new supplementary guidance on biodiversity valuation.
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65
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Accepted
We support the recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee that the Treasury’s next Comprehensive Spending Review should set out how the full value of environmental impacts has been taken into account, and the impact of spending decisions on meeting government’s long-term environmental goals. To achieve this, every department needs to …
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We support the recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee that the Treasury’s next Comprehensive Spending Review should set out how the full value of environmental impacts has been taken into account, and the impact of spending decisions on meeting government’s long-term environmental goals. To achieve this, every department needs to account for the costs and benefits to nature when appraising projects and policies. We reiterate the recommendation of the 2017–19 Committee that general taxation and spending should not be exempt from the Environmental Principles.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that departments are already required to assess environmental impacts using the Green Book framework, which has been continuously improved, including revised guidance and new supplementary guidance on biodiversity valuation.
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15
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Accepted
Within the National Food Strategy the Government should consider how a natural capital approach could be adopted without placing a disproportionate financial burden on farmers or consumers.
Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating it recognizes the role of natural capital in agriculture and is funding research projects to better understand its impacts in the sector, a step towards considering its adoption.
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21
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Accepted
We recommend that in response to this report the Government detail how it intends to nature-proof overseas development assistance, and how compliance with this commitment will be monitored. (Paragraph 89) The UNCBD COP15
Government response AI summary
The government states it already committed to nature-proof ODA and ensures all new bilateral ODA does no harm. It details existing FCDO mandatory environmental assessments, compliance monitoring via project approval, and describes ongoing initiatives like the Darwin Initiative and IWT Challenge Fund.
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28
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Accepted
The global biodiversity funding gap is huge. It cannot be tackled with contributions from the Global Environment Facility alone. A dedicated financial mechanism for biodiversity action, as has already been set out and agreed by Parties under the CBD, is essential. We welcome the UK’s commitment to spend £3 billion …
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The global biodiversity funding gap is huge. It cannot be tackled with contributions from the Global Environment Facility alone. A dedicated financial mechanism for biodiversity action, as has already been set out and agreed by Parties under the CBD, is essential. We welcome the UK’s commitment to spend £3 billion of its International Climate Finance allocation to support nature-based solutions to climate change.
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Government response AI summary
The government reiterates the Prime Minister's 2021 commitment to spend at least £3 billion of International Climate Finance over five years on nature-based climate solutions and states it will continue to develop its approach to implementing CBD commitments.
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29
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Accepted
As host of COP26, the UK has an instrumental role to play in pairing the UNCBD COP16 and UNFCCC COP26. We are encouraged by Ministers’ assurances that there is a close working relationship with their Chinese counterparts regarding efforts to join the two COPs together. Agreeing a working definition and …
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As host of COP26, the UK has an instrumental role to play in pairing the UNCBD COP16 and UNFCCC COP26. We are encouraged by Ministers’ assurances that there is a close working relationship with their Chinese counterparts regarding efforts to join the two COPs together. Agreeing a working definition and principles for nature-based solutions can provide a tangible way to link the two conferences and their outcomes. The UK can also support China by sharing its experience in conducting international environmental negotiations.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the link between climate and biodiversity and placed nature at the heart of COP26, achieving positive outcomes for nature. They detail regular, productive engagement with China on integrating global action, including collaboration on the 'Kunming Declaration' to link COP26 and COP15.
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30
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Accepted
In promoting a transformative Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework, we recommend that the UK Government advocate: • A strengthening of the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework’s 2030 mission to align with the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature and G7 2030 Nature Compact to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. • A more ambitious, SMARTer …
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In promoting a transformative Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework, we recommend that the UK Government advocate: • A strengthening of the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework’s 2030 mission to align with the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature and G7 2030 Nature Compact to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. • A more ambitious, SMARTer species goal (Goal A) which commits to stopping human-induced extinctions. • Inclusion of reference to nature-based solutions in Target 8, so that the UNFCCC and UNCBD processes can be better linked. • Stronger wording on the need to reduce unsustainable consumption and production patterns amongst developed countries. • An ambitious Paris-style review mechanism for biodiversity, which encourages Parties to ‘ratchet’ the level of ambition of their National Targets at regular review intervals. • A dedicated financial mechanism for the UNCBD.
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms it is seeking a commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, has advocated for this under the G7, and supports ambitious goals for species, review mechanisms, and nature-based solutions. It also details aligned domestic actions like protecting 30% of land …
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31
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Accepted
To help pair the UNCBD and UNFCCC COPs, we recommend the UK explore opportunities to support China on leading international environmental negotiations. We also recommend that China and the UK collaborate on how to integrate nature- based solutions across both COPs; and we recommend that the UK encourage China to …
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To help pair the UNCBD and UNFCCC COPs, we recommend the UK explore opportunities to support China on leading international environmental negotiations. We also recommend that China and the UK collaborate on how to integrate nature- based solutions across both COPs; and we recommend that the UK encourage China to sign the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature as a demonstration of its environmental leadership ahead of COP15. (Paragraph 136) The UK’s footprint on global biodiversity 53
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms it is actively addressing climate and biodiversity together, engaging regularly and productively with China on integrating global action, and collaborating on initiatives like the Kunming Declaration. They also commit to continuing to encourage China to sign the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature.
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