Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 41
41
Paragraph: 193
The Government has failed to define what it means by net environmental gain as set...
Conclusion
The Government has failed to define what it means by net environmental gain as set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan, as its ambition for future development. The 120 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? failure to move towards a system of net environmental gain risks undermining the government’s plans for a green recovery and allows developers to focus entirely on biodiversity, rather than treat the environment as a system. This could lead to severe habitat fragmentation.
Paragraph Reference:
193
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Environment Bill will ensure that new developments enhance biodiversity and deliver measurable ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG). This means developers will be required to ensure habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before the development. This will be achieved by applying the Biodiversity Metric to calculate the losses and gains from development and ensure a minimum 10% gain is achieved. Biodiversity Net Gain is a key tool to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030, as the Environment Bill requires us to do. It will make an important contribution towards achieving our wider environmental ambitions, including those set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan. The Government recognises the important role that Biodiversity Net Gain can play in contributing to nature’s recovery and is committed to ensuring that the policy is implemented effectively. We will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that the policy is fit for purpose and that it delivers the intended benefits for biodiversity.