Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 43
43
Paragraph: 195
Nature recovery does not happen overnight and must be maintained and built upon for generations.
Conclusion
Nature recovery does not happen overnight and must be maintained and built upon for generations. The proposed 30 year minimum to maintain biodiversity net gains will achieve little in terms of delivering long-lasting nature recovery.
Paragraph Reference:
195
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.