Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Accepted
Paragraph: 153
Insufficient SSSI improvements mean half of sites fail to conserve invertebrate biodiversity effectively.
Conclusion
Witnesses to our Inquiry estimate that approximately half of the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are not in a good state and are failing to conserve invertebrate biodiversity. Protected sites do not exist in isolation and are therefore influenced by the quality of nature in the surrounding environment. Whilst we welcome the statutory improvements to SSSIs set out by the Environment Improvement Plan, which will go some way to prevent more insect species extinctions, our Inquiry heard it is unlikely that these improvements will be sufficient to halt decline in species abundance. This is particularly the case for more common species, where large numbers of individuals in a population are needed to play pivotal roles such as pollination effectively.
Government Response Summary
The government states that SSSI condition assessments already capture offsite pressures and highlights interim targets from the Environmental Improvement Plan for SSSIs by 2028, while also developing new tools like Protected Site Strategies and Local Nature Recovery Strategies to address offsite influences.
Paragraph Reference:
153
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
SSSI condition assessments currently capture the pressures impacting on site condition, including those occurring outside the boundaries of the SSSI. The Environmental Improvement Plan set two interim targets for protected sites. ○ By 31 January 2028, all SSSIs must have an up-to-date condition assessment. ○ and 50% of SSSIs must have actions on track to achieve favourable condition. These interim targets work together to ensure that key pressures are identified, and the necessary actions are taken to address them, including the actions needed to tackle off site pressures. Updates on both these targets will be included in the Environmental Improvement Plan annual reports. We are developing tools to address offsite pressures, which include: ○ Protected Site Strategies (PSS) which will include actions to tackle offsite pressures in the wider catchment. Five pilots are currently underway and will provide the evidence base for PSS rollout. ○ Local Nature Recovery Strategies which seek to help improve the condition of SSSIs by identifying opportunities for the creation or improvement of habitat outside SSSIs to buffer, enhance and increase resilience of protected sites.