Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 26
26
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 154
Invest in monitoring landscapes surrounding protected areas and include data in SSSI assessments.
Recommendation
The Government should invest in the monitoring of landscapes surrounding protected areas to collect evidence on how these areas impact the quality of protected sites. This data should be included in the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) condition assessments. Details of how to mitigate external influences on SSSI conditions should also be considered as an ‘action to achieve favourable conditions’, which in accordance with the Environment Improvement Plan should be reported in 2028.
Government Response Summary
The government states that SSSI condition assessments already capture offsite pressures and highlights interim targets for SSSIs by 2028. They are also developing new tools like Protected Site Strategies and Local Nature Recovery Strategies, which will address and mitigate external influences on SSSI conditions.
Paragraph Reference:
154
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
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.