Recommendation 31

The Committee recognises that there are competing and valid demands to live, work and enjoy the countryside, including within protected landscapes. Giving National Parks and AONBs a statutory nature conservation objective, in addition to their other statutory duties, as set out in the Landscapes Review will not mean they automatically contribute to the 30 by 30 target: that will require designation of particular sites within National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). These sites will require a specific nature conservation objective alongside management, monitoring and assurance of longevity beyond 30 years to ensure the IUCN eligibility criteria for 30 by 30 is met. Giving an additional statutory duty to protect nature would encourage the overall protection of these important areas but would not alone enable them to count towards the 30 by 30 target.