2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by 2030

The government's response

What the committee recommended 54

1. 1
   It is clear from the we evidence received that designations with a nature conservation purpose... Conclusion · paragraph 17
2. 2
   We recommend that all existing designations for nature conservation in England be retained as a... Recommendation · paragraph 18
3. 3
   At present it is not clear which sites are intended to count towards 30 by... Conclusion · paragraph 25
4. 4
   We are pleased to see that the Government will be publishing a map this year... Recommendation · paragraph 26
5. 5
   We heard from stakeholders that the designations covered by the EU Habitats Regulations are the... Conclusion · paragraph 28

See all 54 recommendations and conclusions

Sources

• 2nd Report - An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by 2030 ↗The committee's report, parliament.uk
• Government response to the Environment and Climate Change Committee report 'An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by 2030' ↗The government's response, 8 November 2023, parliament.uk

Recommendations and conclusions 54

1. 1
   It is clear from the we evidence received that designations with a nature conservation purpose... Conclusion · paragraph 17 Conclusion (the committee's words)

   It is clear from the we evidence received that designations with a nature conservation purpose are an important starting point for meeting 30 by 30. At present, protected areas are not sufficient in their extent and are often in poor condition, as we discuss in Chapter 3. Existing designations have a distinctive and valuable role and can be layered to allow an evolutionary approach to better nature protection. The Government is yet to clearly commit to retaining them.
2. 2
   We recommend that all existing designations for nature conservation in England be retained as a... Recommendation · paragraph 18 Recommendation (the committee's words)

   We recommend that all existing designations for nature conservation in England be retained as a basis for the 30 by 30 target . They will require investment in resources and incentives for better management to meet clear nature conservation objectives, in addition to investment in effective monitoring.
3. 3
   At present it is not clear which sites are intended to count towards 30 by... Conclusion · paragraph 25 Conclusion (the committee's words)

   At present it is not clear which sites are intended to count towards 30 by 30, or how the Government plans to achieve the target. We welcome Defra’s plan to publish a map of what will count towards 30 by 30 before the end of 2023. However, with only 6.5 per cent of land in England currently covered by Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserve (NNR), Ramsar, Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA) site designations and a lack of clarity about the level of nature conservation protections for some of these sites, an urgent step change is needed to ensure that the 30 by 30 target will be met.
4. 4
   We are pleased to see that the Government will be publishing a map this year... Recommendation · paragraph 26 Recommendation (the committee's words)

   We are pleased to see that the Government will be publishing a map this year on what counts towards 30 by 30. We recommend that alongside the map, the Government produce an action plan addressing the extent, condition, management and monitoring of areas to achieve the target. This must address how the significant gap between current designations and the 30 per cent target on land will be addressed.
5. 5
   We heard from stakeholders that the designations covered by the EU Habitats Regulations are the... Conclusion · paragraph 28 Conclusion (the committee's words)

   We heard from stakeholders that the designations covered by the EU Habitats Regulations are the sites with the highest strength of protection in England. They will be critical for achieving the 30 by 30 target and supporting nature recovery.
6. 6
   We are pleased the Habitats Regulations were not included in the list of retained EU... Recommendation · paragraph 29 Recommendation (the committee's words)

   We are pleased the Habitats Regulations were not included in the list of retained EU law which will be revoked by 31 December 2023 under the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023, but there is still a possibility of their substantial dilution. We recommend that the Habitats Regulations are retained and are not subject to amendment without an appropriate degree of parliamentary scrutiny or where the protections afforded by the regulations are weakened.
7. 7
   We heard that a whole-site approach for protection and monitoring, including the collection of site-level... Conclusion · paragraph 35 Conclusion (the committee's words)

   We heard that a whole-site approach for protection and monitoring, including the collection of site-level details, in combination with the current approach focused on species monitoring and counting, would be a more effective approach. It would allow an understanding of site condition, taking in factors beyond a single feature and would develop a greater understanding of ecological resilience in response to stress such as climate change. It would also consider the multiple, overlapping functions delivered by individual sites.
8. 8
   We recommend that the Government develops a whole- site protection and monitoring approach to protected... Recommendation · paragraph 36 Recommendation (the committee's words)

   We recommend that the Government develops a whole- site protection and monitoring approach to protected areas on land, in addition to the feature-based monitoring and assessment that is currently used.
9. 9
   We received substantial evidence regarding the patchiness of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) monitoring... Conclusion · paragraph 42 Conclusion (the committee's words)

   We received substantial evidence regarding the patchiness of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) monitoring data. Poor monitoring data limits the understanding of the current condition of sites across the SSSI network and makes effective planning for targeted action very challenging. We heard about the impact of funding cuts to Natural England between 2010–2019 which has led to only 22 per cent of SSSI sites having been monitored in the last six years. Sustained funding support and clear, stable policy with regards to monitoring with a focus on the delivery of 30 by 30 is required to attain a clearer, data-driven picture of the site condition across the SSSI network in England.
10. 10
    While the Committee recognises the challenges posed by a constrained budget, the Government needs to... Recommendation · paragraph 43 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    While the Committee recognises the challenges posed by a constrained budget, the Government needs to develop an effective policy with a sustained funding commitment to deliver regular monitoring of SSSIs and for each site to be monitored every six years. The monitoring should produce transparent and accessible data and the Government should also seek to make use of voluntary contributions to data collection and monitoring, such as citizen science programmes.
11. 11
    The Committee heard from a number of stakeholders that a lack of a statutory duty... Conclusion · paragraph 44 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    The Committee heard from a number of stakeholders that a lack of a statutory duty for SSSI monitoring has, due to implementation of past budget cuts, meant monitoring has become a casualty of resource constraints. A statutory monitoring duty would help deliver the funding for a priority activity to achieve the 30 by 30 target.
12. 12
    We recommend that the Government use the next legislative opportunity to place a statutory duty... Recommendation · paragraph 45 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that the Government use the next legislative opportunity to place a statutory duty on Natural England for monitoring of SSSIs and that the resulting data is made publicly available.
13. 13
    We welcome the Government target to meet the goal of 75 per cent of Sites... Conclusion · paragraph 49 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We welcome the Government target to meet the goal of 75 per cent of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to be in a favourable condition by 2042 and the interim target that 50 per cent of SSSIs should have actions on track to achieve favourable condition by 31 January 2028. The evidence shows that the condition of SSSI sites is poor, and the Government has made no progress in improving the condition and quality of SSSIs over the last 13 years, with current data revealing a small decrease in site condition. A step change is required to deliver tangible progress on site condition and to deliver the interim target set out in the Environment Improvement Plan.
14. 14
    Alongside the publication of the map, the Government should indicate what proportion of sites are... Recommendation · paragraph 50 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    Alongside the publication of the map, the Government should indicate what proportion of sites are currently in adequate condition to count towards 30 by 30. The Government should publish a clear plan with realistic targets to deliver steady progress on moving more SSSIs into favourable condition. Future progress should be clearly evidenced and publicly available.
15. 15
    Stakeholders expressed concern about the inclusion of designated areas in the 30 by 30 target... Conclusion · paragraph 53 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Stakeholders expressed concern about the inclusion of designated areas in the 30 by 30 target which do not meet International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidance. We share this concern. Additionally, any new designations contributing to 30 by 30 will need to be assessed against international criteria. Robust selection criteria for which areas count towards 30 by 30 should be in place to ensure that sites are high-quality and protected for nature.
16. 16
    We recommend that areas contributing towards 30 by 30 should comply with the guidance set... Recommendation · paragraph 54 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that areas contributing towards 30 by 30 should comply with the guidance set out by the IUCN which requires that protected areas are “clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long- term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values”. Further, we recommend that the longevity criteria for ‘long- term’ conservation be set at more than 30 years.
17. 17
    Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation... Conclusion · paragraph 55 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) on land and at sea and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) should have been monitored in the last six years or in the six years preceding the target date of 2030, as is consistent with the JNCC common standards monitoring for designated sites. Sites that achieve a condition status other than “destroyed” could be included in the 30 by 30 target. They should have a management plan and actionable timeframe for delivery. Sites that are declared to be “destroyed ” do not meet the criteria for 30 by 30 and should not be included.
18. 18
    We were pleased to hear that developing connectivity between various designations is a priority for... Conclusion · paragraph 64 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We were pleased to hear that developing connectivity between various designations is a priority for the Government. Evidence we have received points to the critical role of connectivity and corridors across the wider landscape and urban areas to provide conduits for species to move, particularly to support the development of a systems approach to nature restoration and move away from siloed forms of protection.
19. 19
    We welcome the resourcing of Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs), but for them to deliver... Conclusion · paragraph 65 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We welcome the resourcing of Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs), but for them to deliver on the creation of sites to achieve connectivity, not just identify them, they must be given sufficient weight in the planning system as described further at paragraph 129.
20. 20
    The impact of threats to the environment are managed by a wide range of policies... Conclusion · paragraph 68 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    The impact of threats to the environment are managed by a wide range of policies and corresponding government departments and devolved administrations. Achieving 30 by 30 will be a collaborative goal and will require effective and joined up working beyond Defra and beyond Whitehall. It will require commitment, coordination and funding from Government to ensure delivery.
21. 21
    Delivering 30 by 30 will require investment of time, resources and coordination led by Defra... Conclusion · paragraph 69 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Delivering 30 by 30 will require investment of time, resources and coordination led by Defra to work in partnership with other bodies. The target will not be delivered by Defra alone.
22. 22
    We recommend that alongside the publication of the map, the Government make clear the relationships... Recommendation · paragraph 70 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that alongside the publication of the map, the Government make clear the relationships and other partners whom they will work alongside to deliver 30 by 30. This should recognise the roles of—as well as the partnerships between—the statutory bodies, volunteer and other relevant organisations, and government departments in delivering, managing and monitoring the range of designations and mechanisms to be used for nature recovery.
23. 23
    Effective collaboration and partnership working will play an important role in working constructively with the... Conclusion · paragraph 74 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Effective collaboration and partnership working will play an important role in working constructively with the devolved administrations to develop criteria and share best practice. It will also be important for supporting the UK Overseas Territories to deliver successful management of protected areas and the contribution they can make towards 30 by 30.
24. 24
    We recommend that the Government prioritise establishing effective partnership working with the devolved administrations and... Recommendation · paragraph 75 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that the Government prioritise establishing effective partnership working with the devolved administrations and the UK Overseas Territories. This will require an investment of time and the sufficient allocation of resources to support activities in the UK Overseas Territories and effective collaborative working with the devolved administrations.
25. 25
    We acknowledge that a significant increase in Government-administered monitoring is both staff and resource intensive... Conclusion · paragraph 79 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We acknowledge that a significant increase in Government-administered monitoring is both staff and resource intensive at a time when there are significant competing demands on public finances. Citizen science data-gathering could play an important role in augmenting and strengthening the monitoring and management of SSSIs and other protected sites. A number of stakeholders reported the critical role that voluntary citizen science does and could play in supplementing monitoring data, if the methodologies used were robust and standardised. We conclude that, if managed effectively, citizen science programmes could make a worthwhile contribution to site and species monitoring efforts. This would serve to both enhance public awareness and engagement in the 30 by 30 initiative and support the delivery of robust datasets.
26. 26
    We recommend that the Government expand the role of robust citizen science programmes in protected... Recommendation · paragraph 80 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that the Government expand the role of robust citizen science programmes in protected areas to support monitoring and condition assessment programmes.
27. 27
    Public buy-in and understanding of the aims and benefits of protected areas will be critical... Conclusion · paragraph 82 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Public buy-in and understanding of the aims and benefits of protected areas will be critical to their success. There is more that could be done to raise awareness about the 30 by 30 targets and the benefits protected areas can deliver for society.
28. 28
    We recommend that the Government enable and resource Natural England to develop and publicise accessible... Recommendation · paragraph 83 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that the Government enable and resource Natural England to develop and publicise accessible digital and offline tools and communications to enable members of the public to learn about and engage with their local protected areas.
29. 29
    The Landscapes Review was published in May 2018, and the Government responded to it in... Conclusion · paragraph 93 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    The Landscapes Review was published in May 2018, and the Government responded to it in January 2022. The implementation of some aspects of the Government’s response would require changes to legislation, so the Government launched a consultation. The Landscapes Review consultation closed in April 2022, but the findings of the consultation and the Government response are yet to be published.
30. 30
    The Government should publish the findings and its response to the consultation on implementing the... Recommendation Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should publish the findings and its response to the consultation on implementing the Landscapes Review as a priority and in advance of the publication of the map that details what will count towards 30 by
31. 31
    The Committee recognises that there are competing and valid demands to live, work and enjoy... Conclusion · paragraph 95 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    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.
32. 32
    We recommend that: (i) National Parks and AONBs are given at the next legislative opportunity... Recommendation · paragraph 96 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that: (i) National Parks and AONBs are given at the next legislative opportunity an additional statutory duty to protect nature to sit alongside their existing purposes. (ii) Sites within National Parks and AONBs should be identified for specific nature conservation potential, for which nature conservation objectives are developed and appropriate levels of protection and management agreed to deliver these objectives.
33. 33
    We accept that other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) could have an important role to... Conclusion · paragraph 103 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We accept that other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) could have an important role to play in meeting 30 by 30 and make a positive contribution to the current set of designations. This is particularly important given the current considerable gap between land that is sufficiently protected and the 30 by 30 target. However, we are concerned to see that there are thus far no OECMs in England and there is slow progress in setting out their potential role, and a lack of guidance as to how they could be established.
34. 34
    We recommend that the Government launch a consultation to identify and classify potential OECMs in... Recommendation · paragraph 104 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that the Government launch a consultation to identify and classify potential OECMs in England and the contribution they could make to 30 by 30.
35. 35
    Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS) have a strong potential for nature recovery. Conclusion · paragraph 110 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS) have a strong potential for nature recovery. If participating sites meet international guidelines to protect nature for the long term, they could be included in the 30 by 30 target.
36. 36
    We recommend that the Government set out those ELMS they believe have the best potential... Recommendation · paragraph 111 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that the Government set out those ELMS they believe have the best potential to identify sites to count towards the 30 by 30 target in line with international guidance and ensure protection for more than 30 years.
37. 37
    We received considerable evidence from stakeholders and land managers regarding the challenge of accessing and... Conclusion · paragraph 116 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We received considerable evidence from stakeholders and land managers regarding the challenge of accessing and understanding Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS) in protected areas. Achieving 30 by 30 and upgrading England’s countryside for nature recovery will require working in partnership effectively with land managers and farmers to improve farming practices and establish new areas of land that can be conserved to improve biodiversity and connectivity.
38. 38
    We recommend that the Government work with Natural England to design and implement an advisory... Recommendation · paragraph 117 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that the Government work with Natural England to design and implement an advisory mechanism that will support farmers in navigating ELMS to maximise the amount of land that is currently or may in the future be able to contribute to 30 by 30. This will require resources to help deliver. This mechanism should include: (a) A named advisory officer for each key farm; and (b) A free advisory service for land managers.
39. 39
    Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) could play a small but important role in contributing to 30... Conclusion · paragraph 120 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) could play a small but important role in contributing to 30 by 30 and delivering nature recovery and identifying, funding and implementing nature management measures in some new areas. This will require BNG to be well regulated and managed for biodiversity and the gains will need to be well-evidenced.
40. 40
    We recommend that any BNG sites that contribute to 30 by 30 must have specific... Recommendation · paragraph 121 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that any BNG sites that contribute to 30 by 30 must have specific nature conservation objectives, effective management to deliver these, proper monitoring and a guarantee of sufficient longevity beyond the normal requirement of the BNG regime (more than 30 years).
41. 41
    We recognise the valuable role that Local Nature Partnerships play as a mechanism to convene... Conclusion · paragraph 123 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We recognise the valuable role that Local Nature Partnerships play as a mechanism to convene stakeholders and experts to identify potential sites for nature recovery as part of LNRSs.
42. 42
    We recommend that Local Nature Partnerships be appropriately resourced for their role in helping deliver... Recommendation · paragraph 124 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that Local Nature Partnerships be appropriately resourced for their role in helping deliver LNRSs.
43. 43
    For Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs) to be effective, it is important that there is... Conclusion · paragraph 128 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    For Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs) to be effective, it is important that there is a strong link between LNRSs and development plans, with a statutory requirement on local planning authorities to incorporate policies and proposals in their development plans to deliver the objectives of LNRSs.
44. 44
    The Government should ensure that LNRSs will be considered and given due weight in the... Recommendation · paragraph 129 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    The Government should ensure that LNRSs will be considered and given due weight in the planning system, including through statutory underpinning at the next legislative opportunity. Local authorities should be required to deliver the objectives of the LNRSs as part of their development plans.
45. 45
    We welcome Defra’s plan to publish a map of the land and sea that will... Conclusion · paragraph 133 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We welcome Defra’s plan to publish a map of the land and sea that will count towards 30 by 30 before the end of 2023. We are concerned about the lack of clarity around progress towards 30 by 30 at sea due to reported discrepancies in the extent of English waters that are effectively protected and the paucity of monitoring data. It is critical that the Government provide clarity on how 30 by 30 will be met at sea.
46. 46
    We recommend that alongside the map of what will count towards 30 by 30 the... Recommendation · paragraph 134 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that alongside the map of what will count towards 30 by 30 the Government produce an action plan for achieving 30 by 30 at sea.
47. 47
    We received substantial written evidence detailing the challenging lack of transparent and reliable monitoring data... Conclusion · paragraph 148 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We received substantial written evidence detailing the challenging lack of transparent and reliable monitoring data for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). As on land, this makes establishing a robust baseline of data to use to target resources very difficult. Rigorous monitoring data must be established quickly to inform effective marine management and decision making to achieve 30 by 30 at sea.
48. 48
    We recommend that the Government expand the current marine monitoring programme both inshore and offshore... Recommendation · paragraph 149 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that the Government expand the current marine monitoring programme both inshore and offshore to develop a robust baseline of data that should be made publicly available. This programme should increase the frequency of monitoring and limit data extrapolation by ensuring that a larger sub-section of sites is being monitored on a more regular basis than the current ‘sentinel’ approach. The Government should also explore the option of remote electronic monitoring in the marine monitoring programme. The data produced from the monitoring should be easily accessible and understandable for all to track progress and demonstrate recovery of marine ecosystems.
49. 49
    The Committee heard that the current resources available for marine monitoring are not sufficient to... Conclusion · paragraph 150 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    The Committee heard that the current resources available for marine monitoring are not sufficient to generate repeated and statistically robust time-series sampling points which are necessary for tracking and forming a baseline understanding of site conditions. Multiple stakeholders reported the need for an uplift in funding to establish an effective monitoring regime which is an essential early step in effective marine protection and management.
50. 50
    We recommend an uplift in funding for marine monitoring to ensure more rigorous data collection... Recommendation · paragraph 151 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend an uplift in funding for marine monitoring to ensure more rigorous data collection at sea.
51. 51
    We received considerable evidence regarding the damaging nature of fishing using bottom-contacting gears which occurs... Conclusion · paragraph 156 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We received considerable evidence regarding the damaging nature of fishing using bottom-contacting gears which occurs across English waters, including within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This type of activity is some of the most damaging to marine ecosystems and species and achieving 30 by 30 will require careful management of these activities.
52. 52
    We recommend that the Government better regulate the use of bottom trawling at sea, particularly... Recommendation · paragraph 157 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We recommend that the Government better regulate the use of bottom trawling at sea, particularly in MPAs and move to a more holistic site management approach at sea.
53. 53
    We welcome the adoption of three Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in English waters, but... Conclusion · paragraph 159 Conclusion (the committee's words)

    We welcome the adoption of three Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in English waters, but more progress is needed. The 2022 Benyon Review into HPMAs called for five pilot sites to be established as a minimum and for these sites to cover different environments and activities with sufficient geographic spread to cover nearshore, inshore and offshore areas. We are disappointed that only three sites will be protected rather than five, which would have covered a broader range of environments and activities and therefore helped with learning for future sites. However, we recognise the need
54. 54
    We endorse the recommendation of the 2023 report of the House of Commons Environment, Food... Recommendation · paragraph 160 Recommendation (the committee's words)

    We endorse the recommendation of the 2023 report of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Protecting Marine Mammals in the UK and Abroad, published on 28 June 2023: “We call on the Government to publish an ambitious timescale for the designation of HPMAs and to outline their monitoring and enforcement strategy by the end of 2023.”