Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Environmental Audit Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 13 Jul 2020 Closed: 26 Jan 2023 Parliament page
This inquiry examines how the UK can best protect and enhance biodiversity. We are: reviewing the UK Government’s performance on achieving international and domestic biodiversity targets in preparation for the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) examining the state of … Read more
61 Recommendations
41 Conclusions
2 Reports
6 Oral sessions
7 Letters
6 Events
Activity timeline 17 events
24 Mar
2022
Correspondence
3 Mar
2022
Correspondence
1 Feb
2022
Report published
27 Jan
2022
Correspondence
30 Sep
2021
Report published
30 Sep
2021
Report published
7 Jul
2021
Correspondence
30 Jun
2021
Report published
17 Mar
2021
Correspondence
4 Mar
2021
Oral evidence
24 Feb
2021
Oral evidence
13 Jan
2021
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 6 sessions
4 Mar 2021
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Kemi Badenoch · HM Treasury Steve Field · HM Treasury
24 Feb 2021
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Panel 1
Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta · HMT Economics of Biodiversity Review
13 Jan 2021
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Cheryl Case · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Richard Pullen · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Rt Hon George Eustice · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Simon Gallagher · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government The Rt Hon. the Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
9 Dec 2020
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Panel 1; Panel 2; Panel 3
David Webster · Associated British Foods UK Grocery Martin Harper · Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Mihai Coroi · Mott MacDonald Nathalie Seddon · University of Oxford Professor David Hill · Environment Bank Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta · HMT Economics of Biodiversity Review
12 Nov 2020
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Ben McCarthy · National Trust Caroline Knox · National Farmers' Union Environment Forum Craig Bennett · Wildlife Trusts Dr Ruth Little · University of Sheffield Julian Glover · London Evening Standard Kari Sprostranova · Balfour Beatty Mayor Philip Glanville · Local Government Association’s Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board Professor Kathy Willis · Natural Capital Committee
22 Oct 2020
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Andy Purvis · IPBES Anne Larigauderie · IPBES Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias · UN Convention on Biological Diversity Doug Allan · Planet Earth and Blue Planet series Elisa Morgera · Strathclyde University Law School Kate Norgrove · WWF Tony Juniper · Natural England
Recommendations & Conclusions
102 results
1 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services’ call for transformative change provides a...
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services’ call for transformative change provides a yardstick against which action to address biodiversity loss should be measured. The global response to biodiversity loss has so far been inadequate. Piecemeal conservation efforts, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need to address biodiversity loss and references its response to the Dasgupta Review, actions under the Environment Bill including a legally binding 2030 species target, and the forthcoming Nature Strategy for England.
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2 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We recommend that the UK Government play a leadership role in addressing global biodiversity loss...
We recommend that the UK Government play a leadership role in addressing global biodiversity loss by demonstrating what ‘transformative action’ to address biodiversity loss in an advanced industrialised economy looks like. This should entail the production of credible plans, which … Read more
Government Response
The government has amended the Environment Bill to include a legally binding target to halt species decline by 2030, with details to be set by October 2022, and outlines a statutory cycle for monitoring and reporting on environmental improvement plans.
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3 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The UK has established a sophisticated public policy mechanism to tackle the effects of climate...
The UK has established a sophisticated public policy mechanism to tackle the effects of climate change by driving sustained long-term reductions in harmful emissions. This comprises legally binding interim and long-term targets authorised by Parliament, and an independent Climate Change … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges its commitment to cross-departmental action on targets, stating that the duty to achieve targets rests with central government and that the Office for Environmental Protection will enforce environmental law duties, with further details on Greening Government Commitments to be set out shortly.
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4 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
No such system yet exists to restore the UK’s greatly depleted natural environment.
No such system yet exists to restore the UK’s greatly depleted natural environment. It is thus unsurprising that the UK failed to achieve at least 14 of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and the Government is not on track to achieve … Read more
Government Response
The government details ongoing and planned actions, including scoping an inspectorate and allocating funding for invasive non-native species, awarding contracts for biocontrol methods, and initiatives from the England Trees Action Plan. It also notes an upcoming GB Plant Biosecurity Strategy by 2022, all contributing to biosecurity and biodiversity but not explicitly a new overarching system for environmental restoration.
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5 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We welcome the Government’s announcement of a ‘State of Nature’ target on species abundance for...
We welcome the Government’s announcement of a ‘State of Nature’ target on species abundance for 2030. This goes some way in providing a legal mechanism to achieve nature goals, but for this to translate into urgent, transformative action, the target … Read more
Government Response
The government's response details efforts to invest in green skills and jobs, assess capacity needs for environmental policies, and strengthen government capabilities in environmental issues. It does not address the committee's specific recommendation regarding the scope and interim targets for the 'State of Nature' target on species abundance.
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6 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We recommend that the Government introduce, preferably via the Environment Bill currently before Parliament, a...
We recommend that the Government introduce, preferably via the Environment Bill currently before Parliament, a mechanism for statutory interim targets to ensure that its proposed species abundance target is met to halt the decline of nature by 2030. We further … Read more
Government Response
The government describes the statutory cycle of monitoring, planning, and reporting under the Environment Bill, including the Outcome Indicator Framework, but does not commit to statutory interim targets or explicitly extending the legally binding scope of the 2030 target as recommended.
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7 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We recommend that the Government introduce mechanisms to ensure that each Government department and non-departmental...
We recommend that the Government introduce mechanisms to ensure that each Government department and non-departmental public body is required, by their policies and actions, to contribute to reaching the targets set out above. The Office for Environmental Protection should be … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the Environment Bill already places an explicit duty on government to meet species abundance and other environmental targets, and that the Office for Environmental Protection will provide regular scrutiny to ensure accountability.
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8 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Invasive species contribute significantly to the decline in biodiversity levels in Great Britain.
Invasive species contribute significantly to the decline in biodiversity levels in Great Britain. By its own admission, the Government has failed to prevent the arrival and continued spread of damaging invasive species. None of our predecessors’ recommendations on tackling invasive … Read more
Government Response
The government's response describes the 25 Year Environment Plan Outcome Indicator Framework, the use of earth observation technology, and funding for natural capital estimates. This response does not address the committee's conclusion regarding the failure to prevent the spread of invasive species.
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9 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Invasive species continue to cost the economy £1.8 billion per year.
Invasive species continue to cost the economy £1.8 billion per year. It is significantly cheaper to prevent invasive species from establishing, rather than tackling them once they are established.
Government Response
The government's response focuses on marine protection, Marine Protected Areas, and managing fishing activities, but does not specifically address the committee's conclusion regarding the economic cost of invasive species or the importance of preventing their establishment.
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10 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We strongly recommend that Ministers urgently review the recommendations of the Committee’s report on Invasive...
We strongly recommend that Ministers urgently review the recommendations of the Committee’s report on Invasive Species made in October 2019 and implement them without further delay. This includes increasing the proportion of biosecurity funding directed at countering invasive species to … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses healthy soil, sustainable farming practices, and soil health monitoring, but it does not address the recommendation to review and implement previous proposals on invasive species or to increase biosecurity funding.
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11 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Public expenditure on measures to promote biodiversity has been cut in real terms over recent...
Public expenditure on measures to promote biodiversity has been cut in real terms over recent years. As a result, levels of monitoring have been scaled back, and the capacity for assessing the state of protected areas and vulnerable species nationally … Read more
Government Response
The government states that Natural England has already received a 47% increase in its Grant in Aid budget and has increased external income by over 90% since 2013 to support biodiversity monitoring. It also highlights existing bodies responsible for monitoring.
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12 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We recommend that Ministers make a material increase in levels of investment in training and...
We recommend that Ministers make a material increase in levels of investment in training and skills for chartered ecology and associated disciplines. This ought to form an element of the Government’s promised investment in Green Jobs.
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of monitoring costs and spend, referencing existing funding and measures to leverage private finance for biodiversity. However, it does not specifically commit to increasing investment in training and skills for chartered ecology.
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13 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The relationship between environmental monitoring and remedial action is far too weak.
The relationship between environmental monitoring and remedial action is far too weak. This must change. Data on biodiversity levels must inform decision-making in Government far more substantially than at present.
Government Response
The government refers to recommendation 11 and states that spending plans beyond 2021-22 have not been set, with future plans to be agreed as part of SR21. This response does not address the committee's recommendation about strengthening the link between environmental monitoring and remedial action or how biodiversity data will inform decision-making more substantially.
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14 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We recommend a formal mechanism be established to review and act on the information provided...
We recommend a formal mechanism be established to review and act on the information provided in the Environmental Accounts.
Government Response
The government's response focuses on efforts to eliminate harmful subsidies, support international agreements, and ensure sustainable practices through legislation like the Fisheries Act and Subsidy Control Bill, but does not address the recommendation to establish a formal mechanism to review and act on Environmental Accounts.
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15 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Government’s new species abundance target for 2030 provides a potential mechanism for the measurement...
The Government’s new species abundance target for 2030 provides a potential mechanism for the measurement of progress on addressing biodiversity loss, and a driver for consequent actions. We recommend that once the target is established, regular, formal reviews of progress … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for progress measurement through its Outcome Indicator Framework, which is under development with reviews planned at a minimum every five years, and has invested in the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment. However, it does not specifically commit to regular formal reviews feeding into all departmental decision-making or ministerial reporting to Parliament.
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16 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The efficient management of data relevant to assessing levels of biodiversity is made difficult due...
The efficient management of data relevant to assessing levels of biodiversity is made difficult due to the sheer variety of data systems used to monitor UK biodiversity.
Government Response
The government details its plans for monitoring progress through the Environment Bill and an Outcome Indicator Framework, which is under development with an aim to finalise all indicators by 2024, but does not address the committee's observation regarding the difficulty caused by the variety of data systems.
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17 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We recommend that the Government implement a preferred approach to data management and monitoring, to...
We recommend that the Government implement a preferred approach to data management and monitoring, to strengthen a consistent evidence base on the UK’s natural capital. The Government should also make greater use of earth observation data as a cost-effective means … Read more
Government Response
The government's response outlines its 25 Year Environment Plan, the Environment Bill's provisions for environmental improvement plans and targets, and the establishment of the Office for Environmental Protection, but does not specifically address the recommendation for a preferred data management approach or greater use of earth observation data.
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18 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
If Marine Protected Areas continue to be poorly managed and monitored, with little enforcement of...
If Marine Protected Areas continue to be poorly managed and monitored, with little enforcement of their protected status, there is a risk that the Government will have established a network of ‘paper parks’. According to monitoring data, the condition of … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for effectively managed protected areas and notes existing initiatives like new designations and funding for landscapes. It has committed to piloting Highly Protected Marine Areas and will publish a Nature Recovery Green Paper later this year.
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19 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We reiterate the conclusions and recommendations of our predecessor Committee’s 2019 inquiry into Sustainable Seas.
We reiterate the conclusions and recommendations of our predecessor Committee’s 2019 inquiry into Sustainable Seas. (Paragraph 97) • Ministers must urgently set out a timetable to put management plans and monitoring in place for all MPAs. • Different categories of … Read more
Government Response
The government's response references a Written Ministerial Statement on the Landscapes Review and protected landscapes. This response does not address any of the committee's specific recommendations concerning Marine Protected Areas, bottom trawling, or marine monitoring and surveillance.
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20 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Healthy soils are essential to biodiversity; and yet the data and indicators to measure soil...
Healthy soils are essential to biodiversity; and yet the data and indicators to measure soil health do not exist to the degree required to ensure effective monitoring. Without credible arrangements for monitoring and measuring soil health, the Biodiversity in the … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses gigabit broadband connectivity and the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme, which is entirely unrelated to the recommendation on addressing the soil health data gap.
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21 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We support the recommendations of the Natural Capital Committee that the development of soil indicators...
We support the recommendations of the Natural Capital Committee that the development of soil indicators should be fast-tracked; that a shadow target for soil health should be established urgently; and that a legally-binding target for soil health ought to be … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendations, stating it is developing new soil health indicators, investing £8.8m in research, plans to launch a new soil health standard in 2023, and is committed to setting a legally binding target for soil health as soon as data allows. Healthy soils are a key priority for ELM schemes.
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22 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
To deliver the Government’s environmental vision to improve the environment within a generation, arm’s length...
To deliver the Government’s environmental vision to improve the environment within a generation, arm’s length bodies and departments need to have the funding to do so. Budget cuts to biodiversity expenditure over the last decade have hindered this.
Government Response
The government's response outlines commitments to establishing a Nature Recovery Network and Local Nature Recovery Strategies, which will guide funding from schemes like the future farming programme, but it does not directly address the committee's conclusion regarding past budget cuts hindering environmental efforts or commit to increasing overall biodiversity expenditure.
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23 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We recommend that the Government urgently review the funding allocated to bodies with responsibility for...
We recommend that the Government urgently review the funding allocated to bodies with responsibility for monitoring, protecting and increasing levels of biodiversity in England, consistent with its goals for nature recovery under the 25 Year Environment Plan. In the next … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses nature-based solutions and various environmental initiatives but does not specifically address the recommendation to urgently review funding for bodies monitoring biodiversity or to provide a proper funding settlement for Natural England in the next Spending Review.
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24 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
As the Public Accounts Committee has recently observed, there is no single point of responsibility...
As the Public Accounts Committee has recently observed, there is no single point of responsibility within government for monitoring overall expenditure on environmental goals, and the Government does not have a good understanding of the total costs required to deliver … Read more
Government Response
The government has commissioned the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to develop a global environmental footprint indicator as part of the 25 Year Environment Plan. However, this response does not address the committee's concern about the lack of a single point of responsibility for monitoring environmental expenditure or understanding total costs.
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25 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We support the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee and the National Audit Office made...
We support the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee and the National Audit Office made in their work on Achieving government’s long-term environmental goals. The Government must provide a comprehensive, consistent, and time-bound record of funding for the 25 Year … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses international aid spending on family planning and reproductive health, which it links to global biodiversity, but does not address the recommendation to provide a detailed, time-bound record of UK funding for the 25 Year Environment Plan or domestic biodiversity.
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26 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Between 2013–14 to 2019–20 Natural England’s baseline funding reduced by 49 per cent.
Between 2013–14 to 2019–20 Natural England’s baseline funding reduced by 49 per cent. The body considers that it can no longer deliver its statutory duties to a good standard as a direct consequence of these cuts. The cuts have fallen … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses GDP limitations, the Bean Review, and funding for the ONS to improve natural capital estimates, but does not address the conclusion regarding Natural England's reduced funding and its impact on statutory duties.
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27 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Government increased Natural England’s baseline funding by £11.3 million in in 2020–21 and has...
The Government increased Natural England’s baseline funding by £11.3 million in in 2020–21 and has committed to increasing this by a further £75 million. Whilst 118 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? the funding increase is welcome, it does … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses global leadership in natural capital and international accounting standards. It does not address the committee's specific concern about Natural England's funding and the need for consistent multi-year investment.
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28 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
In the next multi-annual spending review, we recommend that Natural England receive a materially greater...
In the next multi-annual spending review, we recommend that Natural England receive a materially greater contribution in annual funding, in line with its 2020 Comprehensive Spending Review bid.
Government Response
The government's response explains that spending reviews assess costs and benefits using the Green Book, which is being improved to include environmental impacts, but it does not address the specific recommendation for Natural England to receive materially greater funding.
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29 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We welcome the funding announcements and increased public expenditure on international biodiversity, however international conservation...
We welcome the funding announcements and increased public expenditure on international biodiversity, however international conservation funding is still greatly outstripped by subsidies which cheapen the exploitation of the natural environment. The Government cannot spend more exploiting the natural environment than … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is reviewing how to better support environmental objectives, including embedding net zero into policy decisions, improving natural capital estimates, and participating in green budgeting initiatives, but does not commit to addressing the imbalance between conservation funding and harmful subsidies or providing information on the extent of such subsidies.
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30 Recommendation Deferred
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We recommend the Government commission a review of the operation of ‘perverse subsidies’ in the...
We recommend the Government commission a review of the operation of ‘perverse subsidies’ in the UK economy. This must entail the identification, assessment and tracking of public expenditure harmful to biodiversity, and the publication of data on the extent of … Read more
Government Response
The government defers action, stating it will work with the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and review their recommendations and potential policy/regulatory responses when they are available, rather than commissioning its own review of perverse subsidies.
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31 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Government is not on track to achieve its objective of improving the environment within...
The Government is not on track to achieve its objective of improving the environment within a generation, and its 25 Year Environment Plan does not provide sufficient direction to change this. Despite repeated calls in the last five years by … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses exploring a new GCSE in Natural History and the benefits of outdoor learning, then details commitments related to nature-related financial disclosures, a Green Taxonomy, and the Green Finance Institute. However, it does not directly address the committee's core conclusion regarding the 25 Year Environment Plan's lack of sufficient direction, the failure to establish baselines for measuring environmental progress, or the continuing deterioration of natural capital assets.
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32 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Government must urgently establish a baseline for the Outcome Indicator Framework.
The Government must urgently establish a baseline for the Outcome Indicator Framework. Defra’s planned Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment pilot, and any subsequent baseline exercise, must focus on measuring a clear set of representative natural capital assets across England. The … Read more
Government Response
The government response describes the existing Outcome Indicator Framework but does not explicitly commit to urgently establishing a baseline for it, address funding, or detail Defra's pilot as requested.
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33 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
At present there is no strategy to tie the reporting framework for the 25 Year...
At present there is no strategy to tie the reporting framework for the 25 Year Environment Plan to the ten 25 Year Environment Plan goals. Nor does the plan explain how it will be delivered by local government and arm’s … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the Outcome Indicator Framework already provides a method for reporting on the progress of the 25 Year Environment Plan and its goals, drawing together measures to describe environmental change.
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34 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
In all future progress reports on the 25 Year Environment Plan, information provided should relate...
In all future progress reports on the 25 Year Environment Plan, information provided should relate to the Plan’s ten goals. Priority actions must be assessed year on year, as must local delivery of the plan through arm’s length bodies. From … Read more
Government Response
The government response describes the existing Outcome Indicator Framework but does not address how future progress reports will relate to the ten goals, how priority actions will be assessed, or how ELM/LNRS will be assessed from 2022 onwards.
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35 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The 25 Year Environment Plan is not yet supported by clear, ambitious, quantified statutory targets...
The 25 Year Environment Plan is not yet supported by clear, ambitious, quantified statutory targets and milestones. The Environment Bill will provide a statutory underpinning for five of the goals in the Plan, but government has not set long-term objectives … Read more
Government Response
In response to concerns about a lack of clear statutory targets, the government states it has amended the Environment Bill to require a new legally binding target to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030, with details to be set by October 2022. It also outlines a robust statutory cycle of monitoring, planning, and reporting to ensure targets are met.
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36 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Government must address how it will set long-term objectives for all ten of the...
The Government must address how it will set long-term objectives for all ten of the Plan’s goals. As agreed to in 2018, the Government must publish how these goals and objectives relate to pre-existing national and international environmental targets. We … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges its commitment to cross-departmental action on targets and states the OEP's remit will include long-term targets, promising to set out further detail shortly on other government departments' actions.
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37 Recommendation Deferred
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We welcome the Government’s pledge to protect 30 per cent of the UK’s land and...
We welcome the Government’s pledge to protect 30 per cent of the UK’s land and seas by 2030, but simply designating areas as protected is not enough. The UK’s protected areas are poorly managed. More focus must be given to … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need to improve protected area management and is developing a Nature Recovery Green Paper to address its 30x30 commitment and improve management, with a response to the Glover Review to be published later in the year.
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38 Recommendation Deferred
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Government should not count its wins early: protected areas should only be reckoned to...
The Government should not count its wins early: protected areas should only be reckoned to contribute to the 30 by 30 pledge if they are effectively managed and improved. We recommend the Treasury ensure that all bodies involved in the … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of well-managed protected areas and states it is developing a Nature Recovery Green Paper, to be published later this year, which will set out its approach to achieving the 30x30 commitment and improving management of protected areas.
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39 Recommendation Deferred
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Government should provide a full response to the Glover Review before the 2021 summer...
The Government should provide a full response to the Glover Review before the 2021 summer recess.
Government Response
The government states it is carefully considering the Glover Review recommendations in the context of a wider Nature Recovery Green Paper, and its response will be published later this year, implying it will not meet the requested pre-summer recess deadline.
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40 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We welcome the Government’s efforts to secure biodiversity gains in development: but the biodiversity net...
We welcome the Government’s efforts to secure biodiversity gains in development: but the biodiversity net gain policy, in its current form, does not go far enough in contributing to the transformative change necessary to address biodiversity loss in the UK. … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterates that the Environment Bill will ensure new developments deliver a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain and commits to continuing to work with stakeholders to ensure the policy is fit for purpose, but does not detail how it will address the identified deficiencies.
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41 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Government has failed to define what it means by net environmental gain as set...
The Government has failed to define what it means by net environmental gain as set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan, as its ambition for future development. The 120 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? failure to move … Read more
Government Response
The government's response focuses on the Biodiversity Net Gain policy and the Environment Bill's provisions for a 10% gain, without addressing the committee's concern about the lack of definition for a broader 'net environmental gain' or the risk of habitat fragmentation.
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42 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We welcome the extension of the biodiversity net gain policy to include Nationally Significant Infrastructure...
We welcome the extension of the biodiversity net gain policy to include Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. We received overwhelming evidence in support of this and note the potential the policy now has to contribute to nature’s recovery. We will be … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterates that the Environment Bill will ensure new developments enhance biodiversity and deliver measurable 'Biodiversity Net Gain' but does not specifically address the committee's welcome of the policy's extension to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
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43 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Nature recovery does not happen overnight and must be maintained and built upon for generations.
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.
Government Response
The government's response describes the general Biodiversity Net Gain policy under the Environment Bill, but fails to address the committee's specific concern that the proposed 30-year minimum for maintaining gains is insufficient for long-lasting nature recovery.
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44 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Government’s Planning White Paper could have implications on the delivery of the biodiversity net...
The Government’s Planning White Paper could have implications on the delivery of the biodiversity net gain policy. We believe planning reforms should not weaken or undermine biodiversity protection.
Government Response
The government's response describes the general Biodiversity Net Gain policy under the Environment Bill, but fails to address the committee's specific concern about the potential for the Planning White Paper to weaken or undermine biodiversity protection.
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45 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
To allow the biodiversity net gain policy to fulfil its transformative potential within the UK’s...
To allow the biodiversity net gain policy to fulfil its transformative potential within the UK’s built environment we recommend that: • The Government should explain how and when it will move to embedding environmental net gain in the planning system, … Read more
Government Response
The government's response outlines the existing Biodiversity Net Gain policy via the Environment Bill, ensuring a minimum 10% gain, but does not address the specific recommendations regarding embedding environmental net gain, extending mandatory gains beyond 30 years, strengthening local authority capacity, or reviewing the National Planning Policy Framework.
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46 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Effective Environmental Land Management Schemes will only be possible if farmers and land managers are...
Effective Environmental Land Management Schemes will only be possible if farmers and land managers are brought into the process of policy design. This must include reaching out beyond the ‘usual suspects’ of big farming unions and environmental groups. Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, detailing how it is already involving over 3,000 farmers in co-designing and testing ELM schemes through the Test and Trials programme, and plans further engagement workshops this Autumn.
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47 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
To include harder-to-reach farmers and land managers, rural broadband connectivity must be addressed as a...
To include harder-to-reach farmers and land managers, rural broadband connectivity must be addressed as a matter of urgency, as recommended by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in 2019. Defra should also make provision for tailored, farm-specific advice, farm … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, outlining its Agricultural Transition Plan and new Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes (Sustainable Farming Incentive, Local Nature Recovery, Landscape Recovery). It commits to developing these schemes with farmers, providing tailored advice and support, and ongoing engagement to achieve biodiversity goals.
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48 Recommendation Deferred
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We welcome the Government’s ambition to create a national Nature Recovery Network but believe far...
We welcome the Government’s ambition to create a national Nature Recovery Network but believe far more detail is needed to translate this ambition into transformative action. The Nature Recovery Network (NRN) is contained in the 25 Year Environment Plan, but … Read more
Government Response
The government plans to publish a Nature Recovery Green Paper later this year, which will outline its vision and initial policy proposals for public consultation, to inform future tangible changes.
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49 Recommendation Deferred
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
To address these concerns we recommend that: a) Defra updates its Nature Recovery Network Policy...
To address these concerns we recommend that: a) Defra updates its Nature Recovery Network Policy Paper by the end of the year, explaining how LNRS will be co-ordinated into a national Nature Recovery Network and how local authorities should link … Read more
Government Response
The government plans to publish a Nature Recovery Green Paper later this year, which will set out its vision and proposals for nature recovery and allow for public consultation, thereby deferring specific actions until after this process.
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50 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We welcome the Government’s focus for COP26 on nature-based solutions (NbS) and the increased investment...
We welcome the Government’s focus for COP26 on nature-based solutions (NbS) and the increased investment provided by the Nature for Climate fund. Nature- based solutions could substantially contribute to meeting the UK’s net zero goals 122 Biodiversity in the UK: … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights its investment in nature restoration and nature-based solutions through the £640m Nature for Climate and £80m Green Recovery Challenge funds, aiming to treble tree planting rates and restore 35,000ha of peatland by 2025.
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51 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Protecting existing ecosystems, be that ancient woodland, peatlands, or kelp forests provides the most cost-effective...
Protecting existing ecosystems, be that ancient woodland, peatlands, or kelp forests provides the most cost-effective and significant contribution to NbS in the UK. Given the majority of the UK’s ecosystems lie outside of protected areas, more needs to be done … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights its investment in nature restoration and nature-based solutions, including the Nature for Climate and Green Recovery Challenge funds, and the Peatland Grant Scheme for restoring peatland, as its contribution to addressing the need for more action in protecting ecosystems.
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52 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Protection and restoration of peatlands have an important role to play in NbS.
Protection and restoration of peatlands have an important role to play in NbS. The Government’s announced ban on rotational burning of peat in protected areas is welcome, as part of the transformational change necessary to meet biodiversity and net zero … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is investing in nature restoration, including a Peatland Grant Scheme to restore approximately 35,000 hectares of peatland by 2025, through existing funds like the £640m Nature for Climate Fund.
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53 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We welcome the Government’s Trees Action Plan, and the intention to focus on planting broadleaf...
We welcome the Government’s Trees Action Plan, and the intention to focus on planting broadleaf native species. The Government must not try to meet its tree planting target solely through commercial timber plantations using non- native species. A balance of … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is investing in nature restoration and nature-based solutions through funds like the £640m Nature for Climate Fund, which aims to treble tree planting rates by the end of Parliament and includes a Peatland Grant Scheme.
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54 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
To realise the benefits of nature-based solutions to climate change, we recommend that: a) The...
To realise the benefits of nature-based solutions to climate change, we recommend that: a) The UK adopt a clear definition of NbS and consider using the IUCN definition alongside the IUCN Global Standard for NbS. b) The Government prioritise protection … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights its investment in nature restoration and nature-based solutions, including the Nature for Climate and Green Recovery Challenge funds, and the Peatland Grant Scheme for peatland restoration, but does not address specific recommendations on defining NbS, bringing forward the peat ban, or providing tax incentives.
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55 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Tackling over-consumption of natural resources is essential to meet the Government’s net zero goals and...
Tackling over-consumption of natural resources is essential to meet the Government’s net zero goals and to reverse biodiversity loss. The first step in doing this is recognising the need to reduce the UK’s overall consumption. We welcome indications that Ministers … Read more
Government Response
The government has commissioned the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to develop a global environmental footprint indicator as part of the 25 Year Environment Plan's Outcome Indicators Framework, with the first phase published and further development underway to inform future policy.
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56 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We recommend the Government start the process of setting an environmental footprint target by launching...
We recommend the Government start the process of setting an environmental footprint target by launching a consultation ahead of COP15 on how to model the overseas environmental impact of UK consumption. This could feed into Defra’s work on international indicators … Read more
Government Response
The government has commissioned the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to develop a global environmental footprint indicator as part of the Outcome Indicators Framework. While this work is ongoing and will inform future thinking, the government has not yet committed to setting an environmental footprint target or launching a consultation on how to model the overseas environmental impact of UK consumption, as recommended.
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57 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Professor Dasgupta has emphasised that family planning and sexual and reproductive healthcare is a neglected...
Professor Dasgupta has emphasised that family planning and sexual and reproductive healthcare is a neglected feature of public policy. The unmet demand for family planning is huge and addressing human population numbers is also key to reducing our demands on … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is a proud defender of sexual and reproductive health and rights, highlighting past spending and commitments to use aid and diplomacy to empower women, and confirms it will continue to fund relevant programs despite difficult financial decisions.
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58 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
In response to this report, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office should set out the...
In response to this report, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office should set out the extent to which the announced cuts to the UK’s aid budget will affect overseas development assistance for family planning and reproductive healthcare. We recommend that … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the positive impact of family planning and its commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights, citing past spending and future global health funding. However, it does not set out the extent to which aid budget cuts will specifically affect family planning and reproductive healthcare, nor does it commit to protecting ODA for these areas at or above 2019 levels.
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59 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Economic models that do not value nature and ecosystems cannot address climate change and biodiversity...
Economic models that do not value nature and ecosystems cannot address climate change and biodiversity loss. GDP is a well-established measure of economic activity, but as Professor Dasgupta has highlighted, by itself it is not an adequate way to assesses … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges GDP limitations and commits to further work with ONS, including providing additional funding, to improve the incorporation of nature into national accounts and natural capital estimates.
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60 Recommendation Accepted in Part
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Government should detail how it intends to move beyond GDP as the primary measure...
The Government should detail how it intends to move beyond GDP as the primary measure of economic activity, towards a concept of inclusive wealth, which includes consideration of the UK’s produced, human, and natural capital.
Government Response
The government acknowledges GDP's limitations and details its existing work on Natural Capital Accounts and human capital estimates. It commits to providing further funding to the ONS to improve natural capital estimates and to integrate nature more fully into national accounts, thereby moving towards a broader consideration of inclusive wealth alongside GDP.
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61 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Further work is needed on the natural capital accounting and assessment methodology, but this should...
Further work is needed on the natural capital accounting and assessment methodology, but this should not stop the Government and businesses using natural capital accounting now. Accounting for natural capital in some way, is better than ignoring it completely because … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights its existing global leadership in natural capital approaches, referencing G7 agreements, UN guidance development (which it funded and contributed to), and ongoing work with the UN Statistical Division.
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62 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The UK should work with countries at COP15, COP26 and through the G7 to construct...
The UK should work with countries at COP15, COP26 and through the G7 to construct an internationally agreed way to integrate natural capital accounts into core national 124 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? accounts. This aligns with two … Read more
Government Response
The government states the UK is already demonstrating global leadership by securing G7 agreements on natural capital accounting and embedding biodiversity in financial decision-making, and has actively contributed to the UN Statistical Commission's approval of ecosystem accounting guidance.
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63 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Committee acknowledges that currently natural capital approaches cannot capture intrinsic values of nature, but...
The Committee acknowledges that currently natural capital approaches cannot capture intrinsic values of nature, but they do serve as a first stepping-stone to valuing the natural environment in existing economic models.
Government Response
The government acknowledges the conclusion and commits to further action by working with the ONS and providing additional funding to improve the incorporation of nature into national accounts and natural capital estimates.
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64 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
At present, the impact of Government policies and projects on nature is not adequately factored...
At present, the impact of Government policies and projects on nature is not adequately factored into spending decisions. As a result, the Government is not on track to meet its nature recovery goals. On aggregate, HM Treasury and other departments … Read more
Government Response
The government states that departments are already required to assess environmental impacts using the Green Book, which is continuously improved through revisions and new supplementary guidance on biodiversity valuation.
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65 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
We support the recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee that the Treasury’s next Comprehensive Spending...
We support the recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee that the Treasury’s next Comprehensive Spending Review should set out how the full value of environmental impacts has been taken into account, and the impact of spending decisions on meeting government’s … Read more
Government Response
The government states that departments are already required to assess environmental impacts using the Green Book framework, which has been continuously improved, including revised guidance and new supplementary guidance on biodiversity valuation.
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66 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Government has the opportunity to create a fiscal framework focused on delivering well-being, sustainability...
The Government has the opportunity to create a fiscal framework focused on delivering well-being, sustainability and economic stability. The current fiscal rules focus on managing the budget, public sector investment and debt. There is scope to extend this so balancing … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of integrating environmental considerations into the fiscal framework, pointing to existing Green Book mandates, ongoing reviews within HM Treasury, and future details in the Net Zero Strategy, while also supporting ONS/OBR work on natural capital and participating in international green budgeting initiatives.
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67 Recommendation Deferred
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
The Government should include a Net Zero test of the 2021 Budget in its Net...
The Government should include a Net Zero test of the 2021 Budget in its Net Zero Review. Net Zero tests should be refined for future fiscal events to assess the climate impacts of taxation, spending and resource decisions. The Government … Read more
Government Response
The government states the Green Book already requires climate/environmental considerations and HM Treasury is reviewing how to better support environmental objectives, with more detail coming in the Net Zero Strategy. It does not commit to the specific Net Zero or nature tests for fiscal events or a new fiscal rule, but notes ongoing work with ONS/OBR on natural capital and participation in green budgeting initiatives.
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68 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
Financial systems need to recognise the value of preserving biodiversity.
Financial systems need to recognise the value of preserving biodiversity. The transformation the financial system has undergone to integrate climate-related financial risks should be used as a roadmap to do the same for biodiversity. The interconnected, complex, and non-linear nature … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of nature-related financial disclosures, reiterating its support for the TNFD framework and committing to carefully review its recommendations upon launch by the end of 2023. It also highlights its support for global sustainability disclosure standards.
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69 Recommendation Deferred
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
To provide the signals needed for the financial system to manage biodiversity risks, we recommend...
To provide the signals needed for the financial system to manage biodiversity risks, we recommend that: a) The Government commit to legislate for mandatory disclosure of nature-related financial risks once the TNFD framework is ready. b) The Government explore how … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to working with the TNFD and will carefully review its recommendations and potential policy/regulatory responses once the framework is ready by late 2023, deferring a commitment to legislate for mandatory disclosure of nature-related financial risks. The response also broadly refers to existing efforts on corporate environmental disclosures and a UK green taxonomy, but does not commit to the other specific recommendations.
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70 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
For biodiversity to be protected, it has to be appreciated and valued.
For biodiversity to be protected, it has to be appreciated and valued. But our increasing detachment from nature stops many of us knowing and directly experiencing it. This starts at a young age; children are spending less and less time … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the benefits of learning about nature, stating the DfE is exploring a new Natural History GCSE without commitment and highlights efforts to ensure access to outdoor education centers.
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71 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - Biodiversity in the…
To increase education on biodiversity we: a) Support the establishment of a Natural History GCSE;...
To increase education on biodiversity we: a) Support the establishment of a Natural History GCSE; b) Recommend the Department for Education re-evaluate the opportunities for nature visits and teaching outside, as part of its support to schools recovering from the … Read more
Government Response
The government is exploring a Natural History GCSE but has made no commitment. It recognises the benefits of outdoor learning, but does not explicitly commit to re-evaluating new opportunities, involving children in afforestation, mandatory ecology briefings for civil servants, or establishing a biodiversity education charter.
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1 Conclusion Rejected
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
Consumption patterns in the UK are unsustainable.
Consumption patterns in the UK are unsustainable. Addressing these patterns is key to the UK’s contribution to the alleviation of global biodiversity loss. The first step is to recognise the need to reduce the UK’s overall consumption. We welcome that … Read more
Government Response
The government has developed a global environmental footprint indicator and published findings, but explicitly states it will not consider setting a global footprint target until a robust evidence base is established to ensure positive results and avoid unintended consequences.
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2 Conclusion Rejected
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
In 2018 the Government announced it would devise an indicator on the overseas environmental impacts...
In 2018 the Government announced it would devise an indicator on the overseas environmental impacts of UK consumption of key commodities. It appears that little to no progress has been made in developing this indicator. This is disappointing and shows … Read more
Government Response
The government states it already considers environmental implications and is exploring ways to strengthen analytical approaches, but explicitly rejects the specific recommendation to devise an indicator due to practicality and cost-effectiveness concerns.
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3 Recommendation Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
We recommend that the Government urgently prioritise the development of the indicator on overseas environmental...
We recommend that the Government urgently prioritise the development of the indicator on overseas environmental impacts of UK consumption of key commodities, since a better understanding of the environmental impacts of imported products is crucial to meeting the Government’s objectives … Read more
Government Response
The government details its Net Zero Strategy and the use of the Green Book for environmental impact in spending, but does not commit to developing the specific indicator on overseas environmental impacts of UK consumption or setting a related footprint target.
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4 Recommendation Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
Ministers should consider how best to encourage behavioural change towards more sustainable and ethical patterns...
Ministers should consider how best to encourage behavioural change towards more sustainable and ethical patterns of consumption. Subsidies, environmental tax measures and tax reliefs are some of the financial and fiscal tools available to government. The Public Accounts Committee has … Read more
Government Response
The government's response focuses on environmental impact assessments within Free Trade Agreements and tackling illegal wildlife trade, rather than addressing the recommendation to encourage behavioural change through financial tools or the Treasury's approach to environmental tax measures.
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5 Conclusion Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
The Committee looks forward to seeing an ambitious approach from Government to embedding Net Zero...
The Committee looks forward to seeing an ambitious approach from Government to embedding Net Zero in all policy decisions in its forthcoming Net Zero Strategy.
Government Response
The government's response details compliance with Greening Government Commitments and annual reporting on sustainable procurement and buying standards, but it does not address the committee's specific point about the ambition of its forthcoming Net Zero Strategy.
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6 Recommendation Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
In the Net Zero Strategy, the Government should commit to evaluating all taxation changes against...
In the Net Zero Strategy, the Government should commit to evaluating all taxation changes against how well they deliver on the Government’s environmental objectives. 48 The UK’s footprint on global biodiversity The Government’s approach to how taxation changes will be … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses the forthcoming Government Food Strategy and environmental land management schemes, but does not address the recommendation to commit to evaluating all taxation changes against environmental objectives in the Net Zero Strategy.
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7 Recommendation Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
The Net Zero Strategy should include an explicit commitment to Net Zero stress test all...
The Net Zero Strategy should include an explicit commitment to Net Zero stress test all future fiscal events and a commitment to develop a nature stress test to be used for fiscal events. The Net Zero Strategy must be published … Read more
Government Response
The government's response outlines broader commitments to green investment, anti-deforestation legislation, and international agreements, but does not address the recommendation for Net Zero or nature stress testing of future fiscal events.
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8 Recommendation Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
For the Government to make good on its support for environmental sustainability to be at...
For the Government to make good on its support for environmental sustainability to be at the heart of global production and trade, it needs to mainstream biodiversity considerations more consistently into its trade agreements and operations. Leaving the European Union … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses the importance of financing for nature and the Global Environment Facility's performance, but does not address the specific recommendation to mainstream biodiversity considerations into trade agreements and operations.
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9 Recommendation Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
We recommend that sustainability impact assessments be conducted for all future trade agreements and that...
We recommend that sustainability impact assessments be conducted for all future trade agreements and that as part of the Government’s Nature Strategy the Government consider how to monitor and deliver environmental net gain in trade deals. In response to this … Read more
Government Response
The government's response details its commitments and existing overseas development assistance programmes related to nature and biodiversity, but does not address the recommendations for sustainability impact assessments for future trade agreements or widening participation in the Wildlife Financial Taskforce.
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10 Recommendation Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
We welcome and agree with the Secretary of State’s analysis that addressing the sustainability of...
We welcome and agree with the Secretary of State’s analysis that addressing the sustainability of the UK’s global supply chains will be one of the most powerful ways in which the UK can reduce its adverse impact on levels of … Read more
Government Response
The government response is a verbatim repetition of the committee's recommendation, stating that efforts must be stepped up to make overseas biodiversity monitoring a reality, without outlining any specific government action to achieve this.
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11 Conclusion Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
Sustainable government procurement presents a pathway to increasing the sustainability of supply chains.
Sustainable government procurement presents a pathway to increasing the sustainability of supply chains. Yet Government performance against existing sustainable procurement policies has been unimpressive. The removal of the mandatory reporting obligation by Government departments against the Greening Government Commitments has … Read more
Government Response
The government's response focuses on addressing climate change and biodiversity loss through COP26 outcomes and the Leaders' Pledge for Nature, failing to address the committee's specific concerns regarding sustainable government procurement and mandatory reporting obligations.
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12 Conclusion Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
We welcome the news that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is considering...
We welcome the news that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is considering restarting the routine reporting of levels of compliance with Government buying standards. We also note with approval the effect that Government commitments on the importation … Read more
Government Response
The government response is incomplete and only reiterates the committee's conclusion, failing to address the substance of the committee's welcome for routine reporting on Government buying standards and sustainable palm oil commitments.
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13 Recommendation Acknowledged
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
To increase sustainability within UK global supply chains, we recommend that: a) in its response...
To increase sustainability within UK global supply chains, we recommend that: a) in its response to this report, the Government should set out a clear and accessible definition of sustainability within the context of the Government Buying Standards; b) the … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges its commitment to improving sustainable public procurement and notes that its Greening Government Commitments Framework includes a review of sustainable procurement commitments. However, it does not commit to the specific asks regarding a definition of sustainability, reinstating mandatory reporting by end of 2021, or making GBS mandatory for large public bodies with certified forest-risk commodities.
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14 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
A natural capital approach to valuing agricultural products provides another way to increase the sustainability...
A natural capital approach to valuing agricultural products provides another way to increase the sustainability of supply chains.
Government Response
The government recognises the role of a natural capital approach in valuing agricultural products and is funding research projects to better understand natural capital impacts in the agricultural sector.
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15 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
Within the National Food Strategy the Government should consider how a natural capital approach could...
Within the National Food Strategy the Government should consider how a natural capital approach could be adopted without placing a disproportionate financial burden on farmers or consumers.
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, stating it recognizes the role of natural capital in agriculture and is funding research projects to better understand its impacts in the sector, a step towards considering its adoption.
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16 Recommendation Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
90% of respondents to the Government’s consultation on new laws for forest-risk commodities believed proposals...
90% of respondents to the Government’s consultation on new laws for forest-risk commodities believed proposals should be extended so that it is illegal for UK businesses to use any key commodities related to deforestation in their supply chains. We agree … Read more
Government Response
The government response is incomplete and only reiterates the committee's recommendation, failing to address the substance of making it illegal for UK businesses and the finance sector to use commodities linked to deforestation.
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17 Recommendation Acknowledged
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
To increase the sustainable use of forest-risk commodities we recommend that the Government make it...
To increase the sustainable use of forest-risk commodities we recommend that the Government make it illegal for UK businesses and the finance sector to use commodities linked to deforestation and, at the very least, include the finance sector within the … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is introducing the Environment Act (2021) to tackle illegal deforestation in UK supply chains and highlights broader international initiatives like the FACT Dialogue and private sector commitments to eliminate investment in agricultural commodity-driven deforestation. However, it does not explicitly commit to making it illegal for the finance sector to use commodities linked to all deforestation or specifically include them in Environment Bill provisions.
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18 Conclusion Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
The UK Overseas Territories are home to 94 per cent of British endemic species and...
The UK Overseas Territories are home to 94 per cent of British endemic species and 90 per cent of the biodiversity for which the UK Government has responsibility. The territories are also of global importance given the large proportion of … Read more
Government Response
The government response merely repeats the committee's conclusion verbatim without providing any specific action, commitment, or further engagement.
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19 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
To further improve the state of biodiversity in the Overseas Territories, we recommend that gaps...
To further improve the state of biodiversity in the Overseas Territories, we recommend that gaps in their protection be rectified. Namely, we recommend that: a) Ministers assure and set out the long-term funding plan for the Blue Belt Programme. In … Read more
Government Response
The government is looking at options to secure funding for the Blue Belt Programme for the next three years and highlights £10 million per annum available via the Darwin Plus Programme. It will initiate a feasibility study for an environmental research portal, with consultations in January 2022, but the recommendation regarding increased global aerial surveillance was not explicitly addressed.
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20 Conclusion Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
Consideration of natural capital must be a priority in the assessment of overseas development assistance...
Consideration of natural capital must be a priority in the assessment of overseas development assistance projects. Nature sustains all of us and becomes even more critical in a developing country context. We welcome the Government’s announcement of a new International … Read more
Government Response
The government response is incomplete and only reiterates the committee's conclusion, failing to address the detail of how it will nature-proof ODA expenditure or the committee's regret regarding the source of international climate finance.
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21 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
We recommend that in response to this report the Government detail how it intends to...
We recommend that in response to this report the Government detail how it intends to nature-proof overseas development assistance, and how compliance with this commitment will be monitored. (Paragraph 89) The UNCBD COP15
Government Response
The government states it already committed to nature-proof ODA and ensures all new bilateral ODA does no harm. It details existing FCDO mandatory environmental assessments, compliance monitoring via project approval, and describes ongoing initiatives like the Darwin Initiative and IWT Challenge Fund.
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22 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15 summit presents an opportunity to create a...
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15 summit presents an opportunity to create a transformative Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework that will ‘bend the curve’ of biodiversity loss. The UK has a crucial role to play in promoting a transformative, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's conclusion, reiterating the significance of the CBD COP15 summit and the UK's role in promoting an ambitious Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
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23 Conclusion Not Addressed
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
We reiterate our welcome for the UK Government’s leadership in establishing the Global Ocean Alliance...
We reiterate our welcome for the UK Government’s leadership in establishing the Global Ocean Alliance and signing the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature. We also welcome the establishment of nature as a key theme for COP26.
Government Response
The government's response is a direct repetition of the committee's welcome for its leadership in establishing the Global Ocean Alliance and Leaders' Pledge for Nature, and for nature as a key theme for COP26.
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24 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
The publication of the first draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework provides a promising...
The publication of the first draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework provides a promising starting point, but elements of the draft lack ambition. • The 2030 mission should be clearer and stronger, and should align with the Leaders’ Pledge … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to seeking a global commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, aims to stop human-induced extinctions, and will negotiate for the inclusion of nature-based solutions in Target 8. However, the response does not explicitly address the recommendation regarding reducing unsustainable consumption patterns from developed countries or launching a consultation on an environmental footprint target.
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25 Recommendation Acknowledged
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
The Post-2020 Framework’s goals and targets will be meaningless if not properly implemented.
The Post-2020 Framework’s goals and targets will be meaningless if not properly implemented. The CBD ought to adopt a regular review mechanism, such as that adopted under the Paris Agreement of the UNFCCC, which encourages Parties to ‘ratchet’ the level … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights its work on integrating climate change and biodiversity at COP26 and engagement for CBD COP15, including the Leaders' Pledge for Nature, indicating alignment with the broader goal of ambitious nature targets without explicitly committing to establishing a specific 'ratchet' review mechanism for the CBD.
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26 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
Mainstreaming biodiversity considerations across government departments will be crucial to meeting the Post-2020 Biodiversity Targets.
Mainstreaming biodiversity considerations across government departments will be crucial to meeting the Post-2020 Biodiversity Targets. The UK’s past performance on cross-departmental co-ordination on nature has been disappointing. We have nevertheless been encouraged to observe the willingness of Ministers to work … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the conclusion, affirming its commitment to international leadership on biodiversity and climate change, and states it will ensure recommendations are considered in its domestic and international work, especially for CBD COP15.
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27 Conclusion Rejected
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
The policy statement on environmental principles, to be prepared under the Environment Bill, ought to...
The policy statement on environmental principles, to be prepared under the Environment Bill, ought to be a powerful tool for mainstreaming environmental concerns, including biodiversity, across Government. So the Government’s response to the recommendation of our previous report—arguing that general … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the committee's characterisation of its approach, reiterating that the Environmental Principles Policy Statement will be a powerful tool for mainstreaming concerns. It explains that general taxation and spending are exempt due to existing processes and constitutional implications.
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28 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
The global biodiversity funding gap is huge.
The global biodiversity funding gap is huge. It cannot be tackled with contributions from the Global Environment Facility alone. A dedicated financial mechanism for biodiversity action, as has already been set out and agreed by Parties under the CBD, is … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterates the Prime Minister's 2021 commitment to spend at least £3 billion of International Climate Finance over five years on nature-based climate solutions and states it will continue to develop its approach to implementing CBD commitments.
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29 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
As host of COP26, the UK has an instrumental role to play in pairing the...
As host of COP26, the UK has an instrumental role to play in pairing the UNCBD COP16 and UNFCCC COP26. We are encouraged by Ministers’ assurances that there is a close working relationship with their Chinese counterparts regarding efforts to … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the link between climate and biodiversity and placed nature at the heart of COP26, achieving positive outcomes for nature. They detail regular, productive engagement with China on integrating global action, including collaboration on the 'Kunming Declaration' to link COP26 and COP15.
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30 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
In promoting a transformative Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework, we recommend that the UK Government advocate: •...
In promoting a transformative Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework, we recommend that the UK Government advocate: • A strengthening of the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework’s 2030 mission to align with the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature and G7 2030 Nature Compact to halt and … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms it is seeking a commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, has advocated for this under the G7, and supports ambitious goals for species, review mechanisms, and nature-based solutions. It also details aligned domestic actions like protecting 30% of land and sea.
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31 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - The UK's footprint…
To help pair the UNCBD and UNFCCC COPs, we recommend the UK explore opportunities to...
To help pair the UNCBD and UNFCCC COPs, we recommend the UK explore opportunities to support China on leading international environmental negotiations. We also recommend that China and the UK collaborate on how to integrate nature- based solutions across both … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms it is actively addressing climate and biodiversity together, engaging regularly and productively with China on integrating global action, and collaborating on initiatives like the Kunming Declaration. They also commit to continuing to encourage China to sign the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature.
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Government Response AI assessment · 102 of 61 classified
Accepted 26
Accepted in Part 3
Acknowledged 20
Deferred 8
Not Addressed 42
Rejected 3
Total 61 recs + 41 conclusions
Correspondence 7 letters
24 Mar 2022 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, relating to the Biodiversity and Ecosystems inquiry, dated 18 March 2022
Parliament page
3 Mar 2022 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, relating to the Biodiversity and Ecosystems inquiry, dated 2 March 2022
Parliament page
27 Jan 2022 Correspondence with the Minister of State (Minister for School Standards), Department for Education, relating to recommendations made in the EAC's Biodiversity in the UK: Bloom or Bust? and Green Jobs reports, dated 27 January 2022
Parliament page
7 Jul 2021 To committee Letter from the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, regarding the publication of the EAC Biodiversity and Ecosystems report, dated 2 July 2021
Parliament page
17 Mar 2021 To committee Letter from the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury to the Chair on water quality, dated 12 March 2021
Parliament page
13 Nov 2020 To committee Letter from Natural England re: funding and biodiversity
Parliament page
15 Oct 2020 To committee Letter from EasyJet CEO to Chairman on additional points raised at meeting
Parliament page