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
View on parliament.uk
Kemi Badenoch · HM Treasury Steve Field · HM Treasury
24 Feb 2021
View on parliament.uk
Panel 1
Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta · HMT Economics of Biodiversity Review
13 Jan 2021
View on parliament.uk
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
View on parliament.uk
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
View on parliament.uk
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
View on parliament.uk
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
26 results
Clear
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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.
View details
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