Second Report - The UK's footprint on global biodiversity
Select Committee
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 674
30 September 2021
Government response
Fifth Special Report - The UK’s footprint on global biodiversity: Government Response to the Committee’s Second Report · published 1 Feb 2022
Recommendations & Conclusions
6 results
15
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 56
Within the National Food Strategy the Government should consider how a natural capital approach could...
Recommendation
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 Summary
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.
21
Recommendation
Accepted
We recommend that in response to this report the Government detail how it intends to...
Recommendation
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 Summary
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.
28
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 133
The global biodiversity funding gap is huge.
Conclusion
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
29
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 134
As host of COP26, the UK has an instrumental role to play in pairing the...
Conclusion
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
30
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 135
In promoting a transformative Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework, we recommend that the UK Government advocate: •...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
31
Recommendation
Accepted
To help pair the UNCBD and UNFCCC COPs, we recommend the UK explore opportunities to...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.