Biodiversity monitoring
Failure to adequately represent all species, particularly invertebrates, in biodiversity 'Red Lists' and indicators.
335 items
3 sources
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
87match
#28 - Clarify responsibilities for oversight, enforcement, and standardised monitoring of off-site Biodiversity Net Gain projects.
More clarity is needed on how off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects will be maintained, monitored, and enforced over the full 30-year period. We ask the Government, in response to this report, to lay out clearly who is responsible for oversight and enforcement of BNG throughout its lifespan, and how monitoring and enforcement is standardised across Local Planning...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity, monitoring
Committee recommendation
87match
#27 - Biodiversity Net Gain's long-term success undermined by inadequate regulation, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms.
It is too early to assess the overall success of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), as the policy is still establishing itself. Its long-term success is dependent upon the establishment of clear and effective regulation. The absence of standardised monitoring and enforcement protocols, clear lines of accountability, and insufficient resourcing, undermines confidence in the policy. Without strengthened oversight and...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity, monitoring
Committee recommendation
83match
#25 - Decline in UK terrestrial biodiversity research capacity weakens Antarctic monitoring and expertise.
We are concerned that the decline in UK based terrestrial biodiversity research capacity is significantly weakening the UK’s ability to monitor, understand, and respond to ecological changes in Antarctica. This loss of expertise risks undermining both the UK’s scientific leadership and its ability to meet its environmental responsibilities under the Antarctic Treaty System. (Conclusion, Paragraph 142)
Matched on
terms: biodiversity, monitoring
Committee recommendation
82match
#21 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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 established as soon as monitoring data allows. Healthy soils should be a priority outcome for the Environmental Land...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity, monitoring
Committee recommendation
82match
#20 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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 UK: bloom or bust? 117 Government will not meet the soil health commitments made in its own 25...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity, monitoring
Committee recommendation
74match
#53 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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 tree planting is required to allow increased domestic commercial timber production to reduce reliance on imports. The appropriate...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
74match
#6 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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 recommend that the scope of the proposed 2030 target be extended to encompass legally binding outcome measures on...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
74match
#16 - Clarify ‘effective means’ of protection, monitoring, and recourse for 30by30 land
We recommend that in its response to this report the Government clarify— • what it considers to be ‘effective means’ of protection against loss or damage to important biodiversity values for the purposes of designating land in England as ‘protected’ for the purposes of the 30by30 commitment; 57 • how it is proposed to monitor whether land designated...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity, monitoring
Committee recommendation
70match
#50 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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: bloom or bust? but must not be seen as a substitute from the urgent task of decarbonising all...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
70match
#24 - Second Report - The UK's footprint on global biodiversity
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 for Nature and G7 2030 Nature Compact to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. • The species...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
70match
#51 - Promote establishing a coordinated monitoring programme across the Antarctic Treaty System for adaptive management.
Long-term, systematic monitoring of visitor activities is vital to assess the cumulative impact of tourism. The UK should promote the establishment of a coordinated monitoring programme across the Antarctic Treaty System. Data gathered should underpin adaptive management strategies, including the possibility of introducing caps on tourist numbers or restricting access to particularly vulnerable areas. (Recommendation, Paragraph 225)
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
70match
#11 - Incorporate biodiversity into Duty to Co-operate, aligning with Local Nature Recovery Strategies
We recommend that the Government should explicitly incorporate matters relating to biodiversity into the Duty to Co-operate, enabling local planning authorities to work together to meet national house building and biodiversity targets at a regional level. The Duty to Co-operate on biodiversity should eventually be integrated into Sustainable Development Strategies and be required to align with Local Nature...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
66match
#54 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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 and maintenance of the ecosystems we already have over the creation of new ecosystems. This must include greater...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
66match
#34 - Assess local authority capacity for monitoring BNG commitments and ensure adequate resourcing.
The Government should conduct an assessment of the capacity and performance of monitoring of BNG commitments by local authorities. Local authorities must understand their responsibilities to ensure that BNG promised is delivered and buy in expertise and resource if it is not currently employed. LPAs should be held to account for adequate monitoring of BNG and resourced to...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
65match
#69 - Fourth Report - Water quality in rivers
The value of biodiversity in rivers in England does not appear to have been priced adequately into the economic decisions made by companies and by regulatory agencies. If it is to meet the Environment Act’s legally binding target to halt the decline in the abundance of species in England by 2030, the Government must make it clear, in...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
62match
#52 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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 targets. We commend the consultation on banning the sale of peat products and believe the proposal should be...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
62match
#51 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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 to lock carbon and conserve biodiversity in these spaces.
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
62match
#22 - Second Report - The UK's footprint on global biodiversity
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, ambitious agenda that pairs with its ambitions for the UNFCCC COP26 summit and provides a clear way forward...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
62match
#10 - Amend draft NNNPS to include current Clause 5.29 equivalent for biodiversity protection.
The draft revised NNNPS should be amended to include an equivalent to Clause 5.29 of the current NNNPS. If the Government declines, it must explain why, and how this is compatible with Government policy on promoting biodiversity.
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
62match
#16 - Reinstate DEFRA funding for sustained long-term data collection and monitoring at Lyme Bay.
We recommend that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reinstates funding to ensure the long-term data collection and monitoring at Lyme Bay is sustained to enable scientific analysis of the benefits of whole-site approaches for marine protection. We urge DEFRA to make this decision urgently to ensure the continuous data collection at this site is...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
62match
#24 - Accelerating environmental changes are severely impacting Antarctica's biodiversity, requiring urgent science-led responses.
The accelerating environmental changes in Antarctica, driven by climate change, sea ice loss, and increasing human activity, are having serious and compounding impacts on the continent’s biodiversity. These changes demand urgent, science led responses. (Conclusion, Paragraph 141)
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
NAO recommendation
62match
Implementing statutory biodiversity net gain
On managing risks as statutory BNG embeds as business as usual, Defra should: establish arrangements to understand and respond to system-wide risks and opportunities;
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
61match
#49 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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 LNRS to the NRN. b) Government should establish a Nature Recovery Zone category which would enable local authorities...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
61match
#48 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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 there are currently no duties or actionable plans in place to create it. The Government needs a co-ordinated...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
61match
#45 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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, with clear actions and milestones provided to achieve this goal. • Mandatory gains should endure, rather than only...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
61match
#7 - Stakeholders expressed significant concerns about biomass production impacts, Drax support, and accreditation effectiveness.
We also received a high number of written submissions from stakeholders.8 Particular concerns drawn to our attention included: a. the impact of biomass production on biodiversity, forest stocks and the environment more generally. b. the terms of the agreement for transitional support to Drax power station from 2027 to 2031 that government recently announced. c. the role played...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
57match
#44 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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.
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
57match
#43 - First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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.
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
57match
#4 - Fourth Report - Water quality in rivers
The current range of pollutants being monitored is too narrow. The Environment Agency must begin work to extend the number of substances it is regularly monitoring in rivers. Existing datasets do not provide a comprehensive picture of risks to human health, aquatic life nor microplastic contamination in rivers.
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#33 - Ensure robust regulation and integrity for UK nature markets, preventing offshoring degradation and financial risks.
Nature and biodiversity are highly location specific and a market which trades in biodiversity credits must account for this. The UK Government should ensure that the UK market has integrity and strong regulation that minimises the risk of the UK market offshoring its nature degradation. Care should be taken to ensure that credits traded through the UK market...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
57match
#29 - Establish comprehensive, publicly accessible register of BNG assets, investors, and credit owners by February 2026.
We recommend that not later than 12 February 2026—the start of the next biodiversity net gain reporting year—the Government establish a comprehensive and publicly accessible register of: • the location of onsite and offsite assets being developed under statutory provision for biodiversity net gain; • the identity of investors in such assets, and • the identity of the...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
57match
#26 - Publish annual reports detailing mitigation hierarchy application and environmental effectiveness on EDP sites.
We recommend that this evidence should include the systematic monitoring and review of the environmental outcomes on all sites where an EDP has been approved and introduced. NE should publish annual reports detailing the extent to which the MH has been applied to developments with an EDP, alongside evaluations of the effectiveness of the decisions made to improve...
Matched on
terms: monitoring
Committee recommendation
57match
#10 - Ensure local authorities have up-to-date plans to collectively satisfy national environmental targets
Local authorities must ensure they have up to date local plans and environmental and climate planning policies. When combined, all local plans and policies should satisfy national environmental targets, allowing for flexibility as to how they meet these targets between areas, in reflection of unique and local environmental characteristics. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
NAO recommendation
56match
Planting Trees in England
c) ensure its monitoring and evaluation framework includes robust mechanisms for measuring progress against targets for wider benefits such as biodiversity, flood management and air quality;
Matched on
terms: biodiversity, monitoring
Committee recommendation
49match
#30 - Set out unequivocal support for BNG policy, driving it through Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
The Government must set out unequivocally its support for BNG policy and ensure that it continues to deliver genuine habitat net gains and supports a thriving market in natural capital credits. The Government should make use of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects as a method to drive support for BNG. (Recommendation, Paragraph 155)
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#28 - Low public accessibility and visibility of BNG financial flows and site registers.
The ability for nature credits to traced through clear and transparent means is key to ensuring market integrity. Although a register of BNG sites available for offsite investment has now been established, the public interface is still not fully accessible and overall visibility of financial flows into onsite and offsite BNG schemes is low. (Conclusion, Paragraph 150)
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#27 - Establish clear, robust baseline assessment methodology for measuring nature gains within 12 months.
The Government must continue to work with both public and private sector organisations, including the British Standards Institute and the International Sustainability Standards Board, so as to establish a clear and robust 59 baseline assessment methodology against which all gains will be measured. The Government should do this not later than 12 months of the date of publication...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#24 - Government lacks primary data on private investment for nature recovery targets.
For the Government to determine whether it has delivered on its target to deliver £1 billion of private investment into nature recovery annually by 2030, it must have primary data on relevant financial flows to provide a thorough understanding of investment levels, which it currently lacks. (Conclusion, Paragraph 125)
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#32 - Prevent blanket exemptions for small sites and defer substantial BNG policy changes for three years.
While the Government has completed its consultation on new exemptions to BNG, additional exemptions must not undermine the effectiveness of the policy, ecosystem integrity, or the establishment of the BNG credit market. Entire exemptions from BNG for small sites would undermine the policy. The Government should not exempt all small sites, but consider minor alterations, to ensure that...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
48match
#2 - Third Report - Growing back better: putting nature and net zero at the heart of the...
The potential consequences of biodiversity loss for human populations have for too long been overlooked. It is vital that nature recovery is also prioritised in our economic recovery efforts alongside action on climate change. If measures to promote economic recovery are not treated as an opportunity to ‘grow back better’, then the global collapse in biodiversity, together with...
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
45match
#26 - Baseline data for natural capital improvement lacks sufficient granularity at farm level.
It is vital to develop a substantial baseline to measure natural capital improvement metrics against. This is already taking place in some respects (e.g. Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) data for woodlands) but the current programmes arguably do not provide sufficient granularity to support decisions at farm level. The British Standards Institute’s nature investment standards principles, both published...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#22 - Consult on measures to increase BNG compliance or mandate corporate disclosure of nature-damaging activities.
We recommend that the Government consult on measures to increase compliance as a market driver, potentially through expanding BNG requirements or mandating corporate disclosure of nature-damaging activities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 123)
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#17 - Successful nature markets require balance between scale, local accountability, and BNG benefits
For successful nature markets to be delivered there needs to be an effective balance between efficiencies of scale and local accountability which brings about local buy-in and transparency, ensuring that offsets are being delivered to a high standard. A method for this to be achieved is through facilitating developers to pool their BNG requirements across multiple developments, while...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#31 - Early introduction of new BNG exemptions risks unintended consequences and undermines policy assessment.
Introducing new exemptions to BNG when the policy remains in the early stages of implementation may have unintended consequences, particularly if applied too broadly. We believe more time is needed to assess the effectiveness of BNG before substantive changes are made. (Conclusion, Paragraph 115)
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#25 - Publish site-specific evidence of environmental improvements when mitigation hierarchy has not been applied.
Whilst accepting the Minister and NE’s assurance that the MH has remained in place, and would only be set aside where doing so would demonstrably benefit nature, we urge the Government and NE to publish site-specific evidence of the environmental improvements in all occasions where the MH has not been applied. This transparency is necessary to build confidence...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
44match
22-004-477 - King's Lynn & West Norfolk Council
Summary: Mr X complains the Council accepted a low maintenance planting scheme for a development in his village rather than properly considering Biodiversity Net Gain. We will not investigate the complaint because it is unlikely an investigation will usefully add to the Council’s own investigation or lead to a different outcome.
Matched on
terms: biodiversity
Committee recommendation
41match
#32 - Define government expectations and set measurable targets for nature recovery through nature markets.
The Government should clearly define its expectation for the level of nature recovery in England which is likely to be achieved through the operation of nature markets, and should set out the criteria against which progress will be evaluated. In doing so, the Government should set, and publish, a target for the growth of the UK’s natural capital...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
41match
#25 - Provide report on current and projected private investment in nature recovery within 12 months.
The Government should urgently address the gaps in its data and understanding around the level of investment into nature recovery projects. We recommend that within 12 months of the date of publication of this report the Government provide a report to the House on current and projected levels of private investment into nature recovery in England and performance...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
41match
#23 - Commit to reviewing the effectiveness of on-site BNG delivery by February 2027.
The Government should also ensure that on-site gains have sufficient transparency and scrutiny of delivery—through sufficient funding of local authorities to deliver checks, and provision to local authorities of the capacity to undertake enforcement action—with a commitment to reforming the delivery of on-site gains if widespread non-compliance is detected. We recommend that Ministers now commit to reviewing the...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
41match
#18 - Evaluate BNG policy effectiveness, review investment estimates, and publish annual updates
The Government should continue to demonstrate leadership on natural capital markets by evaluating and reviewing the BNG policy and whether its design, metrics, and implementation remain effective in increasing investment into natural capital projects and delivering measurable improvements in nature recovery. Estimates of the investment to be generated from BNG (currently £9.6 billion over ten years) should be...
Matched on
classifier match