Biodiversity and nature on the agenda: A new government, a new approach?
The recent UK general election has ushered in a new labour government with a strong emphasis on biodiversity and nature conservation. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has set out five key policy priorities:
- Cleaning up rivers, lakes, and seas
- Moving towards a zero-waste economy
- Boosting food security
- Ensuring nature's recovery
- Protecting communities from flooding.
The Environment Act 2021 supports these goals with legally binding biodiversity targets, such as halting species decline by 2030 and creating 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitats by 2042.
The UK is also committed to the Global Biodiversity Framework's "30 by 30" target, which aims to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. The Biodiversity Net Gain policy mandates that developments achieve a 10% increase in biodiversity. The recent budget reflects these priorities, allocating significant funds for peatland restoration, tree planting, and flood resilience.
On a global scale, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework seeks to reverse nature loss by 2030, requiring substantial financial investments. The EU has introduced directives for corporate sustainability reporting, emphasizing biodiversity. Additionally, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures provides guidelines for businesses to disclose nature-related financial risks.
Overall, the UK's new political landscape and international commitments underscore a robust approach to biodiversity, with evolving regulations and significant investment opportunities.
What we can be certain of is that the topic is fast moving, the legal and regulatory landscape is evolving, and potential opportunities are becoming more tangible. At Hatch, we are passionately committed to the development of a future shaped by a sustainable global society. We recognize that climate change and nature loss hinder this vision by negatively affecting natural ecosystems, economic returns, and community development. The resolution of this complex global problem will require multiple simultaneous strategies.
For a deeper dive into these topics and to explore the full article developed in partnership with Beale & Company Solicitors LLP, click here.
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About the author
Freddy Brookes
Principal Environmental Scientist , Environment & Sustainability
Freddy is an environment consultant with over 18 years of experience in major multidisciplinary and strategic project impact assessment studies throughout the UK and overseas. Freddy has delivered technical inputs and project management both domestically and internationally to a diverse suite of ESIA/EIA and ESDD projects National legislative standards. Freddy has worked extensively on oil and gas, infrastructure, energy and mining projects delivering key project inputs for UK planning projects including Nationally Significand Infrastructure Projects (NSIP’s).