Now that the new Government has taken office, wildlife charities like Hampshire & Isle Wight Wildlife Trust are assessing what the future holds for wildlife in the UK.
Environmental and wildlife issues have been noticeably absent from recent political debate. Most of our decision-makers’ focus is on the economy – despite the clear links between helping nature and helping ourselves; Natural England estimated that more wildlife in our towns and cities could save the NHS £2.1bn a year through improving our mental and physical wellbeing.
In the run-up to the election, and with the help of thousands of our supporters, we asked every political party to commit to protecting nature. Together with over 20 other charities and our supporters, we called for a new ‘Nature & Wellbeing Act’ to protect and restore nature for wildlife and for people. Along with the other political parties, the Conservatives adopted some of our recommendations in their manifesto, including:
- Work with the Natural Capital Committee (England’s independent body advising the Government on sustainable use of England’s forests, rivers, atmosphere, land, wildlife and oceans) to put an economic value on the environment – and introduce a 25 year plan for restoring nature and biodiversity;
- Improve people’s access to the outdoors by providing free, comprehensive maps of all open-access green space – and launching an ambitious programme of pocket parks (small areas of inviting public space where people can enjoy relief from the hustle and bustle of city streets);
- Complete the network of Marine Protected Areas around the UK.
We will be among those organisations and supporters looking forward to seeing these pledges implemented, although we hope this isn’t all this government will do for our wildlife. The government’s wider plans will become clearer over the coming weeks.
This week’s Queen’s Speech gave us some clues of what to expect. We welcome the commitment to take climate change seriously at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris at the end of the year. Climate change continues to pose a major threat to both wildlife and people, as well as the economy. It is essential that firm action is taken to prevent biodiversity loss – and we’d like to see further investment in nature to mitigate the impacts and costs of climate change.
The government has committed to an in/out EU referendum, the negotiations for which could throw further doubt over the vital nature protection laws that the European Commission is already reviewing. We’d also want reassurances that the government pledge to reduce regulation for businesses won’t weaken key protections for and responsibilities to wildlife.
Broadly we hope to see nature truly placed at the heart of decision-making, giving it the prominence it deserves; however there is also a risk that we may see some damaging wildlife and flooding policies, like those that earned the last government a ‘red card’ for poor environmental performance from the Environmental Audit Committee.
Today’s news coverage that David Cameron still hasn’t appointed a minister for the natural environment doesn’t signal any great priority for this critical area which is highly disappointing.
The Wildlife Trusts are among the many wildlife charities awaiting the government’s legislative plans with anticipation. We are ready to make the case for protecting nature – for wildlife, and for people.
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Debbie Tann 