Review of the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020

United Kingdom

EU Target or Action	EU Target 1 (Please note that information from Member States in relation to Action 1a is supplied to the European Commission via other reports. To avoid duplication of reporting, information relating to Action 1a has not been included in this report)
Action 1b: Natura 2000 (and other protected areas)	Examples of mainstreaming biodiversity in sectoral programmes include: • Spatial planning legislation and policies in all the four countries of the UK include safeguards for biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as requirements for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) of some developments.
	Wales: The Welsh Government is currently preparing proposals to establish a legal framework for the sustainable management of natural resources, including embedding a process of integrated natural resource management within our existing delivery mechanisms. This process is based on the CBD Ecosystem Approach principles.
	England: A number of actions have been initiated and taken forward in England to improve water quality, manage floods and erosion, and tackle unsustainable water abstractions which have benefits for biodiversity. More detail of actions on the ground is in Case Study H. Additional work to develop evidence to inform better implementation includes: The establishment and evaluation of 64 pilot river catchment partnerships, to test the impact of better local engagement around water, on biodiversity (Cascade Consulting 2013). Using the knowledge gained from the pilot across England better to support wider ecosystem function, including biodiversity. A catchment approach with partnerships across all of England’s 89 river catchments. Ongoing development of river-basin management plans which aim to increase the proportion of water bodies in good ecological status from 26 per cent to 32 per cent. Since 2009, over 12,000 investigations have been undertaken by the Environment Agency to provide evidence for these plans. The development of a strategy, which is expected to be published by March 2014, to identify and address the most significant diffuse sources of water pollution from non-agricultural sources. Research to review and improve methods to reduce agriculture’s impact on the water environment (Defra 2010). The establishment of a rolling programme to restore or create new wildlife habitat; with further research on how flooding and erosion can be reduced through working with natural processes (Environment Agency 2012). Research and catchment case studies to underpin the impact assessment of options to reform the abstraction regime.
	8.3.1 Biodiversity duty An important driver for mainstreaming in each of the countries is legislation which places a ‘statutory duty’ on all public bodies to have regard to biodiversity conservation. The relevant Acts are: The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (England and Wales) 2006; Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011; The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. Each country has now listed priority habitats and species which should be the subject of the duty, and some produce further guidance. For example, Wales carries out annual reviews of local authorities’ and National Park authorities’ performance with respect to the duty and appointment of member-level Biodiversity Champions (Wales Biodiversity Partnership, 2014). England: Spatial Planning The planning system has a crucial role to play in the successful delivery of biodiversity outcomes in England. The National Planning Policy Framework and associated guidance includes safeguards for biodiversity and ecosystems, as well local green spaces that have significant importance to local communities (Department for Communities and Local Government 2012, 2013a, b). Government is developing marine plans which integrate economic, social, and environmental considerations, and which will guide decision-makers when making any decision that affects or might affect a marine area. Following public consultation on East of England inshore and offshore marine plans in July 2013, the final plans will be adopted in early April 2014. Biodiversity Offsetting Biodiversity offsets are conservation activities that are designed to give biodiversity benefits to compensate for losses. In April 2012, Government launched a biodiversity offsetting pilot scheme to test an approach to biodiversity offsetting in England (Defra 2013d). The six pilots finished at the end of March and will require several months of analysis before they can fully inform our thinking. In September 2013, Government launched a consultation on biodiversity offsetting and is considering responses. Scotland: A key mechanism for habitat and species protection is spatial planning and development management. The Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) is a designated ‘National Development’ in Scotland’s National Planning Framework (NPF2). The objective of the CSGN is to achieve a step-change improvement in the environment of central Scotland. The proposed NPF3 includes a key action to implement the provisions of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, including completing the suite of protected places and improving their connectivity through a national ecological network centred on these sites. National guidance Green Infrastructure, Design & Place-making (Scottish Government 2011b) sets out how planners and developers are expected to incorporate linked areas of semi-natural habitats into new developments to deliver a range of benefits for nature and people. This is one of a number of ways Government is promoting a place-making culture that recognises that green infrastructure has a key role in helping make distinctive and sustainable places. Recently revised guidance on Strategic Environmental Assessments and Habitats Regulations Appraisals seeks to embed good practice in considering impacts on biodiversity at the early stages of development plan-making. Strategic and local plans are identifying green networks on maps, applying robust policies to protect them and identifying opportunities to enhance them, with potential benefits to wildlife and people. An increasing number of planning authorities have adopted supplementary guidance (guidance linked to the spatial plan) that sets out how decision makers will take account of biodiversity in assessing development proposals. Most development plans in Scotland now how robust policies that provide protection to statutory and non-statutory wildlife designations. The Scottish Borders Biodiversity Offset scheme is an example of work that aims to compensate for the residual impacts of renewable development, in line with a ‘no net loss’ policy in the local development plan. This has delivered improved habitats for Black Grouse at a range of locations.
	All four UK countries have development planning policies which protect biodiversity. For example the English National Planning Policy Framework and associated guidance specifically references the role of ecosystem services and includes safeguards for biodiversity and ecosystems (Target 2).
EU Target or Action	EU Target 2 (Reporting is structured around 5 "goals" rather than each of the 20 Aichi Targets)
	Work to restore habitats and improve ecosystem services at a landscape scale is proceeding throughout the UK. For example, 48 new Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) have been established around England to provide a local approach to managing the natural environment in an integrated way. Following a national competition, in 2012 £7.5 million funding was awarded to 12 new Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) in England, generating significant additional investment from other sources. In Scotland, Green Networks and Green Infrastructure projects aim to improve the environment by creating integrated habitat networks, and mapping of ecosystem health will inform targeted action (Targets 14, 15). Peatlands are vitally important to help secure climate change, biodiversity and water benefits, but they are threatened and many are degraded. In the last few decades, several peatland restoration initiatives have taken place across the UK and more are planned; the Peatland Code allows businesses to quantify the benefits of restoring damaged peat bogs (Targets 14, 15)
	Levels of both air pollution and marine pollution (indicator B5) are decreasing (Target 8), though air pollution remains at a high level. ·There has been a decline in the number of European habitats in favourable or improving condition (indicator C3; Targets 5, 7). However, some of this decrease is due to new evidence on the impact of airborne pollution, and cannot be attributed to a real decrease in condition.
Action 6: Ecosystem restoration and green infrastructure	The current extent of protected terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in the UK exceeds 17%, further work is needed to determine whether these areas fully meet the criteria in Target 11. The proportion of Areas or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (A/SSSIs) in favourable condition has decreased slightly since 2005 (indicator C1). However the proportion in recovering condition – where management has been put in place to address the reasons for unfavourable condition – has increased, indicating that progress is being made towards effective management of sites
	The contribution that nature and landscapes can make to health and quality of life is increasingly recognised, and the provision of good quality green space and associated green networks is an important component of policies in all four countries of the UK (Target 14). Work to restore habitats and improve ecosystem services at a landscape scale is proceeding throughout the UK. For example, 48 new Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) have been established around England to provide a local approach to managing the natural environment in an integrated way. Following a national competition, in 2012 £7.5 million funding was awarded to 12 new Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) in England, generating significant additional investment from other sources. In Scotland, Green Networks and Green Infrastructure projects aim to improve the environment by creating integrated habitat networks, and mapping of ecosystem health will inform targeted action (Targets 14, 15). Peatlands are vitally important to help secure climate change, biodiversity and water benefits, but they are threatened and many are degraded. In the last few decades, several peatland restoration initiatives have taken place across the UK and more are planned; the Peatland Code allows businesses to quantify the benefits of restoring damaged peat bogs (Targets 14, 15). The UK Government funds and leads the Ecosystem Services for Poverty Alleviation (ESPA) research programme, to provide new knowledge demonstrating how ecosystem services can reduce poverty and enhance well-being for the world’s poor (Target 14).
EU Target or Action	EU Target 3
	As part of the new Rural Development Programme in England, at least £3.5 billion will be invested into environment and rural development schemes over the next seven years. Both agriculture and forestry are major land uses in the UK, and agricultural intensification has in the past have been linked to declines in wildlife. However, there has been substantial recent progress in integrating biodiversity considerations into agriculture and forestry, for example through increases in the area of agricultural and forestry land managed for biodiversity (indicator B1; Target 7). Substantial progress is being made on mainstreaming biodiversity objectives in sustainable agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Further research and development of associated indicators will enhance our ability to measure and report progress.
Action 8a: Environmental public goods in the CAP and GAEC cross-compliance	England: Over £3.1 billion will be available between 2014 and 2020 to protect and enhance biodiversity through the New Environmental Land Management Scheme (NELMS).
Action 10: Agricultural genetic diversity	Good progress is being made with conserving the genetic resources of plants and domesticated animals. The UK has a diverse farm animal genetic resource, including 235 native breeds of farm animals, despite some historic losses. The measure indicating resilience of genetic diversity in UK cattle breeds is increasing, and there has been no reported UK extinction of any breed of sheep or cattle since 2001 (indicator C9; Target 13). Collection of seeds of native species within the UK and across the world by the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership increased rapidly up to 2010, as reflected in the plant genetic resources Enrichment Index (indicator C9; Target 13).
EU Target or Action	EU Target 4
Action 14a: Adverse impacts on fish stocks, species, habitats and ecosystems	Indicator D1 is a measure of fish sizes in the Northern North Sea. This measure responds to fishing impacts, because when fish communities are more heavily fished, the proportion of large fish is expected to fall. The indicator demonstrates that the proportion of large fish in the North Sea rose from a low of 2.1 per cent in 2001 to 10 per cent in 2011, showing a steady increase, although the value in 2011 is less than the value in 1983 of 23 per cent. The indicator suggests that although sustainability of UK fishing declined in the 1980s and 1990s, in the last ten years it has started to improve, contributing to a range of ecosystem services. Data link: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4248
	Figure 2.2 Healthy and biologically diverse seas – species. Data link: For more detailed information from Charting Progress 2 on the status and trends of UK marine habitats and species, see the Healthy and Biologically Diverse Seas Feeder Report: http://chartingprogress.defra.gov.uk/healthy-and-biologically-diverse-seas-feeder-report [to be updated by the Member State] and associated summaries, which cover benthic habitats, microbes, plankton, fish, seals, turtles, cetaceans and marine birds.
EU Target or Action	EU Target 5 (reporting is structured around 5 "goals" rather than each of the 20 Aichi Targets)
	Invasive species pose a growing threat to native biodiversity in the UK (indicator B6), but efforts are underway to manage and reduce the threat (Target 9).
EU Target or Action	EU Target 6
Action 17c: Drivers of biodiversity loss	England The Natural Environment White Paper (NEWP) (Defra 2011b) was published in June 2011. The NEWP outlined the Government’s vision for the natural environment, shifting the emphasis from piecemeal conservation action towards a more integrated landscape-scale approach, and how we can better value the natural environment in decision-making. The core focus of the NEWP was on the importance of taking account of the value of nature. The NEWP contained 92 commitments, of which two-thirds have now been taken forward, putting in place important foundations for the longer term. Examples of commitments delivered under the NEWP include: The Office of National Statistics (ONS) is undertaking world-leading work to incorporate natural capital into our national statistics alongside measures such as GDP. New Treasury guidance, supplementing the Green Book, has been produced to help government departments take account of the value of nature as part of policy appraisal (Dunn 2012). Following a national competition, in 2012 £7.5 million funding was awarded to 12 new Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs), generating significant additional investment from other sources. The Natural Capital Committee and the Ecosystem Markets Task Force (2013).
	Case Study C: Payment for ecosystem services Ecosystem markets The independent business-led Ecosystem Markets Task Force was set up ‘to review the opportunities for UK business from expanding green goods, services, products, investment vehicles and markets which value and protect nature’s services’. The Task Force reported to Government in March 2013 setting out opportunities for the natural environment and growth. The Government Response (published in September 2013) covers all 22 recommendations made by the Task Force, including their top five priorities: biodiversity offsetting (see Section 8.3); bio-energy and anaerobic digestion; sustainable local woodfuel; nature-based certification and labelling; and water-cycle catchment management. Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) PES schemes enable the beneficiaries, or users, of ecosystem services to provide payment to the stewards, or providers of those services. They are about identifying practical ways to deliver new and additional investment in the natural environment, as well as seeking better targeting and value for money of existing funding streams. In support of these schemes Defra published the PES Action Plan and Best Practice Guide in May 2013. The Action Plan promotes practical and innovative development of PES schemes and considers the actions that can be taken to enable them. It considers capacity- building actions for Government, the key policy areas of opportunity for PES and the monitoring and evaluation needs of PES schemes. The Best Practice Guide collates a number of instructive domestic and international case studies demonstrating the various challenges and solutions associated with a PES approach. Defra is also supporting a number of PES pilot research projects to demonstrate the approach exploring the potential for PES in the domestic context. One of these pilot projects has funded the development of a pilot UK Peatland Code (see Case Study D) targeted at business investment in peatland restoration. The peatland code was launched by the IUCN in September 2013.
Action 18a: Resources for global biodiversity conservation	Several approaches to payment for ecosystem services are being tested, and the UK Government contributes to positive global incentives through its payments to mechanisms such as the Global Environment Fund (GEF), the Reduction in Emissions from Degradation and Deforestation (REDD+) programme, the International Climate Fund (ICF) and the Darwin Initiative (Target 3). DFID also contributes to the World Bank Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystems Services (WAVES) programme which aims to include the value of natural capital within the national accounting systems of partner countries. This is intended to increase the incentive for partners to manage their natural resource assets sustainably.
	In 2012-13, UK public sector funding for international biodiversity totalled £56 million, an increase by 74 per cent since 2000-1 in real terms, and a small increase since 2009-10. The UK Government funds projects under the Darwin and Darwin Plus initiatives, which assist countries that are rich in biodiversity but poor in financial resources, and UK Overseas Territories, to build capacity and meet their objectives under the three major biodiversity conventions. Since 2009-10, overseas spending on biodiversity has benefitted from the UK’s significant International Climate Fund (ICF) spend on climate change adaptation and forestry. 20% of the 2011–2016 £3.87 billion ICF spend will be on forestry with biodiversity conservation and enhancement as a key co-benefit of these programmes. The UK also provides support to the Global Environment Facility (GEF), through DFID which has contributed £210 million to the 5th replenishment from 2010–2014. Approximately 30% of the overall GEF spend supports biodiversity-related programmes.
	The UK Government maintains funding of £8 million (GBP) per annum for projects under the Darwin Initiative, which assists countries that are rich in biodiversity but poor in financial resources, and Darwin Plus, focussed on the UK Overseas Territories, to meet their objectives under the three major biodiversity conventions. The UK’s International Climate Fund (ICF) has been launched to provide, by 2015, £3.87 billion (GBP) to help the worlds poorest adapt to climate change and to promote cleaner, greener growth. All ICF forestry projects, which represent 20% of the total spend, must deliver biodiversity and poverty benefits (JNCC & Defra 2012). The UK also provides support to the Global Environment Facility (GEF), through DFID which has contributed £210 million to the 5th replenishment from 2010–2014. Approximately 30% of the overall GEF spend supports biodiversity-related programmes in developing countries.
Action 20: Access to genetic resources and sharing of benefits	The UK aims to ratify the Nagoya Protocol by October 2015 (Target 16).
	The UK has taken an active role in the negotiations of the European Regulation on access and benefit sharing (ABS), pushing for early agreement of a balanced overall package. In parallel the UK is preparing the domestic measures required to enable ratification. A consultation on the domestic measures was launched in March 2014 with a view to UK ratification taking place in time for the first Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol in October 2015.

1^ The Danish Government has noticed a service check of the former governments “Danish Nature Policy” (the national strategy on biodiversity). It is not decided (September 2015) which measures will be included in a revised nature policy.