Halting Biodiversity Loss

Halting Biodiversity Loss
Author: Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons. Environmental Audit Committee
Publisher: The Stationery Office
Total Pages: 224
Release: 2008
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780215524843

This is the thirteenth report from the Environmental Audit Committee of the 2007-08 session (HCP 743, ISBN 9780215524843). The Committee states, that the Government will fail to meet the 2010 traget to halt biodiversity loss, although the target might have been unrealistic. The Committee does see some progress, with 80% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSIs) in a favourable condition, with a number of rare species having recovered. In general though, biodiversity loss continues in the wider countryside with many species and habitats facing severe declines and local extinctions. The Committee does believe though that with leadership and effective policies, biodiversity loss could in fact be reversed, and states the Government should adopt a new target to halt the loss. Biodiversity policies need to be cross-departmental, and the Government's ecosystem assessment is a way forward, by encouraging such an approach and promoting biodiversity protection at the regional and local scales. The Committee further states that the Government could make a large contribution in preventing biodiversity loss through more support for the UK Overseas Territories.

The natural choice

The natural choice
Author: Great Britain: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Publisher: The Stationery Office
Total Pages: 84
Release: 2011-06-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780101808224

This white paper sets out proposals for a detailed programme of action to repair damage done to the environment in the past, and urges everyone to get involved in helping nature to flourish at all levels - from neighbourhoods to national parks. The plans are directly linked to the groundbreaking research in the National Ecosystem Assessment that showed the strong economic arguments for safeguarding and enhancing the natural environment. They also act on the recommendations of 'Making Space for Nature', a report into the state of England's wildlife sites, led by Professor John Lawton and published in September 2010, which showed that England's wildlife sites are fragmented and not able to respond to the pressures of climate change and other pressures we put on our land. Key measures proposed include: i) Reconnecting nature with New Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) with a £7.5 million fund for 12 initial NIAs, biodiversity offsetting, New Local Nature Partnerships with £1 million available this year, phasing out peat, ii) Connecting people and nature for better quality of life with Green Areas Designation, better urban green spaces; more children experiencing nature by learning outdoors, strengthening local public health activities, the new environmental volunteering initiative "Muck in 4 Life" to improve places in towns and countryside for people and nature to enjoy and iii) Capturing and improving the value of nature with a Natural Capital Committee; an annual statement of green accounts for UK Plc, a business-led Task Force to expand the UK business opportunities from new products and services which are good for the economy and nature alike.

The Overseas Territories

The Overseas Territories
Author: Great Britain. Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Publisher: The Stationery Office
Total Pages: 126
Release: 2012-06-28
Genre: Great Britain
ISBN: 9780101837422

The Government, in consultation with the Territories and other stakeholders, has developed a strategy of re-engagement: strengthening links between the Territories and the UK; strengthening governance; and enhancing support to the Territories. This White Paper sets out priorities for action in terms of defending the Territories; supporting successful economic development; preserving the Territories' rich environmental heritage and addressing the challenges of climate change; making government work better; community issues; and strengthening links with international and regional organisations or other countries. Taking this forward will require a partnership between the UK Government and Territory Governments. The UK wants to strengthen political engagement between Ministers in the UK and the Territories, particularly through the proposed Joint Ministerial Council, and is determined to live up to its responsibilities to the Territories

Global Biodiversity Strategy

Global Biodiversity Strategy
Author: World Resources Institute
Publisher:
Total Pages: 256
Release: 1992
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

The nature and value of biodiversity; Losses of biodiversity and their causes; The strategy for biodiversity conservation; Establishing a national policy framework for biodiversity conservation; Creating an international policy environmental that supports national biodiversity conservation; Creating conditions and incentives for local biodiversity conservation; Managing biodiversity throught the human environment; Strengthening protected areas; Conservings species, populations and genetic diversity; Exoanding human capacity to conserve biodiversity.