Overview

The Nature Bill sets ambitious biodiversity targets for 2040, establishes a Natural Capital Committee to advise on environmental matters, mandates local ecological network strategies, and integrates nature education into school curricula. It also aims to improve access to green spaces and identify endangered species.

Description

This bill sets targets for improving England's biodiversity by 2040, aiming for a 10% increase in the national biodiversity index and ensuring 80% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest are in favourable condition. A Natural Capital Committee will be created to advise the government on achieving these targets and managing natural capital. Local authorities will be required to develop and implement local ecological network strategies, identifying and mapping important ecological areas and ensuring access to natural green spaces within 300 meters of every household. The bill also mandates the inclusion of nature education in the school curriculum and requires the identification and publication of species at risk of extinction along with plans for their conservation.

Government Spending

The bill will involve government spending on the establishment and operation of the Natural Capital Committee, including staff salaries, operational costs, and grants. Further costs may arise from implementing the local ecological network strategies, improving access to green spaces and funding species recovery programs. Exact figures are not specified in the bill.

Groups Affected

• Government departments: Responsibility for implementing the bill's provisions will fall on various departments including the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the Treasury, and the Department for Education.
• Local authorities: They will be required to develop and implement local ecological network strategies and ensure access to green spaces, potentially requiring significant resources and planning.
• Schools: They will need to adapt their curricula to incorporate nature education.
• Environmental organisations: These groups will likely be involved in advising the government and local authorities, and may receive funding for related projects.
• Landowners: The bill’s provisions might affect land management practices.
• General public: The bill aims to improve access to green spaces and increase public awareness of environmental issues, directly benefitting the public.

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