Overview

This Ecology Bill mandates the UK Secretary of State to achieve a "nature target," aiming to halt and reverse the UK's contribution to nature degradation by 2030. The target includes increasing the health and abundance of species and habitats, aligning with international commitments.

Description

The bill legally requires the Secretary of State to achieve a specific objective: halting and reversing the UK's contribution to nature loss both domestically and internationally. This will be measured against a 2020 baseline, aiming for visible and measurable nature recovery by 2030. The bill encompasses several key aspects:

Key Aspects:

• Nature Target: Increase the health, abundance, diversity, and resilience of species, populations, habitats, and ecosystems to achieve visible and measurable recovery by 2030 (compared to 2020).
• International Commitments: Fulfil obligations under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) and commitments from the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature (2020).
• Devolved Powers: The Secretary of State can act on matters of devolved legislative competence (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) only if the respective devolved legislatures (Scottish Parliament, Senedd Cymru, Northern Ireland Assembly) approve the nature target through a formal motion.
• Definition of "Nature": The bill broadly defines "nature" to include the abundance and diversity of all life, the condition of habitats, and the health of ecosystems.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. Implementation will likely require significant investment across various government departments responsible for environmental protection and conservation. The cost will depend on the specific policies and programs adopted to meet the nature target.

Groups Affected

The bill will impact numerous groups:

• Government Departments: Departments responsible for environmental policy will need to develop and implement strategies to meet the target.
• Environmental Organizations: These groups will play a role in monitoring progress, advocating for effective implementation, and potentially contributing to policy development.
• Landowners and Land Managers: The bill may influence land management practices to promote biodiversity and habitat restoration.
• Businesses: Industries with environmental impacts (e.g., agriculture, construction) may need to adapt their practices to align with the nature target.
• Devolved Administrations: The Scottish Parliament, Senedd Cymru, and Northern Ireland Assembly will need to decide whether to support the target.

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