The Government has today (30 July) announced a rapid review of
the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) to be completed by the
end of the year to deliver our legally binding targets to save
nature.
The Government will develop a new, statutory plan to protect and
restore our natural environment with delivery plans to meet each
of our ambitious Environment Act targets. This will focus on
cleaning up our waterways, reducing waste across the economy,
planting millions more trees, improving air quality and halting
the decline in species by 2030.
The review will engage with stakeholders across environment and
nature, farming, resources, waste and water sectors, working hand
in glove with businesses, local authorities and civil society
across the country to develop new ambitious plans to save nature.
Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs, , said:
“Nature is dying.
“Britain is one of the most nature depleted countries in the
world. Our animal species face extinction. Our precious
landscapes are in decline. Our rivers, lakes and seas are awash
with sewage and pollution. Air pollution continues to plague our
towns and cities
“Nature underpins everything – the economy, food, health and
society - but we stand at a moment in history when nature needs
us to defend it.
“That is why today we begin to chart a new course. Working with
civil society, business and local government, we will develop an
ambitious programme to turn the tide and save nature.”
The announcement comes as the government publishes the
Environmental Improvement Plan Annual Progress
Report.
The Government is committed to protecting and restoring nature
and delivering the Environment Act targets. This review is an
important step in turning the page on nature recovery and will
provide the foundations for delivering these targets. This
includes the Government's manifesto promise to expand nature-rich
habitats such as wetlands, peat bogs and forests so people can
enjoy and wildlife can thrive, including on public land.
Additional information:
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The announcement comes as the government publishes the
Environmental Improvement Plan Annual Progress Report. This
covers the actions taken under the previous government to
deliver the EIP between 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 and
reveals that dire state of the natural environment.
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The all-species indicator has shown an overall decline to
around 69% of its starting value in 1970. In Great Britain,
16% of species are threatened with extinction.
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Beach litter remains abundant on UK coastlines, with plastic
items constituting over 88% of the total litter
collected.
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The Government is committed to improving the environment, and
the Secretary of State has set out five new
priorities for this next parliament to:
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clean up rivers, lakes and seas;
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create a roadmap to move Britain to a zero waste
economy;
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boost food security;
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ensure nature's recovery and
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protect communities from the dangers of flooding.
The Environmental Improvement Plan was published in 2023 as the
first revision to the 25 Year environment plan. The full
document can be found here.
