Statement from UK scientists on nature as an election priority

We are now in the run-up to a General Election, but nature recovery is not currently a major priority for any party, despite its loss being a major risk to the wellbeing and prosperity of our nation, and despite it being a high priority for the UK public. Additionally, current nature policy is focused on nature at home, despite our nation having a major biodiversity footprint overseas. Recognising our responsibilities towards overseas biodiversity loss is an issue of international and intergenerational equity, and relates to our country’s ambitions for global leadership in international development and policy.

Together with Professor Nathalie Pettorelli of the Institute of Zoology, programme member Professor E.J. Milner-Gulland has just led on sending a letter to this effect to the environment leads of all the political parties contesting this election (including those standing in the Devolved Administrations). The letter has now been signed by over 180 UK scientists with expertise in biodiversity and conservation, including Fellows of the Royal Society and Government advisors.

Their policy asks are:

i) Legislate a legally binding requirement on government to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, at home and with respect to our overseas footprint;

ii) Set up a whole-government platform for implementing this biodiversity commitment.

You can read their letter here