| answer text |
<p>Our 25 Year Environment Plan marked a step-change in ambitions for wildlife and
the natural environment. It committed the Government to establishing a nature recovery
network in England and developing a new strategy for nature, setting out how we will
implement our international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity
(CBD).</p><p>The coronavirus outbreak has impacted on our plans. Key international
meetings to develop global biodiversity targets, including the CBD Conference in China
(originally planned for the end of 2020), have been postponed. At the same time, many
of our stakeholders no longer have the capacity to engage on the strategy at the moment.</p><p>This
means that we have slowed the process of drafting the strategy so that we have extra
time to engage with stakeholders, and properly reflect on the emerging international
framework. We expect the main CBD Conference of the Parties to be rescheduled for
some time in 2021 and will update our domestic plans once this is finalised.</p><p>Although
work on the strategy has been delayed, we are bringing forward policies and funding
now that will deliver real change for nature and to establish a Nature Recovery Network
(NRN).</p><p>Our Environment Bill lays the foundation for the NRN. It sets the framework
for at least one legally binding biodiversity target. It establishes spatial mapping
and planning tools to inform nature recovery. It also creates duties and incentives,
such as biodiversity net gain, to drive change on the ground.</p><p>These measures
will complement our plans for new funding for nature announced in March this year.</p>
|
|
