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<p>Biodiversity is a devolved issue; actions to deliver biodiversity outcomes are
set out in individual country strategies - the England Biodiversity Strategy <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69446/pb13583-biodiversity-strategy-2020-111111.pdf"
target="_blank">Biodiversity 2020</a>, and Scottish Biodiversity Strategy <a href="http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2013/06/5538"
target="_blank">http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2013/06/5538</a>. Wales’ biodiversity
strategy, The Nature Recovery Plan for Wales, to be published by the end of this year,
will set out the action to reverse the decline of biodiversity in Wales. The Northern
Ireland Biodiversity Strategy <a href="http://www.doeni.gov.uk/nibs_2002.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.doeni.gov.uk/nibs_2002.pdf</a>
is under review and a new Biodiversity Strategy for Northern Ireland will be published
by the summer.</p><p /> <p>The UK submitted its 5<sup>th</sup> National report to
the CBD in May 2014 and it is available on the CBD website at <a href="https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/gb/gb-nr-05-en.pdf"
target="_blank">https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/gb/gb-nr-05-en.pdf</a>. Key actions
taken by the UK include:</p><p /> <p>· Continued designation of protected areas, especially
at sea, and the development of a UK Marine Strategy;</p><p /> <p>· Continued work
to improve the management and condition of all designated sites, with 96% of SSSIs
in England in favourable or recovering condition;</p><p /> <p>· Integrated, landscape-scale
approaches to improving the natural environment, such as Nature Improvement Areas
(NIAs) and river-basin management plans.</p><p /> <p>· Agri-environment programmes
to support environmental improvements on farmed land, for example with 67,000ha being
brought under management for creation of priority habitat in England since 2011, and
the development of country policies and strategies for issues which impact on biodiversity
such as such as forestry, water, invasive species, pollinators, and fisheries.</p><p
/> <p>· Research to develop knowledge and evidence-based guidance, such as ecosystem
assessment and payment for ecosystem services.</p><p /> <p>The most recent update
on progress is presented in the UK Biodiversity Indicators, published in December
2014: <a href="http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4229" target="_blank">http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4229</a>.
The indicators show a mixed picture, with recent improvements in the area of land
in agri-environment schemes, sustainable fisheries, air pollution, the extent of protected
sites on land and at sea, the condition of areas/sites of special scientific interest,
status of species of European importance and plant genetic resources.</p><p /> <p>However,
pressures on biodiversity remain high and there is more to do, which will require
the engagement of all sectors and civil society as a whole.</p><p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p
/> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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