An analysis of the Government's natural environment commitments
"The Government is failing to deliver on its wildlife and landscape promises"
Wildlife and Countryside Link has today published Nature Check: an analysis of the Government’s natural environment commitments, which has been compiled by 29 of the UK’s leading environmental groups. Our assessment raises profound questions over the Government’s ability and willingness to deliver its green commitments, let alone to set out a long-term, coherent strategy to reverse biodiversity decline by 2020 and meet the needs of the natural environment alongside economic recovery.
Using a traffic light rating system, the report shows that of its 16 commitments to the natural environment the Coalition has achieved a ‘green light’ on only two. Seven commitments received an amber rating, meaning not enough progress has been made, and a further seven have been given the red card by environmental experts. Whilst the Coalition has done well as a champion for the natural environment on the international stage, at home its commitment to being the ‘greenest Government ever’ is in danger of being undermined.
Nevertheless, the Coalition Government still has time to seize the initiative, to save species and to protect and restore precious habitats for present and future generations. To achieve this, the Government will have to:
- Provide leadership and cross-Government support for the natural environment
- Put the environment at the heart of the Coalition’s growth agenda
- Restore the role of the statutory agencies
Read the Nature Check report online here
Download the PDF press release here
For further information please contact Kate Hand
For press enquiries please contact Nik Shelton
Follow the debate on twitter #naturecheck
