Chair: Emily Smith, Angling Trust
Link: Zoe Davies, Policy Lead
The Government made some encouraging moves in its response to the Environmental Audit Committee’s recommendations on tackling invasive species. Particularly positive is the commitment to explore the creation of a Nature Volunteer Force and an inspectorate to boost biosecurity and public awareness on this damaging issue for wildlife and the economy.
Our Policy Lead, Zoe Davies, said: ‘Invasive plants and animals cost our economy around two billion pounds per year and the price tag is set to soar with new post-Brexit trade routes and climate change opening the doors to more potential nature invaders. It’s welcome that the government is considering the EAC’s robust proposals on how to close the doors on nature invaders’ dual threat to our environment and our economy. Properly resourced biosecurity along with an engaged citizens’ army are essential to deliver an effective invasives’ line of defence, which can help make nature and our economy more healthy, and should form part of a green recovery after the covid-19 crisis.’
For further information, contact Zoe Davies, Link’s Policy Lead
Last updated: 3 September 2020
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