The Environment Act 2021 introduced a strengthened biodiversity duty which requires all public authorities in England to consider what they can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
Defra guidance on complying with the duty
The actions local authorities take for biodiversity will contribute to the achievement of national goals and targets on biodiversity. The Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP23) sets out Government’s plans for improving the natural environment.
By 2030, the Government has committed to halt the decline in species abundance; and to protect 30% of UK land to support the recovery of nature.
By 2042, the Government has committed to:
- Increase species abundance by at least 10% from 2023
- Restore or create at least 500,000 hectares of a range of wildlife rich habitats
- Reduce the risk of species extinction; and
- Restore 75% hectares of protected sites for habitats and species to thrive
In fulfilling its Biodiversity Duty Burnley Council must:
- Consider what we can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity. This is known as the “first consideration”.
- Agree policies and specific objectives based on that consideration
- Act to deliver the policies and achieve these objectives and report on them
- Reconsider/review those actions at least every five years
For more information please see our web page The Biodiversity Duty
