Category Archives: Biodiversity
The links between international trade and biodiversity loss
If you think of international trade and endangered species you most probably think of illegal trade of products made from wild animals and plants (e.g. ivory, leather, rhino horns). Although illegal trade is undoubtedly a significant threat to biodiversity, international … Continue reading
World Wide Views on Biodiversity: a chance for global citizens to have their say on biodiversity protection
An initiative has been launched which will see people from around the world participating in discussions on how to tackle the challenge of global biodiversity loss. On Saturday 15th September 2012, at least 100 people from each participating country will … Continue reading
Homecoming of the short-haired bumblebee after 24 years
Following three years of intensive preparations, the short-haired bumblebee (Bombus subterraneus) finally came home today to South East England. Around 50 queens from Sweden were released today at the RSPB’s Dungeness reserve in Kent. The species was last seen in … Continue reading
Defra to research options to reduce impact of buzzard predation on gamebirds
Conservationists have reacted angrily to plans by Defra to investigate possible measures to keep buzzards from targeting game birds. According to the RSPB, Defra is considering options including taking buzzards into captivity and destroying nests in order to protect young … Continue reading
Link’s ‘Targeting Nature’s Recovery’ report makes recommendations for better species conservation
Wildlife and Countryside Link (‘Link’) have produced a report entitled ‘Targeting Nature’s Recovery’ outlining the group’s analysis of the UK’s progress against its 2010 targets for the conservation of priority habitats and species. These targets were agreed in 2006, based … Continue reading
Fish might become “fearless” as a result of ocean acidification
The rising level of atmospheric CO2 has led to several studies focussing on changes in terrestrial and water ecosystems that might occur as a consequence. Ocean acidification, which is caused mainly by the increasing amount of CO2 dissolved in sea … Continue reading
Your help needed to develop ‘Climate Change Impacts Report Cards’
A new project to develop a series of ‘Climate Change Impacts Report Cards’ for the terrestrial and freshwater environments has started under the Living With Environmental Change programme, supported by Defra and NERC. These report cards will be accessible, high … Continue reading
Is the European Commission listening to evidence on the impact of pesticides on bees?
Following the publication last month of new research showing a link between the use of common neonicotinoid insecticides and bee mortality, the European Ombundsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros has launched an investigation into whether the European Commission has taken sufficient account … Continue reading
Richard Benyon MP gives evidence to Efra Select Committee on the Natural Environment White Paper
In an Efra Select Committee hearing on Wednesday (18th April), Richard Benyon MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Environment and Fisheries answered the panel’s queries into the measures outlined in the Government’s Natural Environment White Paper (NEWP), published … Continue reading
Overseas Biodiversity
Last week saw the joint meeting of the all party parliamentary groups on Biodiversity, UK’s Overseas Territories and Zoos and Aquariums, at which the BES Policy team was fortunate enough to attend. The meeting was chaired by Andrew Rosindell MP … Continue reading