Category Archives: Defra
Defra Consults on New Indicators to Measure UK’s Progress on Sustainable Development
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has launched a new consultation to gather responses to a set of proposed Sustainable Development Indicators designed to help measure the UK’s progress towards economic, social and environmental sustainability. “These new indicators will help us take … Continue reading
Moving Forward with the NEWP – One Year On
Secretary of State at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Caroline Spelman MP, announced yesterday that the Government would make £750,000 of extra funding available to create additional Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs). Those NIAs that were not successful … Continue reading
Cross-party committee challenges “Greenest Government Ever”
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA) has published a report of an inquiry into the Natural Environment White Paper (NEWP) today, challenging ministers to put nature in the heart of economic decision-making. EFRA is appointed by the House … Continue reading
The first year of the Natural Environment White Paper: an evaluation by Wildlife and Countryside Link
The Natural Environment White Paper (The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature, NEWP) was published a year ago in June. The White Paper set out four ambitions to achieve a healthy natural environment to be the foundation of green … Continue reading
'Green Food' for a Green Economy
Greater investment is needed in agricultural research, enhanced knowledge exchange is required between different stakeholders in supply chains and detailed discussion must take place regarding how to reduce consumption and waste. These are some of the headline conclusions from the … Continue reading
Contribute to the work of the IPBES
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is currently advertising opportunities to inform the development of the initiative’s work. Ecologists can contribute to discussions on the priorities for IPBES and are also invited to put themselves forward … Continue reading
Investing in Peatlands – Demonstrating Success
This week ecologists from across the UK, Europe and from as far away as Tibet descended upon Bangor University to consider the major challenges and opportunities facing the restoration and conservation of the globe’s peatlands. The meeting was organised jointly … Continue reading
New Members Wanted for Defra Darwin Committee
Defra is looking for eight new members for its Darwin Expert Committee. This is a Committee made up of independent experts which advises Ministers on funding proposals received under its Darwin Initiative. They are particularly seeking individuals who have good … 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
UK’s Natural Capital Committee beginning to take shape
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman last week announced the appointment of five members to the recently formed independent Natural Capital Committee. The members are experts in the fields of natural science and economics, with a considerable range of specialist knowledge and … Continue reading