On 10th July 2026 the UK Government formally ratified the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement (also referred to as the High Seas Treaty), which was adopted by UN member states in 2023. In doing so the UK joined a growing number of countries that have ratified this key international Agreement to help to protect […]
This paper explains how the government will deliver its commitment to protect 30% of land for nature in England by 2030. It sets out how the Government will work with and support stakeholders and landowners to manage and protect their land for nature for the long term and contribute towards the Government’s 30by30 commitment. It complements […]
This report builds on the work of a Rural Taskforce established in 2025 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), comprising external partners and departments across Whitehall to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities and how government can support rural businesses and communities, tackle rural disadvantage, and […]
Policy Paper The Office for Environmental Protection has published a report that assesses the government’s progress towards the environmental targets. These are legally-binding targets. The report also assesses the goals of its Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) which aims to restore nature and improve environmental quality. This progress report covers the period 1 April 2023 to […]
Defra has published a policy paper setting out its ambitions and a series of actions to reduce and, where possible, eliminate accidental capture and entanglement of sensitive marine species in fishing gear in UK waters. Sensitive marine species include seabirds, cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), and sharks, skates and rays. Bycatch monitoring programmes in the […]
Closes 30th August 2022 Defra is consulting on the proposed principles of marine net gain. They are seeking views, in particular, from marine industries, recreational marine users, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), conservationists, academics, and coastal communities. In their response to the 2018 terrestrial Biodiversity Net Gain consultation, the government stated their intention to develop and consult […]
The aims of the ‘What’s Happening on the North West Coast’ pilot report are to: provide a comprehensive overview of strategic actions and policies at sub-regional or regional scale of significance for the North West coast, and which contribute to creating a more sustainable future for our coast help organisations working on the coast to […]
Consultation closed 11:45 p.m. 12th April 2022 Defra is seeking view on the draft Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS), which has been developed by the 4 fisheries administrations of the UK (Scottish Government, Welsh Government, UK Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland). The consultation seeks views on the policies […]
Consultation closes 11:45 p.m. 11th May 2022 Defra is seeking views on initial policy proposals regarding protected sites and species. The Government’s targets are to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, and to halt species decline by 2030. The proposals set out in the Green Paper support these ambitions and include options to […]
The survey has now closed and the Pilot Report is now available – see separate news item. The North West Coastal Forum is pleased to announce it’s receiving funding through the Championing Coastal Coordination fund to create a comprehensive ‘What’s Happening on the North West Coast’ report. This report will bring together strategic actions and […]