Improving Biodiversity in the UK

According to research using the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII), the UK is within the lowest 12% of global countries and territories in terms of biodiversity intactness. According to BII, the UK has just 53% of its original nature left intact. The amount of land that is “effectively protected” for nature in England has declined to just 2.93%, despite government promises to conserve 30% of it by 2030, new data published in October 2024 has revealed. The State of Nature 2023 report notes that 16% of the 10,000 species surveyed in Britain are threatened with extinction.

The Labour government committed in its general election manifesto to “promote biodiversity, and protect our landscapes and wildlife,” including by taking action to meet Environment Act targets, working in partnership with civil society, communities and business to restore and protect nature, create nine new National River Walks, establish three new National Forests in England, plant millions of trees and create new woodlands, expand nature-rich habitats such as wetlands, peat bogs and forests, and move towards a circular economy. It also, however, pledged to prioritise the use of what it sees as lower quality green belt land - dubbed ‘grey belt’ land – in its efforts to meet its housebuilding targets, although the government insists that its housebuilding strategy will ensure the promotion of nature recovery. Labour have also said that they will introduce a land-use framework and make environment land management schemes work for both farmers and nature.

Intensive farming is a major cause of bird decline in Europe and a shift towards and a shift towards more nature-friendly farming is seen as critical in reducing biodiversity loss. An average of 25% more breeding birds have been found in areas with more eco-friendly farming schemes in England, according to government research, which also found butterflies, bees and bats being boosted by such schemes. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated organisations, scientists, engaged private-sector partners and thousands of committed local people, there is an abundance of biodiversity success stories springing up in the UK.

This timely symposium will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders engaged in improving biodiversity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the UK wildlife, learn about the latest policy developments and practical initiatives aimed at reversing biodiversity loss, and develop strategies to restore habitats and end the UK’s status as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

Programme

• Learn about and assess current trends in and drivers of biodiversity loss in the UK and evolving challenges in this area
• Evaluate the work of the UK government and devolved administrations to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and develop comprehensive national strategies that can end the UK’s status as one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries
• Examine the UK's biodiversity indicators and their effectiveness in directing future policy, programs, and strategies 
• Analyse the merits and the role of current and future technologies aimed at protecting nature improving biodiversity 
• Discuss the competing roles of central, devolved and local government in promoting biodiversity and how these can better coordinate and work in partnership with business and civil society 
• Evaluate the role that rewilding can play in increasing biodiversity and how rewilding can be implemented effectively 
• Discuss the role that agriculture and industry can play in reversing biodiversity losses 
• Exchange best practice projects that have increased biodiversity locally across the UK and internationally