Time is running out to save nature, OEP warns

Progress towards achieving statutory green obligations has slowed and the Government remains “largely off track” on these commitments.

That’s according to the Office for Environmental Protection’s (OEP) assessment of progress towards legally-binding environment targets, commitments and goals, including those in the statutory Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) such as obligations to halt declines in water, air quality and nature. The report covered the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

Of 43 environmental targets and commitments, the report found that the Government is largely on track to achieve nine (including phosphorus loadings from wastewater), partially on track to achieve 12 and largely off track to achieve 20.

In terms of the overall prospects of Government meeting its ambitions for significantly improving the natural environment, the OEP concluded that in seven goal areas, including the apex goal of achieving ‘thriving plants and wildlife’ and the water goal for ‘clean and plentiful water,’ Government is largely off track. In three goal areas, Government is partially on track (see table).

The OEP called for “urgent and decisive action” from the Government to “catch up and get on track” given key deadlines are fast approaching. Dame Glenys Stacey, OEP chair, said: “With each passing month, the window of opportunity to redress environmental harms is closing, while the effort needed and cost to do so increases.” She welcomed the Government’s rapid EIP review and commented: “The Government must get that plan right and then deliver it effectively and at pace.”

The annual EIP progress report made the following main recommendations:

• Get nature-friendly farming right, with greater government engagement with farmers and landowners being key to improving the environment at scale.

• Maximise the contribution of protected sites for nature by enhancing and enforcing their legal protection; and urgently correct underinvestment in site designation.

• Speed up action in the marine environment by delivering on overdue Marine Protected Area bylaws, and by implementing a new UK Marine Strategy.

• Set out clear mechanisms for reconciling competing demands for use of land and sea by progressing Local Nature Recovery Strategies and a Land Use Framework, and by putting in place detailed catchment and marine spatial plans with appropriate resources.

• Develop a circular economy framework by updating the Resources and Waste Strategy, and by accelerating a new UK policy and regulatory framework for chemicals.

• Mobilise investment at the scale needed by providing strong incentives, oversight and regulation to attract private investment; and support local authorities to build and maintain the capacity needed to mobilise investment.

• Regulate more effectively by providing sufficient resources, building capacity, improving engagement with businesses and the public, and improving coordination between relevant authorities.

• Harness the support needed to achieve ambitions by showing leadership at the highest level across government departments; directly link the Environmental Principles Policy Statement to statutory targets and delivery plans; and make the revised EIP more transparent.