Species Conservation

…in the International Year of Biodiversity

We are indeed in interesting times. Clearly the need for conservation has never been greater. Despite notable successes in improving the fortunes of a number of bird species, more are being forced onto the list of those that need attention. Climate change, agricultural intensification, expansion of urban areas, the development of transport infrastructure, and over-exploitation of our seas all pose major threats to birds. In addition, the economic recession will have an untold impact on funding for the environment and conservation. So, just how is the 'greenest government ever', in the International Year of Biodiversity planning to steer this storm?

Eliminating the UK’s deficit within five years requires deep and enduring reductions to budgets of nearly all government departments and their devolved administrations. Decisions made by political leaders, in response to financial unrest, will have long-lasting implications for our natural environment, climate and well-being. Actions must be made to further rather than threaten progress towards biodiversity restoration and halting it’s loss, and new policies must not undermine the progress already made.

There is grave concern, amongst the conservation sector, that the government’s approach will not compensate a reduction in funding for conservation brought about by structural reform. There is already a gap in existing funding requirements for conservation and this is inevitably going to get bigger. Both regulation and market-based instruments are critical instruments for conservation and enhance the ability to deliver the land management that species need. It is clear that savings will be sought from the environment sector, as they will across government, however, it is essential that core funds are protected, as without them our natural environment could be irreparably damaged and species lost forever. 

Currently a large fork looms in the road close ahead. One way takes us to a world where biodiversity loss has stopped, our economy is growing and sustainable, and ecosystems are healthy and provide life-supporting services. The other path does not even bear thinking about. On the way, there are many crucial decisions to be made, and important events to occur, which will drive and influence this journey. We must steer the stormy waters of the economic recession and the impacts this will have upon the environment sector, as well as initiate adaptation responses to climate change throughout society. In these interesting times, we must ask ourselves what we want for the future and how are species a part of this?

Species are a part of our heritage, they inspire people, they have economic benefits, they can indicate when an ecosystem is under stress, and play a role in ecosystem function and services provision. For many years, species have been the unit of currency for conservation. They are a powerful symbol for wildlife conservation and often provide impetus and support for habitat conservation.

We have a moral imperative to halt biodiversity loss. It threatens the life-support systems of our environment and many millions of livelihoods, particularly in areas of extreme poverty. Species recovery will always be essential for most threatened species. For the majority of species, positive land management will deliver their conservation requirements. However, some species will simply not survive without dedicated measures of protection. This will not, in the grand scheme of things, require large amounts of money, but it will deliver invaluable returns. If we loose species now, it will cost a great deal more to replace them in the future.

Make a difference in the International Year of Biodiversity- Sign Letter to the future!
We are gathering as many signatures as possible to raise the profile of the natural environment on the political agenda. We will achieve this by showing politicians that hundreds of thousands of people care about nature and want to see it protected not just for the short term, but for future generations. We're urging politicians to consider the health of the planet, for the sake of future generations, when making decisions about where to invest money and where to make cuts. It aims to get Governments to spend more money on saving wildlife and the environment. The 6 central messages are; create a countryside fit for wildlife, safeguard our sealife, stop extinctions, save the rainforests, stop climate chaos and inspire children through nature.

In 2010, the UK failed to meet its commitment to halt biodiversity loss. In 2020, the UK will be aiming not only to halt biodiversity loss but also to restore it. If we want to be a nation that has a healthy countryside, rich in biodiversity, where public funds secure public goods, that is sustainable, and inspires those who live and visit here each year. Then we must safeguard our species. Our role is clear, we are nature’s voice.