Biodiversity - strategic framework: consultation analysis

Part B – Proposals for Legislation

Executive Summary

Statutory Targets for Nature Restoration

• Overall, respondents agreed with the proposed approach to placing targets on a statutory footing. This included the criteria for selecting targets, the forms of targets, examples of potential target topics, the number of targets, and the timescale of delivering on targets.
• Respondents were broadly positive about the proposed approach to reviewing targets, highlighting that it was important that targets remain relevant and an adaptive management approach be adopted. Uncertainty surrounding the approach was predominantly due to a lack of detail or concern that the potential to review targets should not affect the governmental ambition to act.
• There was agreement with the proposed approach of aligning reporting timescales for targets with existing reporting requirements, with some suggesting that more frequent reporting was needed to ensure public scrutiny. Overall, the sentiment relating to an independent review body was positive, with many respondents highlighting the need for both independent and impartial accountability.

National Parks

• Overall, there was general agreement with the need to review the legal framework for National Parks. Whilst the majority of respondents agreed with the proposed amendments to the purpose, aims and principles of National Parks, there were several organisational respondents who had specific points of disagreement.
• There was a positive sentiment regarding the suggested changes to the role of public bodies operating within National Parks. Clarity was sought as to how these duties would be enforced in practice.
• Respondents broadly agreed with the suggested changes to the general powers of National Park Authorities, with challenges noted with regard to implementation and consistency in enforcement.
• There were mixed responses relating to the governance of National Parks. There was some agreement with the streamlining of processes and the strengthening of biodiversity expertise on boards, as well as some strong opposition amongst some organisational respondents to proposals on board size, composition, and the appointment process.