On 26 July 2010 Defra published a discussion paper ‘An invitation to shape the Nature of England’ inviting all comments and submissions from anyone with an interest in the Natural Environment White Paper.
Our natural environment underpins our economic prosperity, our health and our wellbeing. As a result, protecting the environment and enhancing biodiversity is one of Defra’s top 3 priorities, as outlined in the Department’s Structural Reform Plan: LINK.
A key commitment under this priority is the publication of a White Paper on the natural environment by spring 2011. Defra wants all interested parties to have a say in shaping the development of the White Paper.
Caroline Spelman, at the launch of Environmental White Paper discussion paper, noted, among other things:
‘As a nation we are in environmental as well as economic deficit…. We need to seize this opportunity to start paying down that debt…
‘English national parks support over 54,000 tourism-related jobs. The Peak District National Park alone contributes £155 million to the region in economic output – 60% of local businesses say business would suffer if the landscape deteriorated….Farmers in environmental stewardship schemes, for example, reduce carbon emissions from their farms by 3.5 million metric tonnes a year – that’s a carbon saving of around £1.25 billion every 7 years.
‘And the health and diversity of our natural environment doesn’t just add to the quality of our lives – it can actually extend them.
People who live within 500 metres of green space are almost a quarter more likely to be active at recommended levels than those who don’t.
‘And it’s estimated that the NHS could save over £2 billion through increased activity in open green spaces – our own natural health service. Our trees capture carbon and hold soils together, preventing flooding and helping to control our climate. They also add immeasurably to the quality of life in our towns and cities. In some parts of inner London, for example, each tree is calculated to be worth as much as £78,000 in terms of its benefits. I might make the tree surgeons in Smith Square prune with a little more sensitivity next time!…
‘This is an issue for the Devolved Administrations and the whole of Government too….We all share a planet and we all share the very real economic costs when its natural protection is damaged… Our natural environment is incredibly generous – it provides us with goods and services worth trillions of pounds at no cost.…
I encourage you to take this opportunity to give us the benefit of your knowledge, your expertise and your vision as we shape the future nature of England.’
