On 26 July 2010 Defra published a discussion paper \u2018An invitation to shape the Nature of England\u2019 inviting all comments and submissions from anyone with an interest in the Natural Environment White Paper.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s top 3 priorities, as outlined in the Department\u2019s Structural Reform Plan: LINK<\/a>.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Caroline Spelman, at the launch of Environmental White Paper discussion paper, noted, among other things:<\/p>\n \u2018As a nation we are in environmental as well as economic deficit\u2026. We need to seize this opportunity to start paying down that debt\u2026<\/p>\n \u2018English national parks support over 54,000 tourism-related jobs. \u00a0The Peak District National Park alone contributes \u00a3155 million to the region in economic output \u2013 60% of local businesses say business would suffer if the landscape deteriorated\u2026.Farmers in environmental stewardship schemes, for example, reduce carbon emissions from their farms by 3.5 million metric tonnes a year \u2013 that\u2019s a carbon saving of around \u00a31.25 billion every 7 years.<\/p>\n \u2018And the health and diversity of our natural environment doesn\u2019t just add to the quality of our lives \u2013 it can actually extend them. \u2018And it\u2019s estimated that the NHS could save over \u00a32 billion through increased activity in open green spaces \u2013 our own natural health service. \u00a0Our trees capture carbon and hold soils together, preventing flooding and helping to control our climate. \u00a0They 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 \u00a378,000 in terms of its benefits. I might make the tree surgeons in Smith Square prune with a little more sensitivity next time!…<\/p>\n \u2018This is an issue for the Devolved Administrations and the whole of Government too\u2026.We all share a planet and we all share the very real economic costs when its natural protection is damaged\u2026 Our natural environment is incredibly generous \u2013 it provides us with goods and services worth trillions of pounds at no cost.\u2026 DEFRA Article: LINK<\/a> On 26 July 2010 Defra published a discussion paper \u2018An invitation to shape the Nature of England\u2019 inviting all comments and submissions from anyone with an interest in the Natural Environment White Paper. Our natural environment underpins our economic prosperity, … Continue reading
\nPeople who live within 500 metres of green space are almost a quarter more likely to be active at recommended levels than those who don\u2019t.<\/p>\n
\nI 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.\u2019<\/p>\n
\nDEFRA Caroline Spelman’s Speech: LINK<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"