RSPB CHIEF HAPPY WITH NEW 'GREENER' THINKING FROM GOVERNMENT

Martin Harper - pleased with Chancellor's comments on biodiversity

A NOTE of "cautious optimism" has been sounded by RSPB conservation director Martin Harper on the Government's approach to safeguarding nature and enhancing biodiversity. 

In his latest  blog he has welcomed the comment made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, in yesterday's Spring Statement that there would be a global review of the economic benefits of biodiversity on the basis that “there is an economic as well as an environmental case for protecting the diversity of the natural world”.

Says Mr Harper: "The RSPB will do what it  can to engage with this review.

"I am confident that it will conclude that the natural environment contributes significantly to our economic prosperity."

Continues Mr Harper: "The Chancellor also announced an invitation for submission of  "creative ideas… on how the Government can safeguard the biodiversity found in the Overseas Territories”. 

"This is very welcome because these places are home to some of the UK’s most iconic environments and unique species.  

"The RSPB will be delighted to contribute  ideas and looks forward to engaging with this review.

"Thirdly, the Chancellor announced that he would support the Ascension Island Council, a small UK Overseas Territory in the tropical Atlantic, in its call to receive long-term funding in order to declare 100 per cent of the island's  rich waters a highly protected Ocean Sanctuary, with no fishing allowed. 

"This is fantastic news and gives the council the financial certainty they were looking for before they made a final decision on a marine protection area.

"It  means the island's council can now protect amazing ocean wildlife, including the second largest green turtle nesting site in the Atlantic, record-breaking marlin, threatened tuna, vulnerable sharks, and foraging grounds for  tropical seabirds."

.Mr Harper also welcomed the Chancellor's insistence that "the delivery of much-needed infrastructure and housing is not at the expense of vital biodiversity”.  

He added: "We are delighted that Mr Hammond has signalled his support for greater understanding of the value of and investment in nature."