APPENDIX 8
Memorandum submitted by English Nature
(E10)
English Nature welcomes the opportunity to comment
on the performance of MAFF Regional Service Centres. Our comments
are quite specific and relate to the important role that government
has at the regional level of planning rural and economic development
policies in an integrated way, ensuring a clear biodiversity input
to all policies is made.
English Nature is the statutory body responsible
for advising both central and local Government on nature conservation
and for promoting the wildlife and natural features of England.
In fulfilling its duties, English Nature:
— advises Ministers on the development
and implementation of policies for nature conservation;
— advises Ministers on other policies
affecting nature conservation;
— identifies, notifies and safeguards
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs);
— establishes, maintains and manages
National Nature Reserves;
— provides guidance and advice on the
principles and practice of nature conservation to a wide constituency;
— commissions and supports research
and other projects relevant to nature conservation.
Through the Joint Nature Conservation Committee,
English Nature works with sister organisations in Scotland, Wales,
and Northern Ireland to advise Government on UK and international
nature conservation issues.
Agriculture is one of the most important economic
sectors to nature conservation.
— It covers the largest area of land
of any industry.
— Some practices which are widespread
are potentially positive for nature conservation (eg grazing management)
whilst others are potentially damaging (eg use of fertilisers
or pesticides).
— English Nature believes that agriculture
which is environmentally sustainable maintains and enhances the
natural qualities and characteristics of the countryside and fulfils
functions which include sustaining biodiversity.
Overall, we believe that it is sensible to integrate
MAFF work with the Government Offices of the Regions. Historically,
MAFF's responsibilities were largely based around the mechanisms
of support to farming. Its unique and rather single-minded function
perhaps made its location outside of GoRs acceptable. However,
MAFF now plays a lynchpin role in delivering the Government's
rural policies which have a much wider range of objectives, such
as environment and biodiversity protection, rural economic development
and social inclusion. In order for MAFF to fulfil this role it
must be an active participant in integrated government at both
national and regional levels. We believe that the recent experience
of developing the England Rural Development Plan is a useful pointer
to more permanent and generally applicable arrangements.
English Nature welcomed the more integrated
EU Rural Development Regulation and the England Rural Development
Plan which the Prime Minister launched in February. English Nature
participated in preparing this plan at both national and regional
level and we continue to be partners in the implementation of
the plan, alongside MAFF and other central government departments,
other statutory agencies and regional and local government. We
believe that this has been a useful model for how integrated planning
should be achieved at both national and regional level.
It may be helpful to explain how we operate
in partnership generally and in particular with MAFF. English
Nature has a unique and important advisory role on biodiversity
which we play at national, local and regional level. We have a
national head office supported by national specialist teams and
a network of 22 Local Teams who have responsibilities for pursuing
our legislative and other programmes locally. We also have a Regional
programme, geared at tracking and advising regional government
on biodiversity and ecological change. We have a track record
of giving effective advice on physical planning and development
issues to both LPAs and GoRs. We have recently strengthened our
representation at regional level. In effect, English Nature is
now at a regional level exercising its statutory advisory role
as the Government's key point of expertise on biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity is a key test of sustainable development.
It is essential that structures are in place to ensure that the
major departments are able to deliver on the government's international
and national biodiversity commitments. And that policy framework
stimulate the necessary changes in behaviour in key economic sectors
like agriculture, forestry and fisheries, so that biodiversity
recovery is secured and we improve the functioning of our ecosystems.
This is essential for the future health and well being of the
population, one of the lynch pins of future economic success.
In the case of MAFF nationally and in GoRs this means that the
following key elements must be in place:
— an effective package of policies
and instruments of adverse changes in land use and management
(such as agri-environment schemes);
— regular liaison arrangements (such
as the various national and regional rural planning groups led
by MAFF and on which we sit) and
— a well-informed and participative
culture within MAFF where staff are trained and aware of biodiversity
and ecosystem functionality as a strand which runs through their
work.
English Nature would be happy to help the committee
in its inquiry further either by submitting answers to further
questions or by appearing in person to answer questions.
I hope this is helpful. We would be happy to
elaborate on points in oral evidence if the Committee would find
this useful.
4 May 2000
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