The UK outlines its commitment to protect nature by publishing its National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (NBSAP).

The new action plan reveals how the nation will be taking a collaborative approach to achieve its global targets set out in the UN COP15 biodiversity framework.

A new partnership between Defra, the Scottish government, the Welsh government, and Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, has been agreed in the hopes of achieving all 23 Global Biodiversity Framework targets.

All four countries will be collaborating to implement each of the targets, including the expansion of protected areas to at least 30% of the land and seas, and reducing pollution to a level that is no longer harmful to biodiversity.

As well as a commitment to enhance biodiversity and sustainability in forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries, and to ensure sustainable, safe and legal harvesting and trade of wild species.

The NBSAP draws on commitments made by the UK, its overseas territories and crown dependencies.

Defra says that achieving these goals to “halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030” will go towards the goal of global harmonious living with nature by 2050.

Natural England chair Tony Juniper comments:

“Just five years remain for us to meet the ambitious but critical Global Biodiversity targets agreed by world leaders at COP15. It is crucial that we ramp up action and work together to protect and restore our natural environment, including for the benefit of future generations. The Plan published today sets out how international commitments will translate into action on the ground across the UK and we look forward to working with government and our many partners to deliver what’s needed to recover nature.”

A rapid review of the Environmental Improvement plan has also been launched to facilitate the UK’s ability to meet its domestic and international targets.

Efforts are also being made by the UK to support other countries in achieving their targets.

The NBSAP can be read here at: https://uk.chm-cbd.net/sites/gb/files/2025-02/UK_National_Biodiversity_Strategy_and_Action_Plan.pdf