The Environmental Improvement Plan: 40 Achievements Driving Sustainable Progress

From: Defra in the media
Published: Thu Jul 20 2023


In 2018 the government published the 25 Year Environment Plan (25YEP) which set out goals for improving the environment, within a generation, and leaving it in a better state than we found it. Earlier this year, the publication of the second statutory Environment Improvement Plan unveiled a comprehensive delivery plan to reach these goals.

Here are 40 key actions taken by the government to deliver the government's environmental objectives:

  • Committed to our apex target, to tackle the loss of biodiversity and halt the decline in species abundance by 2030.
  • Helped secure the new Global Biodiversity Framework, including a shared global commitment to protect at least 30% of the world's ocean and land by 2030.
  • Launched the £25 million Species Survival Fund, taking action to halt species decline and preserve vital habitats.
  • Made available £14 million local authorities and community groups for new tree planting projects, enriching urban areas with greenery.
  • Awarded £40 million to over 80 conservation projects worldwide, supporting biodiversity and local communities.
  • Introduced the Darwin Plus grant scheme to tackle biodiversity loss in the UK Overseas Territories.
  • Designated the first three Highly Protected Marine Areas in English waters, safeguarding marine ecosystems.
  • Opened the second round of Landscape Recovery, backing 25 wildlife habitat projects led by farmers and land managers.
  • Protected food for seabirds and marine mammals by banning UK sandeel fishing for the third year.
  • Initiated a Global Roadmap with the French Government for Harnessing Biodiversity Credits, aiming to drive nature financing.
  • Published the Green Finance Strategy and Nature Markets Framework, supporting the growth of high-integrity nature markets.

Improving Air Quality:

  • Set out actions for local authorities to improve air quality and meet our ambitious PM2.5 targets through the Air Quality Strategy: framework for local authority delivery.
  • Banned the sale of traditional house coal and restricted wet wood sales to improve air quality.

Safeguarding a Clean and Plentiful Water Supply:

  • Released the comprehensive Plan for Water, ensuring a healthy water environment and sufficient water supply.
  • Accelerated £2.2 billion in infrastructure investments for storm overflow management and drought resilience.
  • Introduced unlimited penalties for environmental polluters to hold water companies accountable.
  • Increased funding for round one of the Slurry Infrastructure Grant from £13.2 million to £33.9 million.
  • Requested wet wipe producers to address concerns over so-called 'flushable' wipes.
  • Committed to making the target for storm overflow management legally binding through the Environment Act 2021.
  • Hosted a summit on the River Wye, collaborating with stakeholders to improve its state.

Managing Exposure to Chemicals and Pesticides:

  • Accepted recommendations to protect people and the environment from PFAS chemical impacts.
  • Invested £3 million in developing sustainable fertilizers at the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Summit.

Maximising our resources, minimising our waste:

  • Confirmed our ban on single-use plastics such as plates, trays, bowls and cutlery from October.
  • Joined 52 countries in supporting an international treaty to combat plastic pollution.

Using resources sustainably:

  • Launched the improved Countryside Stewardship scheme, incentivising farmers and land managers to protect the environment.
  • Accelerated the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme, supporting habitat management and eco-friendly pest control.
  • Sought feedback on enhancing hedgerow protections, further supporting sustainable farming.
  • Held the first-ever 'Nature for Finance' event, identifying investment opportunities for nature recovery.
  • Published six fisheries management plans to ensure sustainable fisheries for generations.

Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change:

  • Set ambitious goals to reduce Defra sector emissions in The Net Zero Growth Plan.
  • Planted approximately 4 million trees in the 2022/23 planting season, a 40% increase on last year.
  • Funding over 7,000 hectares of peatland for restoration under the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme.
  • Published the Third National Adaptation Programme to address climate risks and opportunities.
  • Funding six landscape-scale nature restoration projects to trial carbon capture and climate change mitigation.
  • Launched a £40 million grant programme to help put nature at the forefront of the fight against climate change and poverty.

Reducing risk of harm from environmental hazards:

  • Better protected over 26,000 properties in 2022/23.
  • Funding £26 million from the £100 million Frequently Flooded Allowance to better protect more than 2,300 households and businesses.

Enhancing animal and plant health:

  • Published the Plant Biosecurity Strategy for Great Britain, positioning the UK as a global leader in plant health.

Enhancing Beauty, Heritage, and Engagement:

  • Published England's first national Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code.
  • Expanded the King Charles III England Coast Path, creating over 850 miles of continuous national coastal trails.

These achievements illustrate the government's unwavering commitment to a sustainable future, nurturing our environment and securing a better world for generations to come.

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