Work together to safeguard Natural Capital, says CLA

Natural Capital Committee - the independent advisory body set up to advise the Government on the sustainable use of England's natural capital - forests, rivers, atmosphere, land, wildlife, oceans
Natural Capital Committee - the independent advisory body set up to advise the Government on the sustainable use of England's natural capital - forests, rivers, atmosphere, land, wildlife, oceans

The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, made this call while welcoming the government’s response to the Natural Capital Committee’s Report. The Government has asked the Committee to continue in its advisory role and pledged to develop a 25 year plan for a healthy natural economy.

CLA Head of Land Use Policy Damian Testa said: “We are pleased Government has recognised the economic benefits of investment in agri-environment schemes and agrees that we must account for the economic value of natural assets. Its decisions to continue the work of the Natural Capital Committee and to develop a 25 year plan for a healthy natural economy are important steps towards making this a reality.

“Investment in land management is key to protecting and improving our natural environment. Farmers and landowners manage this natural environment year after year, and Government must work with us to find new ways to support environmental schemes and to unlock investment in new markets for services to society.

“In particular, we urge Government to speed the mutually beneficial offsetting schemes linked to new development as a good way to unlock vital investment in biodiversity.”

The Natural Capital Committee’s State of Natural Capital Report was published in January 2015. The Government’s response, published this week, can be found here