Implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives
Recommendation (l). We recommend that the Government look again at the potential of establishing buffer zones around Natura 2000 sites. Where a site itself cannot be enlarged, or it would be a poor use of resources, buffer zones could be an effective method of offering limited protection to a larger area. However, the most practical method of improving the prospects for biodiversity in areas around Natura 2000 sites remains reform of the agricultural support system.
The Government supports the principle that the impact of activities in areas surrounding SACs should be appropriately assessed and regulated but believes that ‘buffer zones’ are neither required by the Directives nor generally appropriate in the UK. The UK has a long established and robust land-use planning regime that already enables appropriate account to be taken of activities outside Natura 2000 sites that may affect them. This, and a range of wider countryside measures, such as agri-environment schemes and habitat and species action plans, makes the formal inclusion of buffer zones unnecessary. As an example, the importance of sites designated for their wildlife value and the possible need to buffer and extend them is recognised by the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and is identified in the objectives of many local targeting statements. The Government believes these measures accord with the level of protection required by the Directive.
Recommendation (m). We recommend that the Government press the European Commission to amend the Habitats Directive so as to reflect the impact of environmental change upon biodiversity.
The Government supports the need for the Directive to better reflect the impact of environmental change, and will work with the European Commission and other Member States to identify the appropriate means for this to occur. The need to have some flexibility as highlighted by the Committee is one of a number of issues on which the Directive requires clarification. It is not yet known whether this can best be achieved through EC guidance or whether the Directive itself needs to be formally amended.
Recommendation (n). The Government must address the range of problems and inadequacies in their approach to marine biodiversity. As an island nation, the conservation of marine biodiversity should be paramount and the Government should consider whether a new statutory agency is required to deal with marine biodiversity issues.
The Government is currently undertaking a Review of Marine Nature Conservation which is looking at the issues raised by the Committee. The Review Working Group, which is led by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, includes a wide range of statutory and voluntary organisations with an interest in the marine environment, including environmental NGOs. An interim report will be presented to Ministers shortly.
Published 21 May 2001
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