This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23972980
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Green 'compensation' proposals outlined | Green 'compensation' proposals outlined |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The UK government has outlined its proposals on compensating for the loss of biodiversity through development. | The UK government has outlined its proposals on compensating for the loss of biodiversity through development. |
| The idea of "biodiversity offsetting" is controversial, with campaigners dubbing it a "licence to trash". | The idea of "biodiversity offsetting" is controversial, with campaigners dubbing it a "licence to trash". |
| It means developers planning to build houses in environmentally sensitive areas would be allowed to go ahead if they could offset damage by paying for conservation activities elsewhere. | It means developers planning to build houses in environmentally sensitive areas would be allowed to go ahead if they could offset damage by paying for conservation activities elsewhere. |
| The environment department Defra has published a green paper on the scheme. | The environment department Defra has published a green paper on the scheme. |
| "Offsetting is an exciting opportunity to look at how we can improve the environment as well as grow the economy," said environment secretary Owen Paterson. | "Offsetting is an exciting opportunity to look at how we can improve the environment as well as grow the economy," said environment secretary Owen Paterson. |
| Commenting on the consultation, which will conclude on 7 November, he said: "We want to hear from developer and wildlife groups alike on how we can simplify the existing planning process while enhancing our natural environment. | |
| "There is no reason why wildlife and development can't flourish side by side." | "There is no reason why wildlife and development can't flourish side by side." |
| In England, six pilot areas were selected in 2012 for two year trials of a voluntary approach to offsetting through the planning system. | |
| In March this year, a report from the Government's Ecosystems Markets Task Force recommended that the offsetting scheme should be rolled out nationwide as a matter of priority. | |
| Offsetting, it said, would "revolutionise conservation in England by delivering restoration, creation and long term management on in excess of 300,000 hectares of habitat over 20 years". | |
| 'Irreplaceable' habitats | |
| Similar schemes have been up and running for many years in other parts of the world. But environmental groups have highlighted problems with the idea. | |
| The Woodland Trust, has previously campaigned against the inclusion of ancient woodlands in any offsetting scheme. The Trust's chief executive Sue Holden said she welcomed the fact this green paper recognised the "irreplaceable" nature of these woodlands. | |
| But she added: "We need to see a more robust use of planning law to support this, ensuring that irreplaceable habitats are treated as such. | |
| "Offsetting should only ever be a last resort when all other avenues have been explored to avoid loss or damage. | |
| "It is critical that any habitats created to compensate for loss are placed within the local area that suffered the original impact. Unfortunately, this still appears open to debate." | |
| The Trust says that, in theory, losses to biodiversity in Kent, for example, could take place in Derbyshire - ignoring the local value of habitats. | |
| Meanwhile, Friends of the Earth described the plans as a licence to "trash nature". FOE's nature campaigner Sandra Bell said that nature was "not something that can be bulldozed in one place and recreated in another at the whim of a developer. | |
| "Instead of putting nature up for sale, the Government should strengthen its protection through the planning system and set out bold plans to safeguard and restore wildlife across the UK." | |
| Paul.Rincon-INTERNET@bbc.co.uk and follow me on Twitter |