News
Stories making wavesCITIZEN'S ADVICE
WORLD'S FIRST 'PEOPLE'S PLAN FOR NATURE' LAUNCHES IN UK
The world's first 'Peoples Plan for Nature' was launched today, 23rd March 2023, based on the public's vision for the future of nature in the UK and the actions that we all need to take to protect and renew it - including individuals, communities, businesses and governments.
Aiming to be the UK's biggest ever conversation about the future of nature, and powered by the RSPB, WWF and the National Trust, the People's Plan started in 2022 with an open call for ideas from the public about their love of nature and their visions of how to save it. The first phase of the 'Plan' was then completed at the beginning of the year when this feedback was analysed by a group of over 100 citizens from across the UK (the People's Assembly for Nature).
Over the course of 4 weekends between November 2022 and February 2023, the People's Assembly, selected to ensure fair representation of the nation, were then shaped by an advisory group to provide balance and give wider context to the subject matter. They listened to presentations from a range of world-leading experts including academics, farmers, supermarkets, local authorities and water companies, and learnt more about UK nature restoration, food systems, mental health, access to nature, fishing and agriculture, before discussing the best solutions they though could work for everyone. Topics ranged from 'What has nature done for us?' through to 'Our diets and the impact on people and nature.'
The end result is a plan that calls for a fundamental change in how we value nature in the UK, that it should be 'considered in decision making at all levels and for clear UK-wise and regional targets to increase biodiversity'. There should be 'no more harm to nature', demanding stronger legislation and it calls for the creation of a permanent 'Assembly on nature', made up of appointed representatives from NGOs, industry and members of the public. Some of the top 'calls to action' include:
- An overhaul of current farming subsidy systems to prioritise sustainable and nature-friendly farming.
- Access to nature to be recognised as a human right.
- A universal quality standard label in supermarkets showing the source and nature impact of products to help consumers make nature-friendly choices.
- The urgent restoration of all rivers and wetlands, investment in wastewater infrastructure, and the establishment of Marine National Parks.
- Cross-party commitment to future farming practices that help nature, and incentives for farmers to farm sustainably and help them through this transition.
- A national conversation on how and why we should change our diet to support nature, and food hubs to help people access local produce.
Ideas in the plan will be shared with government, businesses, NGO's and communities, giving a comprehensive framework of how we can take action to protect and restore.
Siobhan Vye, Wild Isles Partnership Manger for the RSPB said: "We know decision makers listen when people from all walks of life - individuals, businesses, organisations and community groups - come together on a single issue. It's how we secured the climate legislation we have today. To do the Plan (and the citizens who created it) justice, we need to spread the word far and wide and get as much support behind it as possible. With support form businesses, charities, organisations, communities and individuals, we'll be able to make this a turning point for nature."
To read the full plan and to add your voice, visit the Peoples Plan for Nature website HERE.