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The Environmental Targets (Biodiversity) (England) Regulations 2023

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations set long-term targets in respect of three matters within the priority area of biodiversity under section 1 of the Environment Act 2021 (c. 30). These Regulations also set a target in relation to the abundance of species in accordance with section 3 of the Environment Act 2021. The Regulations specify the standard to be achieved in respect of each target and the date by which it must be achieved.

Part 2 makes provision in respect of a long-term biodiversity target to reduce the risk of species’ extinction by 2042, when compared to the risk of species’ extinction in 2022 (regulation 4). Regulation 5 makes provision in relation to how that target is to be measured. Regulation 6 provides that the reporting date for the species’ extinction risk target is 1st July 2043.

Part 3 makes provision in respect of a long-term biodiversity target to ensure that in excess of 500,000 hectares of a range of wildlife-rich habitats are to be restored or created by 31st December 2042 (regulation 7). Regulation 8 makes provision in relation to how that target is to be measured. Regulation 9 provides that the reporting date for that target is 1st December 2043. Regulation 10 defines terms used in Part 3 including “wildlife-rich habitat”. Schedule 1 makes further provision in relation to the definition of “wildlife-rich habitat”.

Part 4 makes provision in respect of the 2030 species abundance target to ensure that by 31st December 2030 (the specified date) the decline in the abundance of species has been halted (regulation 11). Regulation 12 makes provision in relation to how the 2030 species abundance target is to be measured. Schedule 2 provides a list of species for which data are included in the relative species abundance indices. Regulation 13 provides that the reporting date for that target is 15th April 2032.

Part 4 also makes provision in respect of a long-term biodiversity target to reverse the decline of species abundance to ensure that the overall species abundance is higher by 31st December 2042 than for 31st December 2022, and at least 10% higher than for 31st December 2030 (regulation 14). Regulation 15 makes provision in relation to how the long-term biodiversity target to reverse the decline of species abundance is to be measured. Regulation 16 provides that the reporting date for that target is 15th April 2044.

A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business, the voluntary sector and the public sector is available from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF, and is published with an Explanatory Memorandum alongside these Regulations on www.legislation.gov.uk.

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