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The people have spoken. Now everyone needs to act
The UK’s first ever People’s Plan for Nature has been published and the message is clear – we need urgent and immediate action now from every part of society to protect and restore nature. With input from thousands of people from across the UK, the pioneering People's Plan calls on businesses, charities, communities, farmers, governments and organisations to take action to prevent further damage to our wildlife and habitats which are being pushed to the brink.
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The People's Plan says there needs to be fundamental change in how we value nature in the UK, including making sure nature is included in all levels of decision-making. It also says there must be ‘no more harm to nature’ and demands stronger legislation and clear targets.
The top recommendations in the People's Plan are:
- All commercial and policy decisions need to take into account the potential impacts on nature
- There needs to be an overhaul of current farming subsidy systems to prioritise sustainable and nature-friendly farming
- There needs to be greater government accountability through a permanent Assembly for Nature made up of non-government organisations (NGOs), industry and public expertise
Other key calls to action include:
- 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.
How the People’s Plan for Nature was created
In a world first, the People’s Plan for Nature was created for the people, by the people of the UK through an independent and impartial process.
The first stage was a call out asking why our nature is so special and what we can do to protect it. In just four weeks there were 30,000 responses from people sharing their thoughts and ideas online and in person at venues all over the UK.
The input from 20,000 people across the UK fed into the themes and subjects discussed at the People’s Assembly for Nature. This representative group was made up of 103 people chosen from around the UK, all with different backgrounds, values and experiences. They came together to listen to evidence and case studies and to collectively agree on the action needed to tackle the nature crisis.
An independent and impartial Advisory Group checked all the resources and materials presented to the People’s Assembly for Nature, making sure that they were balanced, accurate and include perspectives from across all four nations.
The project has been powered by WWF, the RSPB and the National Trust.
Why we need the People’s Plan for Nature
Today, the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. Decades of damage have pushed UK wildlife and wild places to the brink. Thirty-eight million birds have vanished from our skies in the last 50 years, and 97% of wildflower meadows have been lost since the Second World War. Experts believe that only 5% of our land is effectively protected for nature.
The People’s Plan for Nature is a comprehensive roadmap to help us reverse these shocking declines.
Daniel, a 33-year-old project manager for a research institution from Norwich, who took part in the assembly, said: “As nature does not have its own voice, I realise it is so important to have a citizens’ assembly. The People’s Plan for Nature should be used as a handbook, to support projects to renew nature, as the plan was written by its citizens who encourage these projects.
“The People’s Plan for Nature must inject urgency from policy makers, businesses, local government, individuals, and communities to do much more to renew nature, as collective action is now our only hope to improve biodiversity in the UK.”
Our view
Beccy Speight, RSPB Chief Executive, said: “We’re thrilled to see the People’s Plan for Nature has now been published and we would urge everyone to read it. It includes actions for all of us - from governments to industry, communities to individuals.
“We’re now taking time to fully consider all of the 26 recommendations and we’ll be responding in full at the end of April.
“This is a huge moment for nature – it shows the public's desire for urgent action and the part we all have to play in making the changes so vitally needed.”
Add your Voice
The people have spoken. Now everyone needs to act
With your support, together we can make the People’s Plan for Nature too big to ignore.
