UK government joins G7 nations and calls for swift action to protect marine habitats and halt biodiversity loss

The G7 nations have agreed new commitments to reduce plastic waste, improve air pollution, resource efficiency, and halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

The commitments were signed at the conclusion of the G7 Ministerial meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment in Turin, Italy, at the end of April 2024.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay reiterated the Government’s commitment to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030, as set out in the Global Biodiversity Framework and confirmed that the UK will soon publish the National Biodiversity Strategies Action Plan which will set out a framework of action for the UK to progress towards meeting the targets set out in the GBF.

The UK called upon all G7 members to advance the swift ratification and implementation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement as soon as possible. This agreement aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national borders. Two thirds of our ocean lie beyond national jurisdiction, and so protecting these areas is a vital part of the effort to conserve marine habitats.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: 

“We have a clear global mandate to halt biodiversity loss and create a healthy and sustainably ocean for millions of people all around the world, following the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework. It’s clear that We must now focus on taking action to achieve these goals and put nature on the road to recovery.

“We are set to publish the UK’s National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan soon and I urge all G7 countries to show leadership in publishing these ahead of COP16 in October.”