Our commitment
Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is crucial for healthy ecosystems. These ecosystems help combat climate change, improve human health, and support much of our economic activity.
Recognising the importance of biodiversity, we are committed to supporting and enhancing it.
In March 2022, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) declared a biodiversity emergency, acknowledging the decline of biodiversity across England.
Legal requirements
The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 requires all public authorities in England to conserve biodiversity when carrying out their work. The Environment Act 2021 expanded this duty by requiring public authorities to:
- Consider how they can conserve and enhance biodiversity
- Develop policies and objectives based on this consideration
- Act to deliver these policies, achieve objectives, and report on progress using a Defra template
We are required to complete an initial review of actions that support biodiversity. Policies and objectives must be agreed upon as soon as possible, with local planning authorities reporting by January 1, 2026, and every five years after that.