Concern nature protection pitched as barrier to economic growth
Aleksandra Chernysheva (Parliamentary Affairs Officer) reflects on whether the UK Government is ignoring nature at the expense of economic growth, and how a healthy marine environment can deliver both.
This month, the Environment Secretary announced the conclusion of the Corry Review. Led by the economist Dan Corry, the Corry Review examined whether the UK’s regulatory landscape is fit for purpose, and to develop recommendations to ensure that regulation across DEFRA is driving economic growth whilst protecting the environment.
The Corry Review concluded that the UK’s current system of environmental regulation is inconsistent and complex, predicated on a “long-entrenched precautionary principle” that inhibits economic growth. Corry made a suite of recommendations to reform environmental regulation, so it can deliver for both nature recovery and economic growth.
A pond created for the District Level Licensing scheme in Cheshire
Credit: Cheshire West and Cheshire Council
More broadly, we are aware that the Corry review is part of a growing body of work to position the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as a “key economic growth department.” Concerning narratives are continuing to emerge from the UK Government that pitch our vital nature protections as a key barrier to economic growth:
A list of recent concerning narratives
The UK Government’s growth agenda is not only at odds with nature but also with public sentiment. A recent YouGov poll commissioned by a group of environmental charities revealed 71% of the public would support increased planning protections for green and blue spaces. Another poll by the Wildlife Trusts showed that 66% of the UK public believes that nature is fundamental to economic growth. Here at the Marine Conservation Society, we know that marine regeneration and sustainable economic growth can – and should - go hand in hand.
How a Sustainable Blue Economy can deliver for both nature and growth
Investing in ocean restoration can deliver localised economic growth centered in coastal communities.
A thriving marine environment will support jobs in existing sectors like tourism and leisure, and could also create new jobs within coastal regeneration, research and monitoring, and enforcement. Analysis of marine restoration programmes in the US revealed that 15-30 jobs were created for every $1 million USD spent. This created six times more jobs than the equivalent investment into oil and gas and at least seven times more jobs than in carbon capture. Whilst the US and UK economies vary in size, these are promising signals for the potential of nature-led economic growth. Overall, restoring and protecting coastal ecosystems has the potential to deliver a net economic benefit of £10.1bn by 2050.
At the Marine Conservation Society, we will continue championing nature-led economic growth and advocating for targeted investment and the right policy conditions that are needed to kickstart a sustainable blue economy in the UK.
Bournemouth Pier from the air
Credit: Nicholas E Jones via Shutterstock
How we will safeguard the marine environment as the changes progress
Alongside our sustainable blue economy work, we will also continue advocating for a joined-up Marine Spatial Prioritisation Plan that takes into account all the various demands placed on our ocean, directing activity away from the most environmentally sensitive areas. By avoiding environmentally sensitive sites in the first place, the need to compensate for adverse damage would be decreased. If implemented, this will provide much-needed clarity on what activity takes place and where.
As the proposed reforms progress, we look forward to engaging with the Government to ensure that, amidst ambitious plans for offshore wind, environmental protections remain robust.
