HABITATS AND WILD BIRDS DIRECTIVES

That this House notes that the review of the implementation of the European habitats and wild birds directives in England is due to report shortly as part of the 2012Budget; recognises that the directives provide important protection of natural environments, ecosystem services and other resources; acknowledges that the directives not only enable protection and enjoyment of these environments but also underpin a sustainable economy; rejects the contention that the implementation of the habitats and wild birds directive is gold-plated or a burden on business; is concerned that the Government's review of nature directive implementation could have unnecessary, large-scale and adverse impacts on the natural environment; encourages early engagement between developers, statutory agencies and voluntary conservation bodies to ensure any developments that take place are sustainable; and calls on the Government to promote awareness of these directives and avoid weakening protections for natural environments.