ZSL engages in the UK policy making process in a range of ways, be it through the provision of evidence that can aid in science-led policy making, to engaging with parliamentarians and government departments.
ZSL is also a member of Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL) the largest environment and wildlife coalition in England. Alongside the 66 other organisations that make up WCL, ZSL works across a range of working groups and select campaigns in creating a strong joint voice on the protection of nature in the UK.
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In December 2022, the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) select committee launched an inquiry on the role species reintroduction can play in support nature recover and biodiversity, how to maximise the benefits of reintroduction and manage any conflicts with other land users. Read a copy of ZSL’s response to this call for evidence.
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In the spring of 2022 the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) launched a call for evidence on the planned Update to the Green Finance Strategy. The call for evidence invited responses from all stakeholders to advise on how the new strategy can work to better ensure the financial services industry is supporting the UK’s energy security, climate and environmental objectives. Read a copy of ZSL’s response to this call for evidence.
In the spring of 2022 the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) launched a consultation on the creation of the new legally binding environment targets that must be set under the remit of the 2021 Environment Act. The Act requires that at least one target in each of four priority areas is set in: air, water, biodiversity, and resource efficiency and waste reduction. It also requires targets to be set for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and species abundance. This consultation was calling for perspectives on the range of draft targets that have been proposed by DEFRA. Read a copy of ZSL’s response to this consultation.
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In the autumn of 2022, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) opened an inquiry into sustainable timber in the UK and the UK’s contribution to global deforestation. As part of this inquiry a call for evidence was opened asking for insight on a range of questions relating to the UK’s supply chains impact deforestation and how it can be tackled on the domestic and international level. Read a copy of ZSL’s response to this call for evidence.
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In December 2021 the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) opened a consultation on the establishment of due diligence requirements on forest risk commodities, as set out in the 2021 Environment Act. The consultation was launched to seek views on key areas ahead of the development of this secondary legislation and guidance on its implementation. Based on the work, research and expertise of of ZSL’s Sustainable Business & Finance programme (SBF), the following evidence response was submitted. A copy of ZSL’s response to this call for evidence can be found here, alongside a blog exploring new diligence systems (DDS) for forest risk commodities in supply chains, that can be found here.
ZSL’s Global Policy Impact
At ZSL, we seek to inspire change by bringing people closer to nature and working with governments to put nature at the heart of decision making
ZSL’s United Nations and Intergovernmental Policy Engagement
ZSL has a long history of working within United Nations conventions, departments and processes to champion the development, agreement and implementation of biodiversity positive policy that benefits people and planet.