The Nature and Biodiversity Taskforce at the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) met on Thursday 9 February, to discuss important updates related to the Biodiversity Metric, and plans for a new industry guide.

Members of the Taskforce welcomed a senior official from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for an update on the Biodiversity Metric Consultation.

Members of EIC will be aware of the importance of the metric in the context of the Environment Act, which establishes legally binding targets for biodiversity net gain.

The proposed metric provides a standardised way to measure the biodiversity value of land, enabling accurate assessments on the impact of projects and steps to enhance biodiversity where possible.

The consultation has been a collaborative effort, involving a wide range of stakeholders including many EIC members.

The response from members has been very positive, with many participants expressing enthusiasm for the proposed metric and offering helpful feedback to refine the details.

The Taskforce members expressed their support for the consultation and offered to promote it within their own networks.

The Taskforce meeting was also an opportunity to outline of plans for a new ‘Nature and Biodiversity Holistic Guide’. The guide is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of best practices for promoting biodiversity across environmental industries.

The guide, due to be published later this year by EIC, will be developed in collaboration with industry experts and will draw on a wide range of key partners. The goal is to create a practical resource that can be easily understood and implemented by businesses and organisations of all sizes.

Paul Barnes, Policy Researcher at the EIC, said: “This was a productive and informative session, and a great way to begin our work in 2023. The session highlights the importance of collaboration and coordination in efforts to promote sustainable practices and enhance biodiversity.

"We have a busy forward work programme ahead, including EIC’s Innovation Campaign, details of which will be shared soon.”

To get involved in EIC’s Nature and Biodiversity Taskforce, please contact Paul Barnes.

Find out more about EIC’s Nature & Biodiversity Taskforce.