The Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) has welcomed the Office for Environmental Protection’s (OEP) latest assessment, which stresses the urgent need to restore and protect nature across the UK.

EIC echoes the OEP’s view that nature is not a barrier to growth, but is a catalyst for economic prosperity, health and resilience.

The report highlights the scale of the challenge - key 2030 nature targets are at risk and the need for immediate, strategic investment in natural capital has never been clearer.

Many EIC members are working with government to deliver practical solutions, from renewable energy to innovative interventions that restore habitats, safeguard wildlife and drive economic growth. A coherent strategy, backed by the resources, policy certainty and cross-sector collaboration, is now needed to meet statutory obligations and unlock economic and ecological benefits.

With the right support, regulatory framework and investment, EIC believes the UK can meet its 2030 environmental goals. Nature is not a constraint – it is the foundation for a thriving, prosperous future.

Marie-Claude Hemming, Policy Director at EIC, said: “Investing in nature is investing in the UK’s future. Government now needs to ensure changes to the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy do not undermine nature markets to secure further investment into nature recovery. The time to act is now – nature underpins prosperity, and we cannot afford to wait.”

Click here to read the full report