The Government has announced success for the Hull and East Riding area in obtaining formal status for a Local Nature Partnership (LNP).
Parliamentary under-secretary for natural environment and fisheries, Richard Benyon MP, has revealed 50 new Government-backed LNPs are to be set up across England to create a step-change in how organisations and local communities should work on protecting and enhancing the natural environment through strengthening local action.
Last year the Government published a new Natural Environment White Paper which sets out policy on a range of issues about the natural environment and emphasises the economic and social benefits it provides.
The benefits derived from nature are described as ‘ecosystem services’ and sustainable economic growth relies on them. Some products like timber have a known financial value, but in other cases, such as the role of bees in pollinating crops, we are only just beginning to understand their role and financial value.
Councillor Symon Fraser, cabinet portfolio holder for environment, housing and planning, said: “The partnership will enable people from different sectors to work together to consider Hull and East Riding’s natural environment functions as a whole and how it contributes to the area’s economic and social prosperity.
“The aim is to encourage all sectors to engage with and benefit from the natural environment.”
Councillor Martin Mancey, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for environment, transport and emergency planning, said: “Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Councils have a strong track record of working alongside each other on waste, flood management, minerals and the renewable agenda. The approval by DEFRA of the Local Nature Partnership reflects the strength of the working relationship which both councils will take forward alongside key environmental partners.”
