Biodiversity and the Natural Environment: valuation, localism and engaging business

Guest of Honour: Robin Mortimer, Director for Sustainable Land Management and Livestock Farming, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs This seminar will offer delegates the opportunity to consider the next steps in the development and implementation of UK policy to enhance biodiversity and the natural environment, and comes after the international community reaffirmed its obligation to implement the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, alongside commitments from the developed nations to double the funding provided for safeguarding biodiversity internationally. With the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs having set out a number of specific objectives in its Biodiversity 2020 strategy and 2011-2015 Business Plan - including reviewing the direction of forestry and woodland policy, implementing new methods of valuing the UK's natural capital and wider efforts to engage businesses and individuals with biodiversity preservation - planned sessions focus on the economic, logistical and practical challenges in achieving them. Delegates will also assess the progress that has been made in the delivery of the UK's 'ambitious' Natural Environment White Paper which, amongst other things, aims to reconnect people and nature and to grow a green economy.