Issue - meetings

The Board considered the report relating to the West Midlands Biodiversity Pledge and revised Biodiversity Action Plan which summarised the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 and the Guidance for local authorities on implementing the Biodiversity Duty produced by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Members believed that education and training were crucial, however, it was questioned whether the new shared Climate Change Officer post to deal with biodiversity issues would be sufficient.  The Executive Director – Partnerships and Projects, Mr. Street, informed the Board that there was currently an officer undertaking some work related to this area (e.g. promoting Eco School Award Programme) and the Energy Efficiency Group had been re-titled the Climate Change Group.  However, he agreed that the issues of climate change and biodiversity were a challenge.

It was noted that themes within the Worcestershire Local Area Agreement (LAA) included the outcome ‘To protect and improve Worcestershire’s natural environment/biodiversity’ and it was questioned how this would be measured.  Furthermore, queries regarding benchmarking were also raised.  Mr. Street stated there was a Biodiversity Action Plan and guidance from Defra and it was anticipated that Worcestershire County Council would assist in measuring the delivery of outcomes and benchmarking. 

RESOLVED:

(a)    that the report be noted; and

(b)    that the Executive Director – Partnerships and Projects report back to the next ordinary meeting of the Board clarifying the following:

§      Plans relating to education/training on biodiversity issues

§      Further details on benchmarking and how the delivery of outcomes of the Biodiversity Action Plan would be measured.