Waltham Forest declares nature emergency
Waltham Forest Council has joined other local authorities in the UK as it declares a nature emergency and reveals “emerging plans” for how it will “intervene to support and boost local biodiversity in partnership with residents and local stakeholders.”
Residents of Waltham Forest “benefit enormously from access to natural environments like Epping Forest, the Walthamstow Wetlands, and the Lea Valley right on their doorstep,” the council said in a press release. “A healthy, thriving eco-system reduces the impact of extreme weather events and supports our wider health and well-being,” it added.
However, biodiversity is declining globally and England alone is recognised as being one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth.
“Waltham Forest already has a strong track record of implementing policies that protect nature, improve air quality, and reduce the risk from extreme weather events,” Cllr Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Air Quality and Climate, said. “We were one of the first UK councils to declare a climate emergency, and our Climate Action Plan has a clear focus on creating a greener, more resilient borough.”
The declaration includes a number of focus areas where the council can “continue to use its resources and leadership to make a real difference.” One “key theme” is to promote and raise awareness of initiatives that “we can all get behind and involve ourselves,” the council said, “by sharing simple tips and ideas for residents, whatever their circumstances, to make small changes to support better outcomes for nature in their neighbourhoods.”
A Climate Residents Panel will be tasked with helping to “co-create, prioritise, and shape local initiatives.”
Another key element will see a Local Nature Recovery Plan created, responding to the Mayor’s London-wide strategy. This hopes to support nature recovery locally by identifying priorities for nature through development and land management for future generations. Nature recovery will be embedded as a “strategic priority” when new developments are considered, and planning briefs and documents guiding how wildlife corridors can be protected and how natural wildlife water sources and habitats can be improved.
Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
