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Dr Simon Lyster, Chair of the Essex Local Nature Partnership, on Nature Recovery and Biodiversity Gains

>>> This episode airs on 21 Oct 2024 <<<

In this engaging conversation, Dr Simon Lyster, Chair of the Essex Local Nature Partnership, delves into the promising strides being made in nature recovery within Essex, a region in the United Kingdom.


Despite the global trend of biodiversity loss and environmental challenges, Essex presents a model of positive change through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies.


This episode explores the multi-faceted approach taken by the Essex Local Nature Partnership, emphasising the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and the involvement of diverse stakeholders—including conservation NGOs, local governments, businesses, farmers and communities.


Dr Lyster provides a nuanced understanding of how the UK’s 2021 Environment Act has become a cornerstone of these efforts. This legislation is particularly noteworthy for mandating that public authorities not only protect but enhance the natural environment. It has also introduced the principle of biodiversity net gain, which requires new housing developments to leave the environment at least 10% better than before.


This policy has encouraged a collaborative relationship between developers and environmentalists, turning a potential point of contention into an opportunity for mutual benefit. The ability to demonstrate biodiversity improvements has made developments more attractive, adding to their appeal and marketability.


Throughout the conversation, Dr Lyster emphasises the crucial role of community involvement in driving this nature recovery. Local groups have been empowered to undertake conservation activities, from creating wildflower meadows to restoring wetlands. This grassroots energy complements top-down policies and builds momentum for ecological restoration at a landscape scale.


The partnership's ongoing work to develop a comprehensive Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Essex is set to provide a clear vision for the future, detailing priority areas for habitat restoration and enhancing ecological connectivity across the county.


About Dr Simon Lyster


Son of an Essex farmer, Simon is a lawyer by training and has worked in wildlife conservation most of his professional life. Author of the textbook International Wildlife Law, for which he was awarded a PhD, Simon worked for WWF for nearly a decade and was then Director General of the Wildlife Trusts for a further eight years. More recently he has served on various Boards in the public, private and charity sectors, including Natural England and Northumbrian Water.


Simon is currently Chair of the Essex Local Nature Partnership (LNP). The LNP consists of a wide variety of stakeholders in Essex including farmers, house builders, local authorities and conservation NGOs. The LNP is an independent body, set up by Essex County Council in 2022, to help produce and implement a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Essex, which is required of all counties by the 2021 Environment Act.


Simon is also Chair of Conservation International – UK, and a Commissioner on the Essex Climate Action Commission.


After many years living all over the place, including in his wife’s native Brazil, Simon moved back 12 years ago to the Essex farmhouse where he was born.



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