A Focus On Nature, A Vision For Nature, Issues in conservation
AFON
Response for Nature – Megan Shersby
Earlier this week, representatives from A Focus On Nature and 25 other conservation organisations attended the launch of the Response for Nature:England report.
The Response for Nature reports respond to the government’s commitment of creating a 25-year plan to restore nature and set out the key needs of nature, all of which can be read in more detail in the reports.
Response for Nature:England
- Include an inspiring vision for the natural environment and a sustainable economy
- Set goals for nature and natural capital
- Defend and implement the laws that conserve nature
- Deliver an ecological network on land and at sea
- Safeguard and restore species
- Improve the connection of people to nature, to deliver benefits for health and well-being
- Provide smarter financial instruments for nature
- Develop greener institutions and embed nature across Government
- Set five-year milestones with accountability to parliament
- Support people working together for nature
The England launch event was opened by Steve Ormerod, chairperson of RSPB council, who welcomed us all and referred back to the State of Nature report (2013), before welcoming Steve Backshall on stage. You can view some of Steve’s talk on the RSPB site, but here is one of our favourite lines from his speech:
“Young naturalists believe that they can change the world, and I believe that they’re right.”
Following Steve Backshall, and linking very nicely to the above quote, was Josie Hewitt – a representative from A Focus On Nature who spoke eloquently and passionately about her personal connection to nature and why we need to save wildlife and the natural environment for young people. She called on politicians to act now, referencing our upcoming Vision for Nature report. Josie’s speech was welcomed with much enthusiasm by all, and throughout the evening, she was approached by many to congratulate her on her speech.
The penultimate speaker was Rory Stewart MP and Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs who spoke of investing in people, heritage and nature, and need for a science-based conservation approach on which the government could act.
The final speaker was Butterfly Conservation’s CEO, Martin Warren. His speech particularly focussed on the need to act now, commentating that …
“Endless talks and debates will not help nature … so let’s get started”
Following the main speeches, there was a marketplace session with a total of 16 different talks from the different organisations involved with Response for Nature. Our Associate Director, Matt Williams, spoke about our upcoming Vision for Nature report which garnered questions from the listening CEOs and Directors of conservation organisations.
Good turnout for @mattadamw's AFON / #VisionForNature talk at #responsefornature. Plenty of nodding heads pic.twitter.com/ycTdbkjmZN
— A Focus On Nature (@AFONature) October 13, 2015
To read more about Response for Nature, and the respective reports for the different countries, visit this RSPB webpage.
Some of the Response for Nature tweets by AFON members:
Great to see a female, young conservationist speaking tonight #responsefornature https://t.co/jKbnNwkzeU
— Lizzie Bruce (@lizzie_bruce) October 13, 2015
Ridiculous AFON selfie… #responsefornature @CommonbyNature @RyanClarkNature @mattadamw @MeganShersby @PeteMRCooper pic.twitter.com/leZViGfSJP
— Tiffany Imogen (@tiffins11) October 13, 2015
Amazing watching @josiethebirder tell politicians, NGO leaders and business why nature must be saved for next generation #responsefornature
— Matt Adam Williams (@mattadamw) October 14, 2015
REPRESENT. @josiethebirder @AFONature #responsefornature pic.twitter.com/jeEC3KCfB8
— Tiffany Imogen (@tiffins11) October 13, 2015
Inspirational talk by @josiethebirder re #ResponseforNature! Proud to be part of @AFONature and proud to associate with such talented people
— James Common (@CommonbyNature) October 13, 2015
Reading the #ResponseForNature report at work and having a proud moment on seeing the @AFONature logo in the partners section :D
— Beth Aucott (@BethAucott) October 14, 2015
I had a lovely time near Westminster last night, representing @AFONature at the #responsefornature launch @BBOWT pic.twitter.com/Lj3KL8onVO
— Ryan Clark (@RyanClarkNature) October 14, 2015