But in its Protected Areas and Nature Recovery report, it warned that this ambitious pledge will fail if the UK does not make “radical, transformative changes”.
While 27 per cent of UK land and 38 per cent of UK seas already enjoy some level of environmental protection, the report finds that many protected areas are not delivering for nature and are in poor ecological condition.
It therefore urges caution over what should count towards the government’s 2030 targets and provides recommendations for what protected areas, and the surrounding environment, need in order to be effective in restoring nature.
Dr Joseph Bailey at York St John University and lead author of the report said: “Designating an area of land or sea does not automatically make it an effective protected area.
“Designation is simply the first step in a long process towards ensuring that long-term ecological benefits are delivered for nature and people. To be effective, a protected area needs...