The launch of the Government's Natural Environment White Paper today has been welcomed by the Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT). However the charity has cautioned that its encouraging words now need to be followed by urgent action. DWT Director Paul Gompertz said: "For decades now, governments everywhere have been long on promises and short on action when it comes to maintaining the diversity of life on the planet. There is a real danger that this is just another set of fine words paving the way to a looming breakdown of natural systems."We welcome much of the content of today's Natural Environment White Paper and are pleased to see such a broad spectrum of proposed action, but we're reminded of the Marine Act which offered fantastic promises but remains to prove itself in the implementation." The commitment to be 'the first generation to leave the natural environment of England in a better state than it inherited' is obviously laudable. However, this country made the same commitment ten years ago, and failed. Since then 30% cuts have been made to the Department which might be expected to lead on this. And the document still insists that 'economic growth and the natural environment are mutually compatible', even though we live in a planet which is consuming at three times the rate nature can provide. Paul added: "This is more Vision document than White Paper, since it doesn't propose any significant legislation. Visions are easy on the Treasury. The principles are all sound - the document speaks the right language - but these worthy aspirations now need to be translated into urgent and substantial gains for Devon's wildlife and wild places."
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