As the lead sponsor of the CIEEM 2022 Autumn Conference, we were delighted to explore the opportunities for delivering a nature positive, carbon negative future.

The event was attended by a wide range of delegates from the ecology and environmental management sector across UK and beyond.

Adam Ralph, Greenbelt’s Biodiversity and Strategic Project Director, said: “The event was a great platform for Greenbelt to share ideas and discuss the important role that well managed, green infrastructure and open space on new housing developments play in delivering nature positive outcomes for people, wildlife and the climate.

“The key message from the conference was the need to act now, as individuals, organisations and communities, in response to the twin climate change emergency and biodiversity loss crisis.

“Businesses of all sizes should focus on halting and reversing the decline of nature by 2030.

“Supply chains will be scrutinised, and organisations must demonstrate they are delivering on their commitments through monitoring and annual ESG reporting.”

Adam noted approaches to carbon capture and preventing biodiversity loss should be considered together rather than as separate activities and nature-based solutions should be utilised to achieve this.

“Woodland and grassland regeneration, restoring coastal wetlands and marine habitats, switching to restorative agricultural practices and less intensive farming to create a mosaic of habitats are just some examples of this,” he said.

“These valuable ecosystems help reduce climate change by capturing CO2 from the air and sequestering it in plants, soils, and sediments and are a valuable habitat for a wide range of species.”

Greenbelt owns and manages green open space on hundreds of sites throughout the UK and is currently in the process of securing long-term stewardship contracts on many more. This requires ongoing specialist environmental and ecological monitoring. You can find out more about Greenbelt’s work in biodiversity here.