Greater Manchester Combined Authority

"Decision:1. That the signature of the GM Mayor to the Edinburgh Declaration on Biodiversity, on behalf of the GMCA, be approved. 2. That the declaration of a biodiversity emergency be approved."Accompanying Documents:14 Biodiversity Emergency PDF https://democracy.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/documents/s20054/14%20Biodiversity%20Emergency.pdf"Annex 3 – Draft Declaration of a Greater Manchester Biodiversity EmergencyThe GMCA resolves: [..]2. That the GMCA declare a ‘biodiversity emergency’ alongside the climate emergency to support the delivery of the GM 5 Year Environment Plan.3. That the existing Green City Region Board and Partnership Group, supported by the Natural Capital Group:  Monitor progress of indicators of key species diversity and abundance in Greater Manchester. Take a mission-based approach to reversing these declines as part of the 5 Year Environment and in line with work to develop a Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Consider systematically the biodiversity impact of each area of the GMCA’s activities. Make recommendations and set an ambitious timescale for reducing these impacts in line with the tasks set out in the 5 Year Environment Plan. Assess the feasibility of requiring all report risk and procurement assessments to include biodiversity or natural capital appraisals, including presenting alternative approaches which reduce the impact wherever possible. Report to GMCA every six months on progress and actions required to take to address this emergency and how it will continue to work with GM Districts to implement a Mission Based Approach.4. That it be agreed to task a director level officer with responsibility for tackling the biodiversity impact of the GMCA’s activities.5. That it be agreed to equip staff, particularly those involved with buildings, energy and transport management and procurement of goods and service, with an awareness of the biodiversity and natural capital costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce these.6. That all organisations, businesses and citizens can play their part in tackling the biodiversity emergency."

— Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Source)