New Manifestos for Bugs in Scotland and Wales - Buglife
With parliamentary elections approaching in Wales and Scotland next May, Buglife is pleased to publish dedicated Manifestos for Bugs, outlining key actions for invertebrate conservation in each nation.
While invertebrates face similar threats in both countries, there are distinct opportunities and needs that the next Governments in Scotland and Wales can take to halt nature loss, and reverse invertebrate declines.
Both Governments must:
- Recognise the rapid decline in insect abundance, as demonstrated by the Bugs Matter monitoring scheme.
- Pledge to restore sustainable populations of all invertebrates.
Governments must establish binding targets for nature recovery through primary legislation. These targets should be supported by fully resourced delivery plans and long-term funding commitments to tackle climate change, end sewage pollution, and protect 30% of land and sea for nature.
As well as achieving existing targets and pledges, halting nature loss and reversing invertebrate declines will require the actions and commitments listed below.
- Reconnect our landscape by filling B-Lines with wildflower-rich habitats.
- Set light pollution reduction targets.
- Reduce harm from pesticides and toxic chemicals.
- Restore freshwaters.
- Protect peatlands and Conserve coal spoil sites
- Dedicate new resources to save our most threatened species.
- Improve planning for invertebrates.
- Protect from invasive non-native species