Climate and policy analysts, biologists, and forestry experts from across the United States have been in the Peak District to learn more about international conservation ambitions for '30by30'.
The delegates from Maine, California, New Mexico, and Michigan were welcomed by the Peak District National Park Authority and others, including the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England.
Alongside the Moors for the Future Partnership team, the US delegates were given a hands-on insight into more than 20 years’ of upland conservation restoration which has turned around the fortunes of vast areas of previously degraded upland habitats.
PDNPA chief executive Phil Mulligan said: “Where we may lack in sheer geography compared to our US counterparts, a ground-breaking approach to conservation at an ambitious scale for the UK, means we have plenty to share in terms of knowledge and understanding – and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to welcome the US team alongside some of our other local partners.”
The ‘30by30’ initiative – at the heart of the visit – is a worldwide initiative for governments to designate 30% of Earth's land and ocean area as protected areas by 2030.
Both the US and UK governments have pledged their commitment to delivering on 30by30 targets, with both countries said to be keen to collaborate on halting species loss and ecosystem protection alongside climate change mitigation and economic security.
Jennifer Norris, Deputy Secretariat for Biodiversity and Habitat at California Natural Resources Agency said: “We were impressed and inspired by the incredible work underway by so many different partners across the Peak District National Park.
“The scope and scale of restoration work is truly breath-taking.
“Your partnership approach has motivated us all to do even more to protect biodiversity and address climate change back home in the US, especially as part of the much wider global picture where we can all play a role.”
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