Nature is in crisis – species and their habitats are under increasing pressures and the UK remains one of the most nature depleted countries in the world.  But there is hope. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (ARC) is one of many environmental NGOs that are actively working to conserve wildlife and to provide the voice it needs to survive into the future.  As a leading custodian of UK amphibians and reptiles and the habitats on which they depend, ARC is well positioned to make a positive difference towards conserving biodiversity, to challenge the threats to it and to help people gain access to nature. In a bid to outline the Trust’s roadmap to tackle these issues, ARC has published its strategic plan to 2030.

ARC’s commitment

ARC’s strategy maps out the charity’s aims on ‘The road to 2030’. This aligns with both national and global government commitments for conserving biodiversity, including the pledge to protect and manage 30% of land and sea, and to inspire socially responsible environmental action by 2030.   As a national wildlife charity, ARC is committed to play its part in achieving these ambitions and ensure they make a difference for amphibians and reptiles – through its own actions, through encouraging others and through working to see that Governments can deliver on their promises.

We need to make real differences for nature and to ensure these benefits are sustained into the future. States ARC CEO, Dr Tony Gent

Safeguarding the future

ARC will directly manage natural spaces and work with other land managers to create nature friendly environments – and its growing portfolio of 80 nature reserves, will be able to make an immediate contribution towards the conservation goals.

Dr Gent adds : However much more is needed; currently, for example, in England only 3.2% of land is considered to be adequately protected and managed - we need to see policies strengthened, further areas safeguarded and more investment made in protected sites to ensure that they can thrive and contribute to nature’s recovery.

We shall also be looking beyond protected sites.  By further developing our science and evidence base, through education and raising awareness and by helping people become more engaged with nature, we will help secure a future for our precious environment. We will look to influence the creation of a “critical natural infrastructure” that will support the future of native amphibians and reptiles, provide vital health and wellbeing benefits to people, and see an increase in biodiversity.

Download your copy of the strategic plan now or contact us for a hard copy.