Informing land use options

Nature is in crisis around the world. On land, species and habitats are in decline and ecosystem processes are failing. We are facing intertwined crises: ecological collapse and climate breakdown which are having a significant impact on people’s prosperity and wellbeing.

JNCC’s land use work is fundamental to nature conservation work in the UK and internationally.  We have teams of expert analysts and policy advisors working to strike a delicate balance on land at all scales. By using evidence and the best tools, models and approaches available to us, we aim to increase how land delivers multiple socioeconomic benefits for society, charting a path toward thriving communities and nature recovery. JNCC also provide a convening role for the UK countries and advise and inform on best practices and evidence whilst ensuring that each countries’ needs are met.

People are making choices on how to manage their land every day, whether it be their gardens, farms, or national parks. How land is used and managed significantly impacts the biodiversity it supports, and consequently, the range of benefits for society. There are competing demands on land; people need amenities such as affordable housing and good transport infrastructure, clean air, water and greenspaces. Therefore, decisions for managing and balancing land use need to be taken at a strategic level. JNCC has developed tools that analyse the potential impacts of different land use options. Our advocacy of current and new evidence sources, coupled with a multifunctional approach, helps countries identify how to use land and increase biodiversity. We help policy makers understand the tools and evidence available and how they can inform choices leading to decisions that will allow nature to recover and support natural ecosystem functioning, and prosperous, thriving communities.