Nature emergency declared by Havant Borough Council amid net zero ambitions
Councillors passed a motion to declare a nature emergency and said it recognised "the local, national and international pressures placed on flora, fauna and habitats".
The motion was raised by the Cabinet Lead for Climate Emergency, Environment & Water Quality, Councillor Grainne Rason.
It follows the launch of the borough council's biodiversity strategy earlier this year, to create opportunities for nature recovery, enhancement and protection.
The council has pledged to support nature recovery, support habitat restoration and improve river health.
Councillor Grainne Rason said: "I'm delighted to see Councillors recognise the importance of our natural landscape and the role we must play to protect and improve it.
"The council is already working hard in a number of ways to support, manage and enhance the borough's natural assets – be it through the implementation of our Biodiversity strategy, or through best practices for planning reflected in our emerging Local Plan.
"Cherishing the natural assets we have and ensuring their value is recognised throughout future decisions, policies and strategies made by the council is a further – and most welcome - sign of commitment."
The council says it's striving to become net zero by 2035 and is working towards becoming a net zero borough by 2045.
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