Biodiversity emergency called for Broads wildlife

The Broads are at risk from the impact of warmer, wetter winters and sea-level rises

The organisation that manages the Broads National Park has warned that urgent action is needed to protect wildlife from the impact of climate change and pollution.

Declaring a biodiversity emergency, the Broads Authority said the area of open water and rivers in Norfolk and Suffolk had been losing species at a rate of six per decade in the past 50 years.

It said it wanted to raise public and political awareness and "foster stronger partnerships" on critical issues, because "time is running out".

"This declaration sets out how we can start to reverse species decline so that people and wildlife can become resilient in facing climate change," said its environment policy adviser, Andrea Kelly.

The Broads is popular with tourists, as well as being a haven for wildlife

"Measures to enhance biodiversity through better land and water management are the missing puzzle pieces that will allow communities to adapt to changing climates, reduce the impact of flooding and create diverse ecosystems that support more wildlife."

Multiple stressors threaten the survival of some plants and animals, the Broads Authority said, including the risk from warmer, wetter winters, and sea-level rise as a result of climate change.

The greater frequency and intensity of storms also increased the risk of sewage runoff.

'Collaborate and innovate'

It said better management of water in the Broads catchment area was key to enhancing biodiversity, with the floodplains able to retain water during the winter - without flooding - and then be available for nature in the summer.

However, ageing infrastructure and replacing expensive pumps were among the many challenges.

"The growing frequency of intense rainfall, followed by prolonged droughts, is already causing serious environmental challenges, including threats to food security," said Phil Cammile, chief executive of the Water Management Alliance, one of the organisation's partners.

"To protect what matters most, we must collaborate and innovate.

"Together, we can accelerate efforts to restore, protect and enhance the environment, while driving forward sustainable agriculture, housing, tourism and wider economic growth now and for future generations."

As part of the declaration, the Broads Authority stated it would engage with local authorities, environmental organisations, farmers, the private sector and local communities "to drive collective action".