To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, ahead of COP26, to detail any discussions has he had with his UK counterparts on the restoration of nature for a green recovery.

Protecting and restoring biodiversity is a key target for my Department and will be a specific focus within the Executive’s Green Growth Strategy. As well as COP 26, due to take place in Glasgow in November 2021, nature recovery will also feature separately at the forthcoming international conference on biodiversity in China in May 2022 (COP15). It is intended at COP15, to agree a global biodiversity framework including common targets and indicators to benefit biodiversity.

While I have not held specific discussions with my UK counterparts on nature recovery as yet, DAERA officials liaise closely with DEFRA and other devolved administration colleagues to propose a common UK approach to these negotiations and preparation of the UK Biodiversity Framework. I will be involved with my counterparts in agreeing that overall approach, in due course.