People's Assembly for Nature- Third Weekend
Sustaining People and Nature
14-15th January 2023, online
Building on the previous weekend, the discussion examines how we use the land, fresh water and sea to meet our basic needs, with a particular focus on food production. Assembly members look at how our diets impact nature both in the UK and beyond, examining the trade-offs between maximising food production, protecting/restoring nature, ensuring affordable food and sustaining livelihoods. Again, assembly members hear about work which is seeking to address these challenges, and will develop actions that would drive improvements at a much wider scale.
Assembly members also hear about another pressure we place on nature – our need for water – the impact this has on the environment and how we could better protect freshwater habitats and species.
To end the session, and to set the scene ahead of deliberations in the final weekend, the assembly focus on the economics underpinning all these issues. Members hear how we currently make financial decisions and the impact this has on nature, along with alternative models that might better account for what nature provides, and how potential recommendations/actions could be paid for in theory.
Who spoke at the assembly?
Learn about who spoke at the third assembly weekend (14th- 15th January)
What happened during the third assembly?
Learn more about the presentations and discussion topics of the third assembly weekend (14th-15th January)
Presentations and talks
Welcome to the third assembly weekend
Professor Pete Smith, Scientific Lead Presentation 1
Nature and Farming: An Overview
Sue Pritchard, Chief Executive, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission
A history of farming, current challenges and hopes for the future
Aled Jones, NFU Cymru President
The role of regenerative and nature friendly farming
Martin Lines, UK Chair Nature Friendly Farming Network
Crofting: Farming, nature, community and heritage
Helen O'Keefe, Young Crofter of the Year
Nature and Fishing: an overview
Professor Paul Kemp, University of Southampton
Fishing and the Future: making sustainable seafood- an industry perspective
Hannah Fennell, Orkney Fisheries Association
How we produce seafood and what that means for nature- an NGO perspective
Helen McLachlan, Head of Marine Policy, RSPB Scotland
Regenerative approaches to food production in the sea
Rhianna Rees, Seaweed Academy Coordinator
Our diets and the impact on people and nature
Professor Pete Smith, Academic Lead
The benefits of diversifying what we farm and eat
Mark Lea, Green Acres Farm
The role of supermarkets within supply chains
Anna Turrell, Sustainability Director at Tesco
Regional Sustainable Food Partnerships
Hannah Norman, Food Sense Wales
How we use our rivers and waters and the impact on nature
Professor Steve Ormerod, Water Research Institute, University of Cardiff
The water industry and nature
Yvette Degaris, Head of Environmental Engagement at Thames Water
Catchment management: nature-based protection for people and wildlife
Mark Lloyd, COE Rivers Trust
The Economics of Biodiversity: How nature is accounted for (or not) within the current economic model and who pays?
Dr Matthew Agarwala, Economist, Bennet Institute for Public Policy, University of Cambridge and
Professor Ian Bateman, Professor of Environmental Economics, University of Exeter
