Researchers from Cambridge University will be appearing at the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, which began yesterday and finishes on 6th June. The University has set up a blog, with previews of the researchers’ talks and live updates from the Festival, posted as their talks are delivered. Topics will include the climate change and stem cell research.

Cambridge at the Hay Festival Blog

It has been confirmed today that the Science and Technology (S&T) Select Committee will be re-formed under the new parliament.

The membership of the committee has yet to be decided, but a vote by MPs today confirmed that the Chair will be selected from the Labour party, with Mark Henderson of The Times placing Graham Stringer, the only surviving member of the previous S&T committee, as the current front-runner for the post.

The committee’s remit is likely to remain specific, mainly scrutinising the work of the Government Office for Science, but the Former Deputy Leader of the House, Barbara Keeley MP, had formerly expressed the hope that the committee would examine the full scope of science policy and related matters across the Government.

Original article: Science & Technology Select Committee returns by Imran Khan

In a recent PNAS report, Kirsten Grorud-Colvert and colleagues summarise the communication strategy implemented for the establishment of marine reserves off the Californian coast, and suggest that the framework used could and should be adopted more widely by the scientific community.

Effective communication in conservation science is vital, and the authors state that scientists who see communication as a top-down transmission of information run the risk of alienating key audiences – particularly those who are knowledgeable about the issue.

The audiences in question are usually extremely diverse, with different levels of technical knowledge, values and opinions. Hence no single form of communication will be most effective at reaching all of them.

The authors continue to outline a four-step strategy used in the case study, involving;

1. Getting to ‘know the audience‘ – identifying the needs, level of knowledge and background of different groups, and using this to tailor communication efforts
2. Identifying ‘main messages‘ – including the original problem, why this should matter to the audiences, the actions required, and what benefits the audiences would derives from those actions
3. Choosing communication tactics – a diverse range of communication approaches were used, including printed materials, web content and presentations to small groups
4. Measuring the success of communications

The strategy used in the case study involved collaboration between scientists, graphic designers, communication professionals, and policy experts, and the authors assert that this framework should become more prevalent. In addition, they suggest that a communication strategy should be an inherent component of research grants, and that scientists should make the most the growing body of available resources.

The full report can be read here.

Organisations around the UK are preparing to celebrate International Biodiversity Day, taking place tomorrow, 22 May. Celebrations began in Wales yesterday, with the start of a three day festival to highlight biodiversity to the public and to encourage individuals to ‘do one thing’ for nature. The BES and Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) joined a range of organisations at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, for the launch of the event, exhibiting materials to museum visitors.

Jane Davidson, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing at the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), delivered a speech to exhibitors and invited guests, in which she highlighted the Government’s track record in conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services in Wales. However, the Minister made it clear that the ecological community couldn’t underestimate the challenge of keeping in place some of the structures set up for species monitoring and conservation, given the difficult economic climate. However, the Minister assured the audience that she would do all she could to ensure that the importance of biodiversity is recognised across the WAG.

Both the Minister, and Rhys Jones, a BBC wildlife television presenter who gave a brief address after Jane Davidson’s speech, emphasised the importance of communicating the importance of biodiversity to the public at large. Rhys Jones said that ‘people look at biodiversity through giant binoculars’, understanding biodiversity as something that is ‘elsewhere’; on African plains or tropical rainforests. People do not appreciate the diversity of life around them; in their own back gardens for example. Jane Davidson emphasised the need to ‘keep the vision positive’, highlighting the challenges faced by biodiversity but in such a way as to engage, not alienate people, with the scale of the problem.

The BES and IEEM took the opportunity to launch a copy of our position statement on ‘halting UK biodiversity loss’, in Welsh. You can download a copy from our website.

International Biodiversity Day

Tomorrow, a range of activities will take place around the UK and around the globe, highlighting and raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity to our lives. The Natural History Museum, London, is organising a full day of events, including theatre and art performances and the production of a biodiversity day themed elephant for the ‘Elephant Parade’. The Guardian has today published its top ten picks of events from around the world. To find out more about events near you in the UK, access the International Year of Biodiversity UK network website.

Yesterday the new Coalition Government published its Five Year Policy Programme, a 32 page document summarising their policies, and in some case the compromises both parties have made to form an alliance.

Described by the leaders as “a programme for 5 years of partnership government”, the document outlines key pledges in a list of public policy areas, as well as 28 reviews, including one on research and development grants. Here for example they have pledged to “consider the implementation of the Dyson Review to make the UK the leading hi-tech exporter in Europe, and refocus the research and development tax credit on hi-tech companies, small firms and start-ups”.

On higher education, they await Lord Browne’s final report into funding, and will consider its proposals alongside other necessary considerations, with the option for a Liberal Democrat abstention from vote if needed. On energy, alongside securing supply and low carbon energy, the role of Ofgem will be reviewed. Helping with fuel costs in rural areas is a priority, as is the promotion of community-owned renewables and smart meters. Grid investment also features, in an offshore electricity grid and a smart grid. The disagreements over new nuclear build remain – Liberal Democrats will be able to express opposition even if the Conservatives want to pursue it.

On food, they will encourage sustainable food production, and ‘introduce honesty in food labelling’ to ensure origin and environmental impact are reported. On farming they wish to reduce the regulatory burden on farmers by ‘moving to a risk-based system of regulation’. They will also investigate ways to share the responsibility of disease outbreaks with livestock keepers. A science-led policy of badger control in high risk areas will be introduced to tackle bovine tuberculosis.

On animal welfare, they will promote high standards of farm animal welfare, and end the testing of household products on animals whilst aiming to reduce the use of animals in scientific research. They will enable a free vote on the repeal of the Hunting Act in parliament.

On biodiversity they will introduce wildlife protection measures such as wildlife corridors in order to halt the loss of habitats. A national tree planting campaign is promised, alongside a review of National Parks which aims to increase local accountability. Stronger measures to prohibit the import and possession of illegal timber will also be introduced, alongside a new Border Police Force to tackle illegal wildlife trade.

On the environment, notable goals are full compliance with European Air Quality standards, reforming the water industry, introducing further recycling incentives and improving flood defences. The Marine and Coastal Access Act will be implemented effectively, including the conservation measures therein. For further details on all the policy announcements, see the full document here.

Last week the ministerial team at Defra was announced, to include James Paice as Minister of State for Agriculture and Farming, Richard Benyon and Lord Henley as Parliamentary Under Secretaries of State. Mr Benyon’s portfolio includes the natural environment and fisheries in particular. Detailed ministerial portfolios have been announced this week, which can be found on the Defra website.

The Green Party recently won its first set in Westminster when Caroline Lucas, Green Party MEP for the South East was elected with a majority of just over 1200 votes in the Brighton Pavilion constituency. Ms Lucas highlighted her party’s policy priorities in a recent press release, which included “responding to climate change with a million new ‘green’ jobs in low-carbon industries, fair pensions and care for older people, and stronger regulation of the banks”. The Green Party’s manifesto included the following proposals:

On food and farming: local, organic and GM-free foods are emphasised, alongside reform of the CAP to support small farms and phase out intensive and factory farming. Common Fisheries Policy reform, and proper financing to implement the Marine and Coastal Access Act is also highlighted as a means to protect the oceans.

In conservation policy: landscape-scale conservation is promoted, via reform of the CAP and planning system to encourage habitat restoration. The Greens continue to oppose the unelected Planning Commission and stress the need to place sustainability at the core of the planning system. Further regulation is encouraged, including an extension of the Natura 2000 network and the establishment of a new Environmental Protection Commission to integrate environment and public health research. Traditional Green Party issues also remain in the spotlight, including crackdowns on illegal wildlife trade and whaling, and an extension of animal welfare legislation.

On sustainable development: opposition to airport expansion is combined with proposals for aviation taxation and the prioritisation of rail travel. On energy, nuclear expansion, biofuels cultivation and new coal power stations are opposed, in favour of smart meters, feed-in tariffs and planning policies to support renewables, including renewable heat.

Ms Lucas hosted a member of BES in the European Parliament as part of the Society’s Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme this year, in her capacity as an MEP. As she moves into Westminster politics it will be interesting to monitor the advancement of Green Party policies within parliament.

An extremely interesting and insightful editorial in this week’s Nature (13 May, 465, p135):

“An analysis by London’s The Times newspaper shows that some 71 canddidates with scientific backgrounds have been elected, down from 86 of the 650 members in the last parliament…The case must be made to members of all thee major parties that science is an important driver of Britain’s economy; that it can provide crucial solutions to major issues such as energy independence and that it deserves strong support even during times of economic cutback. These arguments will hold more sway if they are cast in a non-partisan light.”

“in the run up to the general election, CaSE encouraged all parties to make their positions on science known, and in its aftermath the organisation must work to inform a new government’s science policies…Other scientific societies should rally their memberships to get word out to new parliamentarians about the value of science. A well orchestrated, non-partisan apppeal early in the life of the parliament could leave a lasting impression.”

The BES will be doing all it can in the coming weeks and months to stress the value of science to the new government. If you’re a member of the BES interested in forming links with your local MP, get in touch with us and we can provide a briefing to help you to communicate the value of ecology to them.

The National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, will next week host a celebration of the diversity of the Welsh natural environment. Beginning on Thursday, 20th May, with an event for policy-makers and invited guests, the event will then continue right through Saturday, the International Day for Biodiversity, with activities and events for the public.

The event will launch a partnership programme between over 20 organisations active in raising awareness about, and conserving, biodiversity in Wales. From charities to museums, wildlife trusts and colleges, partner organisations will be present at the event, aiming to increase awareness of the significance of safeguarding the amazing diversity of life on our planet and encourage others to pledge to ‘Do One Thing’ to help the cause.

Jane Davidson AM, Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing at the Welsh Assembly Government, will deliver a speech at the Museum on Thursday, stressing the importance of biodiversity as an essential element for our health and well-being, our economy and ultimately our lives.

The focus of the public events will be on highlighting what people can do on their own doorstep to prevent biodiversity loss, ultimately contributing to the world-wide target (through the Convention on Biological Diversity) to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss across the globe.

The BES and the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management will together display a stand at the event, highlighting to policy-makers our position statement on halting UK biodiversity loss and supplying material to members of the public interested in pursuing a career in ecology. Both organisations are members of the International Year of Biodiversity UK partnership.

Further information about the events and activities on offer is available from the website of the National Museum of Wales

David Cameron has now announced his new Cabinet, including the key environmental portfolios within the coalition government. Policies in this sector have caused significant disagreements between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in the past, most notably on nuclear energy which the liberals have consistently resisted. The new appointments reflect the apparent desire amongst both parties to govern in a constructive coalition.

This has been demonstrated by Cameron’s allocation of the weighty Energy and Climate Change brief to the Liberal Democrats’ former environment spokesman Chris Huhne. Huhne’s background in City makes him a practical choice given the big financial commitments a programme of low carbon energy expansion could demand. A new accord over the financial aspects of energy policy, such as the introduction of a low carbon infrastructure bank and green home loans, as well as agreements on the smart meters roll-out and marine energy will keep Huhne and his new department busy over the coming months. Huhne’s biography is available on the DECC website here.

At DEFRA Caroline Spelman has landed Hilary Benn’s former job as Environment, Food and Rural Affairs secretary. With a long farming background and published research on biofuels, Spelman starts the role on a firm footing, given she also took the brief in opposition. Spelman has said she will ‘work across government and beyond to respond to the challenges of increasing food production, adapting to climate change, protecting our natural environment and ensuring we live sustainably.’ See her biography on the DEFRA website here.

Another Conservative, Phillip Hammond MP, will take the transport brief, following his most recent portfolio in opposition as shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury. The prominent Liberal Democrat Vince Cable has been appointed Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills, whilst the Conservative David Willetts will look after Universities and Science within DBIS, after shadowing the Universities and Skills minister in opposition. Further junior ministerial appointments are expected to be confirmed in the next few days as the Prime Minister fleshes out these departments with politicians from both parties.

Details of the agreements between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have been announced, outlining the coalition’s stance on several environmental topics.

A document on the Liberal Democrat’s website outlines measures seeking to fulfill “joint ambitions for a low carbon and eco-friendly economy”.

Measures include aims to encourage marine energy production and significantly increase energy production from waste, continue public sector investment in CCS technology and introduce emission standards for new coal-fired power stations, and promote green spaces and wildlife corridors to “halt the loss of habitats and restore biodiversity”.

Agreement has also been reached to allow continued Liberal Democrat opposite to new nuclear power plants, whilst permitting the government to “bring forward the national planning statement for ratification by Parliament so that new nuclear construction becomes possible”.

Further details on the arrangement can be found on the Liberal Democrat’s website.