From John Krebs, Natural Environment Research Council
Swindon, Wiltshire
The role of the research councils is to provide underpinning research,
education, training and capability. Research to meet specific government policy
objectives is commissioned by the relevant departments or agencies. Thus it is
not correct to imply that research councils and government departments or
agencies have similar responsibilities for specific research to implement the
Biodiversity Action Plan.
In addition to the core strategic work supported by the Natural Environment
Research Council, the NERC Centres and Surveys carries out commissioned work for
a range of public and private sector customers. Avery’s concern about the
research requirements for the Biodiversity Action Plan should focus on ensuring
that the relevant government departments commission appropriate research from
NERC centres as well as other research providers.
