With the election campaign now under way and politicians arguing on how to best allocate financial resources, the RSPB today launches a report urging politicians not to sideline the environment in the struggle to reform our economy.

Challenge 2010 details a series of challenges for government now and in the immediate future to put the environment at the heart of its economic thinking.

Download Challenge 2010 from the RSPB website

Peter Robertson, the RSPB’s conservation manager for northern England said: “This report is a rallying cry for our politicians in the run up to an election and at a time when they are trying to make the most of scant financial resources. “Here in Yorkshire we have truly special landscapes rich in wildlife. Crucially these often underpin local economies and are key reasons why people choose to live in, work in, and visit Yorkshire.”

Over the years, the region has benefited from government support and spending on agri-environment schemes such as Environmental Stewardship that have supported wildlife. In particular, they have under-pinned the successful recovery of Black Grouse in parts of the region and are critical in helping other birds such as twite and lapwing.

Peter continued: “We want these schemes to have a guaranteed future as they represent the wise use of public money. There is so much more to be done to support and improve our environment.

“And with the recent passing of the Marine and Coastal Access Act we want to ensure money is similarly spent wisely on safeguarding the north east’s marine environment. Here, serious investment will actually pay dividends with improved management of marine environment nationally netting £8.6–19.6 billion over 20 years – a return of between 5 and 26 times greater than the costs!”

The publication co-incides with the RSPB’s new public campaign, Letter to the Future. Over the coming months the charity will be gathering names for its largest ever petition, aimed at showing the scale of public support for the environment as we approach a general election.

More than 80,000 people have already signed since September, all urging politicians to consider the health of the planet for future generations when making decisions about where to make cuts and where to invest. The RSPB is aiming to have tens of thousands more in time for a General Election in May.

Peter said: “In the coming months our campaign aims to show the huge popular support for investing in the environment. Our children will have to pay for the billions we are spending to see us through this recession. The least we can do is use the money to build a future they’ll thank us for.”