Utilising our high-quality scientific expertise, we provide evidence, advice, coordination and standards to enable the UK Gov ... ernment and devolved administrations to meet their priorities for the natural environment. By helping to achieve a healthy environment we have also contributed to sustainable economic growth and societal well-being. Our success is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our staff, who apply their skills and experience delivering a demanding work programme. We are proud of the partnerships we have forged with other organisations – with the country nature conservation bodies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with UK and devolved government bodies, and with non-governmental organisations. Many of our activities are concerned with the provision of high-quality, cost-effective and accessible evidence for marine and terrestrial environments across the UK. The evidence we provide on the status of biodiversity and ecosystem services (and the pressures and activities affecting them) is fundamental to good decision making by governments, environmental bodies, developers and regulators. JNCC facilitates joint working to provide solutions and standards that meet the diverse needs of a devolved UK. Collaboration provides opportunities for partners to boost resource efficiency by sharing learning, avoiding duplication and benefiting from economies of scale. JNCC is responsible for advising on nature conservation in the UK’s offshore waters (beyond 12 nautical miles from the shore). As in previous years, the focus of our work in 2015/16 was supporting UK Government and devolved administrations in achieving their obligations for establishing an ecologically coherent network of well-managed marine protected areas. JNCC has a crucial role to play in enabling UK governments to meet their international obligations effectively and efficiently. read more