A proposed strategy to protect and enhance Alderney’s biodiversity is now open to public consultation.
The States of Alderney’s Island Plan launched earlier this year committed to producing an Alderney Biodiversity Strategy (ABS) to look after the Island’s uniquely diverse natural environment in the face of threats such as climate change and disease outbreaks.
This biodiversity provides numerous cultural, social and economic benefits to the people of Alderney, such as ensuring the quality of fish stocks, driving tourism and enhancing wellbeing.
The ABS sets clear targets for the protection and enhancement of both marine and land biodiversity on and around Alderney and brings the Island into alignment with the rest of the Bailiwick.
The core goals of the ABS are to connect the community with nature, care for the natural environment to ensure the diversity and resilience of Alderney’s natural capital and assets and improve knowledge about nature to inform decision-making.
It brings together existing and new strategies from a variety of organisations and remains open to further input from the public and stakeholders before review by the General Services Committee this Autumn.
Examples of objectives to be achieved include improving the standard and accessibility of nature-based activities in schools, business and community groups, biodiversity offsetting schemes, carbon audits, volunteering and sponsorship, and the integration of environmental checks and balances into decision-making by the States of Alderney.
It would also encourage sustainable work practices for fisheries, farming, plant protection and the development of policies through the Alderney Land Use Plan.
“There is huge potential for improving biodiversity across Alderney to increase the benefits we gain from our natural environment and stabilise our existing ecosystems,” said a States of Alderney spokesman.
The draft ABS can be viewed at alderney.gov.gg/public-consultation.
The consultation period runs until September 2nd and includes a Public Drop-In at the Anne French Room, Island Hall on August 25th (1pm-6pm). The public can email their views to consultation.alderney@gov.gg with ‘Biodiversity Strategy’ in the subject box or provide written comments direct to Island Hall’s general office.
