Following extensive initial feedback from the public, Alderney’s General Services Committee (GSC) has published a revised draft of a Biodiversity Strategy reflecting the urgent need for a unified response to biodiversity loss on the Island.
The 2022 Island Plan produced by the States of Alderney commits to producing a Biodiversity Strategy. Its key purpose is to offer strategic guidance for conservation work programmes and operational-level activities on States land. In this way, the document states, biodiversity on Alderney can be maintained and enhanced and reflects the commitment made in the Blue Islands Charter signed in 2019.
This will be achieved by bringing together existing work undertaken by the States of Alderney and a wide range of ongoing work programmes and action plans from organisations helping to manage States land.
The first public drop-in saw a section of the community seemingly alarmed that the proposed strategy would lead to the imposition of new laws.
GSC Chairman Boyd Kelly emphasised: “There is no desire to enact laws, taxes or ordinances from these guiding principles, or for this document to be used to justify the future enactment of legislation.”
The revised draft covers a number of examples of how a bio diverse environment benefits Alderney, including:
- Tourism – the Island’s wildlife is a key attraction
- Fishing – promoting the resilience of fish and shellfish stocks
- Farming – assisting pollination and reducing crop diseases
- Nature-based waste management solutions to reduce the impact of current waste management practices
- Flood protection and coastal defences
- Wellbeing through the health benefits of a truly bio diverse environment
- The potential for internationally significant research
The strategy also seeks to improve access to nature and education as well as increased awareness and integration with local businesses. This would mean the States would integrate environmental considerations into its internal decision-making processes and the allocation of resources.
“We must protect our local resources to give Alderney’s habitats and species the best opportunity to withstand or adapt to the impacts of climate change,” added Mr Kelly. “We are convinced the majority of the Island’s residents would agree with this but we want to be sure the public is behind this direction of travel and do it by consensus because that’s the right thing to do.”
The new draft together with a feedback form is now published and is available in printed format at the Island Hall General Office. A second drop-in for members of the public to discuss the amended proposals takes place on October 5th (Anne French Room, Island Hall, 2-6.00pm).
