For the sixth year running, individuals, organisations and students are invited to apply for financial support from the Strategy for Nature Fund.
The Fund supports environmental initiatives that further the goals and objectives of the Strategy for Nature and help to address the drivers of change described in the State of Nature 2024 report.
Last year, eleven local environmental projects and two students benefitted from this funding. These projects included assessing the population of feral ferrets, beach cleans, land management, enhancement of school grounds for nature, a laptop to support botanical identification, mapping and analysing the extent and severity of projected sea level rise in Vale and St Sampson, amongst other projects.
The fund was established in recognition that the Strategy for Nature is not simply a government document; it is a framework that requires support and action from the whole community to achieve its goals and objectives.
Since the publication of the State of Nature 2024 report, applicants need to offer projects that help to address some of the drivers of change in the natural environment as listed in this report. These drivers of change include pollution, climate change and invasive non-native species, amongst others.
A total of £40,000 is donated through the fund in the form of grants, with £9,000 of that total dedicated specifically to a bursary for students completing graduate or post graduate degrees in a relevant subject with a commitment to carry out data collection for their research project on-island.
The fund is managed and administered in partnership between the Nature Commission and Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services (ACLMS).
Jim Robinson, Director – Natural Environment said: “Over the last 5 years the Strategy for Nature Fund has supported many fantastic projects that not only benefit nature but also the community as a whole. Being able to support local individuals and charities deliver important projects and also help to deliver the Strategy for Nature is a core principle of the fund. As in previous years we are excited to see what proposals will come forward from the community.’’
Angela Salmon, Nature Commission, said: ‘’The Nature Commission is looking forward to receiving applications for the Strategy for Nature Fund again this year. We would encourage individuals, organisations and students to apply for funding if they have a project that needs a financial boost to get up it and running.
“It is possible for businesses to boost the Strategy for Nature Fund through our Nature Opportunities for Businesses initiative. Making a contribution to this Fund will enable support to be provided to even more local environmental projects.’’
Pictured: Previous award recipients, Guernsey Conservation Volunteers, and their project to remove sour figs.
