Press Release - Wildlife legislation 04.08.20

New legislation will protect Alderney's 'significant' wildlife

Alderney has moved a step closer to having new legislation to protect its rich marine and terrestrial wildlife.

The island signed up to the internationally agreed Blue Islands Charter last year and subsequently the States ratified its environmental policy which included an objective to provide legal protection for land and sea habitats and species 'of significant conservation value'.

The Policy and Finance Committee (P&F) has worked with the Alderney Wildlife Trust to make draft legislation possible by seeking guidance from a UK law firm at no cost to the island's taxpayers.

The next steps will involve public consultation with a range of interested parties including wildlife organisations, landowners, animal welfare, veterinary services and the shooting community among others.

The new legislation is expected to be in three parts:

• Placing a duty on all public bodies and office holders to further the conservation of biodiversity

• Providing protection of specific habitats and the designation of States-owned land as Areas of Enhanced Protection, for example, Longis Nature Reserve and the Ramsar site

• Providing protection for bird, animal and plant species

"This legislation will build on our island's land and marine conservation credentials and enhance our reputation in the eyes of the international community as well as residents," said P&F chairman James Dent.

Transatlantic law firm Hogan Lovells, which has a market-leading Public Policy and Regulatory practice, was engaged on a pro bono basis to provide guidance for the proposed law at no public cost as part of its sustainable development commitment to support the UK Wildlife Trust.

Any individuals who wish to express their views on wildlife protection in the island should contact ceo@alderney.gov.gg.

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