The Environment & Infrastructure Committee will continue to fund the commission with approximately £100,000 a year for the next five years, recognising the significance of the island’s natural environment.
Jo Huxtable, chair of the Guernsey Nature Commission Board, said this renewed commitment offered stability, and would help the charity to attract other funding.
‘We’re absolutely delighted with this news,’ she said. ‘It gives us the certainty needed to continue leading on the co-ordination and delivery of meaningful, long-term improvements for Guernsey’s natural environment. It also strengthens our ability to secure additional backing from other funding sources, including businesses and individual donors, helping to increase our impact.
‘Nature is one of our island’s most precious assets, and investing in its protection and restoration benefits our economy, our quality of life, and the legacy we leave for future generations.’
In its first three years, the commission secured £321,000 in charitable grants and corporate donations and it will continue to seek matched funding from external sources.
The executive director for the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, Alice Gill, said that the new agreement sent a strong, positive message to local businesses and the wider community about the importance of protecting and enhancing the island’s natural environment.
‘This is not only important for future generations but also reinforces Guernsey’s reputation as a forward-thinking and environmentally responsible jurisdiction,’ she said.
‘A healthy natural environment plays a vital role in ensuring Guernsey remains an attractive place to live, work and do business.’
E&I president, Adrian Gabriel reinforced that message.
‘Maintaining and restoring our natural assets is important for Guernsey’s economy, forming a core part of our tourism offering, and plays a fundamental role in island life.’
Continued efforts from the commission include organising island-wide nature recovery, working with the community and businesses, and delivering an education programme for schools.
‘Connecting with nature is a vital part of a child’s education, and the Nature Commission is a huge support in making this happen at our school,’ said Clare Giles, headteacher at St Martin’s Primary School.
‘By getting children outside and into the fresh air, they help make lessons more memorable and encourage our students to grow into environmentally conscious and community-minded individuals.’
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