Alderney seeks public’s views on biodiversity strategy

The States of Alderney’s Island Plan, which was launched earlier this year, committed to producing a biodiversity strategy to look after the island’s diverse natural environment.

The strategy 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 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.

The strategy makes a range of suggestions. They include bringing together existing plans for areas like Ramsar, Longis Nature Reserve and Alderney Community Woodland under one document.

The government would encourage more-sustainable work practices across areas such as farming and fishing.

It also suggests facilitating wider public biodiversity action, for example through projects such as the States of Alderney plastic-free campaign or the Alderney Wildlife Trust pollinator project.

It is proposed that more areas of the land and sea will be managed for the purpose of conservation.

A list of key species and habitats on the island could be created by developing the Alderney Biodiversity Records Centre.

The documents also calls for Alderney to be promoted as an international hub of scientific research, with relationships with further education and higher education institutions in Guernsey, the UK and further afield.

The strategy remains open to further input from the public and stakeholders before review by the General Services Committee this autumn.

‘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.