Jersey is experiencing a "biodiversity crisis," and urgent action is needed as the government is urged to place greater emphasis on environmental protection. A scrutiny panel heard that the Environment Department requires more resources and time to produce a vital state of nature report. Piers Sangan, who leads Sangan Island Conservation, stated that a biodiversity crisis is characterized by an increase in invasive species, a decrease in native species, and a general decline in the ecosystem. He emphasized the government's responsibility to prevent the environment from being neglected, calling it a "fundamental part of our island."
Willie Peggie, the government's Director of Natural Environment, noted the necessity for a state of nature report comparable to those conducted in the UK, Guernsey, and Alderney. Environment Minister Senator Mary Le Hegarat acknowledged these concerns and stated that policies are currently being developed to enhance environmental protection, emphasizing the need for collective management of the countryside to address rising invasive species.
Sangan highlighted that Jersey's biodiversity strategy has been largely inactive since the early 2000s, leading to the loss of species such as stoats. He criticized a "woeful lack of investment" in ecology, observing a "horribly noticeable" decline in the natural environment and a struggle for several bird species to increase their populations. "Even though they're still here, they're still breeding, they're not increasing in number... They are more or less extinct already and are likely to go extinct in the next few years," he warned.
Concerns about the government's environmental commitment have surfaced as Deputy Hilary Jeune, chair of the environment scrutiny panel, pointed out that the ministers' draft Common Strategic Policy did not sufficiently consider the natural environment. The panel proposed an amendment to address this oversight, with Jeune advocating for biodiversity to be a primary focus.
While Professor Liz Bentley, formerly of the Jersey Climate Council, suggested an annual spend of £10 million to reach net zero by 2050 (compared to the £4 million in the Climate Emergency Fund), she cautioned that delayed climate action would incur greater long-term costs. Le Hegarat advised ministers to be "very cautious" about spending and expressed confidence in the current fund as a viable way forward, though she could not provide a precise figure for achieving net zero by 2050.
The Jersey Grazing Project, which employs cows and sheep to restore habitats, also voiced concerns. Joshua Voak of the project found it troubling that the environment received little attention during the summer election, given the significant economic benefits of a healthy environment. His colleague, Benjamin Voak, stressed the importance of biodiversity for the island's air and water quality, as well as habitat preservation.
Government officials are anticipating the release of a state of nature report in 2027, which is expected to guide the development of a new biodiversity strategy.