01 March 2010
The Planning and Environment Department is to set up a Ramsar Management Authority as part of its ongoing commitment to ensure the wise use of Jersey’s 4 internationally important wetland areas.
Assistant Planning and Environment Minister Rob Duhamel said “The establishment of a Management Authority for the Ramsar sites is a significant step in ensuring the wise use of these sensitive and important areas. By drawing together all the expertise from the community we will develop a deeper understanding of the issues facing long term management of the areas and be able to take on board first hand the skills and concerns of those who value their significance.”
The 4 sites designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international convention that recognises wetlands of international significance, are the South East coast, which was designated in 2000, and the offshore reefs of Les Minquiers, Les Ecrehous and Les Dirouilles and Les Pierres de Lecq which were designated in 2005.
The purpose of the Authority will be to develop and implement a management plan for all of these areas in order to protect and enhance their unique characteristics. The voluntary organisations who helped establish the Ramsar designation have been invited to join the Management Authority and the inaugural meeting will take place on 4 March at 7.30pm at the Jersey Museum.
Anyone interested in the Ramsar Management Authority or the Ramsar sites in general should contact Greg Morel, the Department’s Marine and Coastal Officer on 441620.
Email the Marine and Coastal Officer
gov.je