30 September 2021
Environmental experts and conservationists from the Channel Islands will be meeting virtually to share ideas and collaborate on projects at a two-day meeting from Thursday 21 October. All Islanders are invited to listen to the speakers and contribute to the meeting.
This year's Inter-Island Environment Meeting is being chaired by the Jersey Biodiversity Centre (JBC) and Government of Jersey's Natural Environment team.
The theme of the meeting will be about how the Islands are connected by biodiversity and will discuss biological recording, conservation research, citizen science, and the importance of sharing technology, knowledge and expertise, using the Pollinator Project as a case study.
There will be two interactive workshops and various speakers from the Channel Islands, UK and France. Participants are also being invited to share their experiences visiting local wild spaces and recording local wildlife by using the hashtags #IIEM2021 #IslandsConnected on social media.
Islanders wishing to join the meeting virtually should register online in advance. Alternatively, Islanders can go to the Societe Jersiaise to watch a live stream of the meeting in-person on a big screen. Those wishing to choose this option must register by calling 01534 633393.
Chair of the JBC, Anne Haden, said: "By working together as a group of Islands we are able to achieve more and create an aspirational way forward to tackle the biodiversity crisis. Together, we can create a stronger biodiversity network and pool our limited resources to ultimately protect our Islands' natural environments.
"This meeting is an excellent opportunity for environmentalists and conservationists to discuss and identify the solutions needed to maintain healthy and sustainable ecosystems, for us and future generations."
Minister for Environment, Deputy John Young, said: "I am looking forward to collaborating with colleagues and Islanders in our annual Inter-Island Environment Meeting. We will be using the two days to listen to presentations, take part in workshops, and discuss how we can improve the way we communicate with each other for environmental projects and work together as a network of Islands to protect our natural environment.
"By making this a virtual event, I hope that more Islanders are encouraged to join in from work, home or during their lunch break."