Thursday 06 November 2014
A public meeting to outline the proposal to make Herm, Jethou and The Humps Guernsey's second Ramsar site is being held on Wednesday 12th November, 7pm at Les Cotils Centre (Harry Bound Room).
The meeting forms just one part of the consultation process which has been taking place over the last few months with various individuals and organisations. Anyone who holds an interest in this proposal is invited to attend to help the Environment Department gain a representative view of what people think about recognising Herm as an important wetland area.
The meeting will be opened by the Minister of the Environment Department, Deputy Yvonne Burford who will introduce the main speaker Paul Fisher, Regional Projects Manager, with the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds.
What is Ramsar Designation?
Designating a site as a "Ramsar site" gives international recognition of the special environmental, cultural and heritage characteristics of a particular area. In particular designation lays the foundation to develop a management plan, in full consultation with those who manage, live and use the area, to ensure the conservation of key species and habitats.
Ramsar designation has as its core principles the wise and sustainable use of the resources of a given site through the development and implementation of the management plan.
Why Designate Herm?
The various marine and land habitats on and around Herm support a rich diversity of flora and fauna including important breeding areas for sea bird species such as Lesser black backed gull, Puffin and Shag. In addition, Herm Common has an excellent cultural heritage, with numerous archaeological remains.
Whilst Ramsar status does not confer any legislative protection recognition of an area contributes to the long-term conservation and wise use of an area. This recognition can provide a positive focal point for new education, tourism and environmental initiatives. Evidence of this is provided by Alderney which has promoted their Ramsar site heavily using ideas such as "Puffincam" and "Gannetcam" and has led to the development of the Living Islands initiative.
The recognition and management of ecologically important areas is consistent with Guernsey's Biodiversity Strategy which is currently in draft form www.gov.gg/biodiversity.
Contact Information:
Andrew McCutcheon, Principal Environmental Services Officer
Environment Department
Tel: 01481 717200
