DEFA 'recognises the need to review and modernise' wildlife legislation

Department points to areas of progress following Manx Nature Alliance criticism

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says it recognises the need to review and modernise the Island's wildlife laws.

It follows criticism from a collective known as the Manx Nature Alliance which says progress has been 'very slow' when it comes to protecting important areas of habitat.

In response DEFA says it recognises that progress hasn't been as 'swift' as it would like.

But it does say work is underway in a number of areas, such as progressing the Environmental Protection Bill which is designed to safeguard the Island's natural heritage.

When it comes to wildlife legislation the department says it recognises the need to review and modernise existing frameworks adding that's something which could be offered to the incoming administration as a 'priority for consideration'.

The criticism from the Manx Nature Alliance came as it announced the appointment of its new Nature Advocacy Officer Naomi Atkins who explained where they feel progress has stalled:

At the time independent ecologist Dr Philippa Tomlinson said: "We are very pleased to welcome Naomi to strengthen our team. We are concerned at the very slow progress of the government in protecting important areas of habitat. 

"We are worried about the increase in invasive species which upset the delicate balance of nature.

"We stress the urgent need to review and modernise existing wildlife legislation. 

"We urge the government to deliver on its legal commitments to biodiversity."

In response a spokesperson for DEFA said: "We welcome the appointment of a nature advocacy officer at the Manx Nature Alliance and look forward to working together.

"We share the alliance's commitment to protecting the Isle of Man's natural environment and appreciate the important contribution that NGOs make in highlighting conservation priorities.

"Our Department Plan commits us to reviewing our Biodiversity Strategy Actions against the Global Biodiversity Framework and we have already published 61 Biodiversity Action Plans with over 156,000 biodiversity records uploaded to the NBN Atlas. 

"We are progressing preparatory work towards new designations including a DEFA National Glen, assessments of private estates where surveys have now been submitted and are under consideration, and a potentially significant site, largely within DEFA control, which is currently undergoing further survey and landowner discussions. 

"We continue to assess land offered by private landowners and conservation charities as resources allow.

"On invasive species this is an issue we take seriously. 

"Legal responsibility for preventing the spread of invasive species rests with landowners, and we work to raise awareness of this each year through the British-Irish Council Invasive Species Week, which this year is in June. 

"We are also grateful for the work of local action groups, such as Friends of the Neb, who provide valuable support on the ground."