17 February 2006
BROWN APPOINTED TO JOINT NATURE CONSERVATION COMMITTEE.
Dr Bob Brown from Strangford has been appointed to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
The Committee provides advice to Government on policies for or affecting nature conservation with a UK or international dimension; to disseminate knowledge about conservation issues; to establish common standards for designation, research and monitoring in UK and to commission or support research on matters concerning these responsibilities.
Dr Bob Brown is a member of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, as well as being the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group. A marine biologist with a wide knowledge of biodiversity, he is also a member of the Rural Stakeholders' Forum.
The appointment as a non-voting member is for a term of three years and will take effect from 18 February 2006.
Dr Bob Brown has not undertaken any political activity in the last five years. He will receive an allowance of £312 for each meeting he attends. There are approximately four meetings per year.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) was set up under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA) following the reorganisation of the agencies with conservation responsibilities which led to the establishment of English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Council for Wales.
The JNCC has established a company limited by guarantee to execute its strategic and business plans. The company commenced operating on 1st April 2005 and is known as the JNCC Support Company.
There are thirteen members: a Chairman and three independent members, the Chairmen and one other member from each of the three country agencies, the Chairman of the Countryside Agency, and two (non-voting) members appointed by the Department of the Environment.
The benefits of NI representation on this prestigious Committee are that NI can exert some influence on thinking on nature conservation matters in the UK as a whole and, perhaps more importantly, NI is kept in the picture on current developments and research.
The opportunities for co-operative action between JNCC and DOE include scientific research and monitoring and the development of common standards.
The JNCC also has a specialist unit working on international matters. The Environment and Heritage Service of DOE benefits from the expertise of this unit and has regular meetings with its staff. This is particularly valuable in ensuring that NI fulfils its international obligations in nature conservation.
A review of JNCC was carried out and a report issued in January 2002. In November 2003 the Government issued a response setting out the recommendations of the report and detailed action plan. It has been agreed by Government to strengthen the position of Northern Ireland by introducing new primary legislation to give effect to these changes. The legislation is to be in place in 2007.
The final decision on the appointment rested with the Minister.
For media enquiries contact DOE Press Office tel 028 9054 0003.
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