The Nature Commission has received confirmation of continued backing by the States of Guernsey in the form of a sizeable funding agreement, aimed at assisting the organisation’s conservation and education efforts.
The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure (E&I) has now formalised a financial commitment to the charity, with a new five-year agreement providing around £100,000 per year over a five year period.
Deputy Adrian Gabriel, President of E&I, praised the commission’s “understanding of government policies” and stated they were “uniquely placed to deliver positive change”.
Deputy Gabriel also claims the public stands behind support for the Nature Commission, with a recent survey pointing to an overwhelming majority in public opinion.
Deputy Gabriel said: “In their People and Nature survey, 83% of respondents said they were either concerned or extremely concerned about the pressure that Guernsey’s environment faces, while 92% were either concerned or extremely concerned about the loss of our biodiversity.
“Maintaining and restoring our natural assets is important for Guernsey’s economy, forming a core part of our tourism offering, and plays a fundamental role in island life.”
The funding is intended to help deliver the States of Guernsey’s Strategy for Nature, which involves co-ordinating island-wide nature recovery, and school education programmes.
Jo Huxtable, the Chair of the Guernsey Nature Commission Board, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this news. The renewed commitment from the States of Guernsey gives us the certainty needed to continue leading on the co-ordination and delivery of meaningful, long-term improvements for Guernsey’s natural environment.”
It’s also claimed that funding will help open avenue’s for funding from elsewhere, particularly from corporate and private donors.
Ms Huxtable continued: “It also strengthens our ability to secure additional backing from other funding sources, including businesses and individual donors, helping to increase our impact.
“Nature is one of our island’s most precious assets, and investing in its protection and restoration benefits our economy, our quality of life, and the legacy we leave for future generations.”
Guernsey Nature Commission recruitment deadlines approach
For those interested in ecology, the application window is narrowing for three positions with the Nature Commission, two being paid internships, and one being a voluntary administrator role.
There’s a week left for the internships, while the deadline for the volunteer role is just a couple of days away.
The Internship will see two successful applicants assisting with fieldwork, ecological data collection, research on local species, and technical report writing.
They’ll also support efforts in inputting data, drafting risk assessments and survey methodologies, and contributing to the newsletter, whilst helping with school education initiatives, assisting at public events, and administering citizen science programmes.
The Nature Commission says it’s essential for applicants to have a degree (or be currently studying for one) in ecology, environmental science, or a related field, or the equivalent practical local experience.
They’re looking for the ability to identify local marine, terrestrial, and freshwater species, with required skills in IT, and their own transport for site visits.
A desirable candidate would also have experience in data analysis, report writing, and ecological surveys.
Sponsored by the Lions Club of Guernsey, lucky applicants will be paid for a total of 315 hours across the summer months.
The Nature Commission said this can be completed full-time or part-time over a longer period, but the hours must fall between 08.00 and 17.00, Monday to Friday. There is also some occasional evening or weekend work.
The closing date for applications is Friday 5 June at 17.00, with more information available on the Nature Commission’s website.
Last year there was just one intern, but the experience was overwhelmingly positive according to Karla, who said: “I’ve loved getting stuck into all things fungi, lichen, and moss – creating spotter sheets and helping out with fungi walks, as well as writing a Fungi Matters article.
“I’ve also enjoyed contributing to a range of citizen science projects, from the Big Butterfly Count to a small mammals project. I got really into using iRecord, logging lots of fungi, and learning more about our island’s biodiversity.
“I’m excited to keep recording and volunteering as a citizen scientist in the year ahead.”
“Thank you again to everyone at the Nature Commission for your support and guidance. It’s been such a fab experience!”
The Commission is also recruiting for a voluntary administrative role who will be helping them to secure long-term income streams.
The voluntary role lasts a fixed term of three years (with the option to reapply), and requires the successful applicant to commit approximately one to two days per month, plus occasional events.
They’ll be helping to develop a fundraising strategy and managing corporate sponsorship packages. They’ll also be assisting with researching grant opportunities, writing funding proposals, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
The role also involves planning fundraising campaigns and tracking performance against financial targets.
Previous experience in fundraising or a similar relationship-driven role is described by the Nature Commission as essential, with strong grant-writing and interpersonal skills, and a proficiency in Microsoft Office, also making the list of requirements.
The Commssion says a desirable candidate would also have a proven track record of securing funds, qualifications in communications or marketing, and have membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
There’s just a couple days left to apply, with the window closing at 17.00 on Sunday 31 May. There’s more information available through the Nature Commissions website.
