Jersey’s government has been accused of making a “fundamental strategic error” by leaving protection of the natural environment out of its 11 proposed priorities for the next four years.
Jersey Trees for Life is calling for ministers to amend the proposed Common Strategic Policy for 2026–2030, warning that failing to prioritise nature risks storing up greater environmental, social and financial costs for future generations.
Responding, the Council of Ministers said it had lodged an amendment to the proposed policy to strengthen commitments to biodiversity, the Marine Spatial Plan, rural and marine industries, and the protection of Jersey’s countryside, coastline and marine environment.
A government spokesperson said: “The Council of Ministers recognises that Jersey’s natural environment is fundamental to our wellbeing, economy and quality of life.”
Ministers also pointed to the establishment of a dedicated Minister for Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries as one of the government’s first actions, adding: “Environmental protection remains a key Government priority.”
The amendment adds supporting wording to a section on improving Jersey’s countryside, coast and biodiversity. It includes a commitment to deliver a “fit-for-purpose Biodiversity Strategy, underpinned by a State of Nature Report”, and to recognise environmental spending as “an investment rather than a cost”.
The charity says clean air and water, healthy soils, trees and functioning ecosystems underpin the government’s ambitions for health, housing, education and economic prosperity.
Chief executive Alex Morel said: “Government cannot credibly promise a healthier, more prosperous and resilient island while leaving the living systems that sustain it outside its central priorities.
“Nature is not an optional extra or a departmental side issue. It is the foundation of Jersey’s economy, public health and quality of life.”
The charity argues that the omission clashes with the government’s own long-term vision of “an island loved for its beautiful coast and countryside, rich heritage, diverse wildlife and clean air, land and water”.
It says references elsewhere in the policy to climate change and net zero do not address the full range of environmental challenges. Cutting emissions, it argues, is different from reversing wildlife losses, restoring habitats, protecting important trees and preventing the spread of pests and diseases.
Mrs Morel warned: “Jersey’s natural environment is under considerable pressure from climate change, invasive non-native species, newly imported pests and diseases, development and declining soil and water quality.”
The charity wants environmental protection and restoration added as a core priority, backed by a named minister, measurable targets, public progress reports and a funded programme of work.
It is also seeking clarity over spending.
“It appears that only around £8 million is allocated to the ‘Natural Environment’ for 2027 and we don’t know how this will be spent,” said Mrs Morel.
“We’re calling for a dedicated government tree officer, with responsibility for tree protection, to provide specialist arboricultural advice on planning applications and ultimately to deliver the published tree strategy.”
The charity warned that environmental decline could increase pressure on public health, water supplies, agriculture, infrastructure and household finances, while weakening Jersey’s appeal to residents, visitors and businesses.
