States commits £500,000 over five years to Nature Commission
- Environment & Infrastructure agrees five-year funding deal worth approximately £100,000 annually for the Nature Commission
- 85% of visitors cite Guernsey's natural beauty and beaches as key attraction, with 72% visiting sites of natural beauty during their stay
- Nature Commission secured £321,000 in charitable grants and corporate donations during its first three years and will continue seeking match funding
- People and Nature survey shows 92% of respondents concerned about biodiversity loss and 83% concerned about environmental pressures
- Funding will support island-wide nature recovery coordination, community and business partnerships, and school education programmes
Environment & Infrastructure has agreed to a new five-year funding agreement with the Nature Commission, providing approximately £100,000 annually to support the enhancement of Guernsey's natural environment.
The agreement will enable the Nature Commission to continue delivering the States of Guernsey's Strategy for Nature through coordinating island-wide nature recovery, working with the community and businesses, and delivering an education programme for schools.
The decision comes as evidence demonstrates the island's natural environment delivers significant economic, health, and wellbeing benefits. According to the 2025 Guernsey Travel and Visitor Annual Report, 85% of visitors cited the natural beauty of the island and its beaches as a factor attracting them to Guernsey. Visiting sites of natural beauty, including beaches, was the second most popular activity undertaken by 72% of respondents.
The States' contribution is expected to help attract additional funding from external sources. During its first three years of operation, the Nature Commission secured £321,000 in charitable grants and corporate donations, and will continue seeking match funding.
Deputy Adrian Gabriel, President of Environment & Infrastructure, said: "The Nature Commission's State of Nature 2024 report highlighted the scale of the challenge facing our biodiversity, but this report also provided an important baseline that can be used in years to come as a yardstick for the progress that we hope to see."
He added: "With the Nature Commission's understanding of government policies and their relationship with Guernsey's conservation community, they are uniquely placed to deliver positive change to our natural environment and biodiversity. We look forward to continuing to work with them in the coming years."
Deputy Gabriel referenced the Commission's People and Nature survey, which found 83% of respondents were either concerned or extremely concerned about the pressure facing Guernsey's environment, while 92% expressed concern about the loss of 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," he said.
Jo Huxtable, Chair of the Guernsey Nature Commission Board, welcomed the announcement. "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," she said.
"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."
The business community has also expressed support for the decision. Alice Gill, Executive Director for the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, said: "This decision sends a strong and positive message to both the business community and the wider public about the importance of protecting and enhancing our natural environment.
"This is not only important for future generations but also reinforces Guernsey's reputation as a forward-thinking and environmentally responsible jurisdiction. A healthy natural environment plays a vital role in ensuring Guernsey remains an attractive place to live, work and do business."
The Nature Commission's education programme has been highlighted as particularly valuable by local schools. Clare Giles, Headteacher at St Martin's Primary School, said: "Connecting with nature is a vital part of a child's education, and the Nature Commission is a huge support in making this happen at our school in a variety of ways.
"By getting children outside and into the fresh air, they help make lessons more memorable and encourage our students to grow into environmentally conscious and community-minded individuals."
Q&A
Q: How much funding has been committed to the Nature Commission?
A: The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure has agreed to provide approximately £100,000 per year over five years, totalling around £500,000.
Q: What will the Nature Commission use the funding for?
A: The funding will support delivery of the States of Guernsey's Strategy for Nature by coordinating island-wide nature recovery, working with the community and businesses, and delivering education programmes for schools.
Q: How much external funding has the Nature Commission previously secured?
A: During its first three years of operation, the Nature Commission secured £321,000 in charitable grants and corporate donations.
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