A blueprint to safeguard the Island’s ‘natural wealth’ for future generations will be taken to Tynwald this month.

The Island’s first biodiversity strategy, which aims to protect our wide variety of plant and animal species in their natural environments, will be presented by Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for the Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The strategy sets out a pledge that: ‘By 2025 Manx biodiversity will be conserved and managed in a positive way, including restoration where possible and desirable. The Isle of Man Government will work with the Manx community to ensure that wise biodiversity management underpins sustainable development’.

Biodiversity is, quite simply, the whole variety of life on earth. It includes all the different varieties of plants, animals and other forms of life, and the habitats they live in such as the coasts and meadows, wetlands and woodlands, and houses and gardens.

Manx biodiversity is valuable to the Island’s economy, supporting sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and tourism as well providing food, clean water, building materials and other essentials.

In 2012, the Isle of Man Government joined nations around the world protecting biodiversity under the Convention of Biological Diversity, which is a global treaty requiring countries to develop and implement their own biodiversity strategies and action plans. The Isle of Man is committed to having its action plan in place by the end of the year.

DEFA Member with responsibility for the Environment, Ralph Peake MHK said: “The strategy is a vital component of our obligation, as partners to the 2012 Convention, to sustainably manage our wildlife, sea and landscape resources and build a closer relationship between people and nature. It embraces all aspects of the work Government and its partners need to do, from raising awareness, providing education, protecting species and habitats to developing a sustainable future.

“Caring for our natural wealth also brings economic benefits so we can promote the Island as a beautiful place to live, work and visit. A recent assessment of the Island’s land and freshwater habitats values them and the benefits they provide to the economy at more than ?40m per year.

“The United Nations has identified the period 2011-2020 as ‘The Decade on Biodiversity’. The rich diversity of plants, animals and habitats on the Island, including many rare species, is important nationally and internationally, so it is vital that we continue to play our part in the international effort of conservation. Agreeing and implementing this strategy demonstrates a mature approach to environmental responsibilities and enhances our reputation as an environmentally responsible nation.”

The strategy covers the 10 years from 2015 to 2025 and will be accomplished through the implementation of a number of delivery plans.

The draft strategy has been presented to members of the Manx Nature Conservation Forum, many of whom have contributed to its completion. This forum includes the Manx Wildlife Trust, Manx Birdlife, Manx National Farmers’ Union and the Manx Fish Producers’ Organisation.