A newly approved Biodiversity Plan will help the County Council respond to the impacts of climate change.

In September 2020, Anglesey formally declared its support for a climate emergency and achieving a carbon neutral public sector by 2030.

The new Biodiversity Plan will make a vital contribution to the delivery of an overarching Climate Change Plan currently being developed.

Its aim is to ensure the County Council maintains and enhances the Island’s varied and rich biodiversity while carrying out its work and, in so doing, promoting the resilience of local ecosystems.

Interim Head of Regulation and Economic Development, Christian Branch, said, “This is the County Council’s first ever Biodiversity Plan and its aims and objectives will be reflected in the work of each of our Services.”

“A rich biodiversity provides many of the vital resources we need in life such as food, medicines, energy and raw materials. Protecting and improving the Island’s biodiversity will ensure these resources are available to us in the future.”

The Biodiversity Plan’s objectives include:

• Ensuring the impacts and opportunities associated with biodiversity are considered in decision making at all levels
• Safeguarding species and habitats of key importance
• Increasing the resilience of the natural environment by restoring degraded habitats and habitat creation
• Tackling key pressures on species and habitats
• Improving the Council’s evidence base, monitoring and increasing awareness, understanding and appreciation of biodiversity

Planning and Public Protection Portfolio Holder, Councillor Richard Dew, added, “Achieving the Plan’s aims will strengthen Anglesey’s biodiversity, which in turn, will improve the conditions that contribute to the well-being of Anglesey’s communities.”

More information on the Council’s Biodiversity Plan can be found here.