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Northern Ireland Environment Minister,
Edwin Poots, has announced the appointment of Judith Annett
as the new Chair of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group.
Ms Annett has been involved in developing ways to raise awareness
on biodiversity generally and to promote biodiversity widely
throughout Northern Ireland. She has also carried out various
consultancy assignments of relevance to biodiversity.
The Minister said - "The Biodiversity Group is a non-statutory
body which plays an important role in advising government
on nature conservation. It monitors progress in meeting the
objectives of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy and
in promoting biodiversity generally."
He added - "Judith’s wide range of skills and experience
in biodiversity issues will prove invaluable and I welcome
this appointment. Her willingness to devote time and expertise
to this group is commendable and I am sure that biodiversity
in Northern Ireland will benefit during Judith’s term as chair
of the Biodiversity Group.”
The Minister also took the opportunity to pay tribute to
the outgoing Chair of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group,
Dr Bob Brown. Mr Poots said - “Bob has, through his boundless
energy and commitment to nature conservation, led the Northern
Ireland Biodiversity Group since its inception six years go.
"Due to his efforts, many departments and public bodies have
a better understanding of the benefits of biodiversity and
are undertaking practical actions to promote nature conservation.
I commend Bob for his dedication and hard work in leading
the Biodiversity Group and I wish him well in all of his future
endeavours.”
The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG) was established
in 2004 under Article 3 of The Nature Conservation and Amenity
Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and is comprised of representatives
from local government, farming, business interests as well
as environmental NGOs.
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