Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
JNCC is the statutory adviser to Government on UK and
international nature conservation. Its work contributes to
maintaining and enriching biological diversity, conserving
geological features and sustaining natural systems. JNCC delivers
the UK and international responsibilities of the four country
nature conservation agencies - Council for Nature
Conservation and the Countryside, the Countryside Council for
Wales, Natural England and Scottish Natural
Heritage.
A consultation has been launched on guidance for those
carrying out activities in the marine environment, to help
determine when a disturbance offence might be committed, how it can
be avoided and, if appropriate, when a wildlife licence might be
required.
The
consultation period will last for 12 weeks and submissions need to
be sent to JNCC by the 4 June 2008.
Every five years, the statutory nature conservation agencies
(Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales and Scottish
Natural Heritage), working jointly through the Joint Nature
Conservation Committee (JNCC), are required to review Schedules 5
and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and to make
recommendations to the Secretary of State and Ministers for the
Environment. Schedule 5 lists animals (other than birds)
which are specially protected, and Schedule 8 lists plants which
are specially protected. The Fifth Quinquennial Review round
is now underway and it is planned to submit recommendations to the
Secretary of State later in 2008.
JNCC's Position Statement on Transport
Biofuels and Biodiversity has been published. Whilst some
biofuels are contributing positively to rural development, energy
security and greenhouse gas reductions, unsustainable biofuels
production exacerbates biodiversity loss and increases global
greenhouse gas emissions. JNCC is working with government at
national and EU level to encourage sustainable biofuels
production.
A new biodiversity conservation framework has been agreed by
the UK government and devolved administrations. This framework
emphasises joined up working and targeted action embedded in a
more holistic approach to conserving the UK’s biodiversity
This is the first Sustainable Development Action Plan for
the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. It sets out how we will
contribute to the commitments and objectives detailed within the UK
Government Strategy for Sustainable Development, Securing the
Future. The Action Plan demonstrates the contribution our
organisation makes to the Strategy and the importance that we
attach to the environment and to our social and economic
footprint.