Nature left outside governmental priorities for Jersey
Jersey Trees for Life has warned that the Proposed Common Strategic Policy 2026–2030 leaves the protection and restoration of the natural environment outside the Council of Ministers’ 11 priorities, despite environmental wellbeing is one of Jersey’s Island Outcomes.
The Common Strategic Policy (CSP) will set direction for the next four years. Its priorities will command attention, resources and accountability while its omissions are likely to be sidelined. By failing to make the natural environment a standalone priority, the Council of Ministers is treating Jersey’s environmental foundations as secondary to the ambitions they support.
Jersey Trees for Life claims this is a fundamental strategic error. Clean air and water, healthy soils, functioning ecosystems, resilient trees and woodlands, productive land and a stable climate are not separate concerns competing with health, housing, education or economic prosperity – they are the natural infrastructure on which these priorities depend.
Alex Morel, Chief Executive Officer, Jersey Trees for Life, said: “The natural environment is the bedrock of our existence. Government cannot credibly promise a healthier, more prosperous and resilient island while leaving the living systems that sustain it outside its central priorities. Nature is not an optional extra or a departmental side issue. It is the foundation of Jersey’s economy, public health and quality of life.”
The omission is especially striking because the government’s long-term vision describes “an island loved for its beautiful coast and countryside, rich heritage, diverse wildlife and clean air, land and water”. This vision is hollow if protecting the natural environment is not one of its priorities over the next three years.
References elsewhere in the Policy to climate change and net zero do not fill this gap. Reducing emissions is essential but not the same as reversing biodiversity loss, restoring habitats, strengthening biosecurity, protecting important trees or improving the resilience of soils and woodlands. Without specific priorities, clear leadership, measurable outcomes and dedicated resources, we ignore our environmental responsibilities.
The consequences of omitting the natural environment from the CSP will extend far beyond conservation. A degraded natural environment increases pressure on public health, water security, agriculture, infrastructure and household finances, while weakening Jersey’s appeal to residents, visitors and businesses. Leaving nature outside the strategic core does not avoid costs; it transfers larger environmental, social and financial liabilities to future governments and generations.
Jersey Trees for Life urges Ministers and States Members to amend the Proposed Common Strategic Policy by adding the protection and restoration of the natural environment as a core priority, with named ministerial responsibility, measurable outcomes, public reporting and a funded delivery programme.
Ms Morel stated: “Jersey’s natural environment is under considerable pressure from climate change, invasive non-native species, newly imported pests and diseases, development and declining soil and water quality. We therefore urge our government to commit to protecting our natural resources for the benefit of the entire community.”
She went on: “It appears that only around £8 million is allocated to the “Natural Environment” for 2027 and we don’t know how this will be spent. We’re calling for a dedicated government tree officer, with responsibility for tree protection, to provide specialist arboricultural advice on planning applications and ultimately to deliver the published tree strategy.”
Jersey’s natural environment cannot be recognised in long-term outcomes while being excluded from governmental priorities. If ministers are serious about building a resilient future, they must place nature where it belongs, at the heart of the Common Strategic Policy.
Jersey Trees for Life is an environmental charity on a mission to create a greener, healthier future for the island by planting and protecting trees while educating the community about their importance.
Its ongoing environmental projects include managing two arboreta, four woodlands and a nursery as well as an ambitious annual planting campaign and associated maintenance.
The charity hosts biannual nature-themed events for children and ongoing volunteering sessions for individuals, organisations, schools and other non-profits, enabling the people of Jersey to learn about their environment while making a positive difference.
Media enquiries
Alex Morel Chief Executive Officer M: +44 (0)7797 774676 | E: ceo@jerseytreesforlife.org
John Michel Tree Advocate M: +44 (0)7797 732889 | E: fundraising@jerseytreesforlife.org
