A new alliance of nature-based organisations and professional ecologists has formed to act as an independent, united voice, advocating for a thriving and resilient Isle of Man Biosphere. The shared goals of the Manx Nature Alliance (MNA) are the conservation and restoration of the Island’s wildlife and natural habitats for future generations, while ensuring nature remains uppermost on our Island’s agenda.
The Alliance’s secretary, Dr Philippa Tomlinson, explained “We have formed the MNA to collectively speak up for nature and to act as an independent advocacy group, amplifying our individual organisations and together providing a stronger voice for Manx nature.”
“We can see all around us that Manx nature is at its lowest ebb not only in the diversity of our native wildlife but also in the natural abundance of individual species. This has been well documented by the recent publication of the Manx Red lists of birds, plants and freshwater fish of conservation concern.”
“These Red Lists show that a large proportion of our most important species are in decline. Many species are either locally extinct, or of unfavourable conservation status. We should be looking after them. Species such as Yellowhammer, Lapwing and Redshank are now extinct as breeding birds on the Island,” explained Allison Leonard Managing Director of Manx Birdlife, “and we are on the verge of losing our Tree Sparrows too.”
The Island signed up to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2012. Recently the signatories to this binding international treaty agreed to protect, and effectively manage for nature, 30% of land and sea by 2030. “This Alliance is deeply concerned that this wholly realistic target for the Isle of Man will not be met. This would be, to the detriment of our Manx natural heritage and the quality of life on the Island, along with our international reputation” said Liz Charter, Chair of the Isle of Man Fungus Group.
The protection of our wildlife is an important contribution to the Island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and, if it is not maintained, we may lose this prestigious status.
“The process of protecting Manx areas for wildlife commenced in 1990, however, at the current rate of designation, we are still 142 years away from completing our protected area network.” said Nick Pinder, former senior ecologist for the Isle of Man Government. He added, “In the early 1990s we identified over one hundred candidate sites for protection, yet, as of today, only 25 have been protected. Sadly, some of these sites have been degraded or lost since.”
The Island has effectively protected its marine environment, with ten marine nature reserves covering over 50% of inshore waters. On land, many key places for wildlife remain without any formal protection at all.
“The Isle of Man remains a wonderful place to engage with nature, but we must not be complacent, as we have already lost many native species and areas of habitat; a trend which sadly continues. We have the opportunity to be a world leader in how our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve operates, with thriving nature – benefiting residents, visitors and our economy. Nature-based solutions are key to mitigating climate change, enhancing our food security, reducing flooding, providing clean drinking water, and combating the global biodiversity crisis,” explained Leigh Morris, CEO of Manx Wildlife Trust.
Manx Nature Alliance includes the Isle of Man Fungus Group, Manx Bat Group, Manx BirdLife and Manx Wildlife Trust as well as a group of independent professional ecologists.
For further information please contact ManxNatureAlliance@outlook.com
