GONHS

Election Wish List

GONHS (the Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society) has published an election wish list in the run-up to the next General Elections in the latest issue of its news magazine 'Gibraltar Nature News'.  The wish list identifies areas of policy, both broad and specific, which it feels that all parties aspiring to form the next Government should commit to in the interests of wildlife conservation and the natural environment.

A copy of the latest issue of Gibraltar Nature News has been posted to each of the political parties looking to contest the next election.  GONHS invites each party to respond to the wish list.  It encourages them to make public specific proposals regarding their aims as to how to conserve and improve Gibraltar's natural environment and, importantly in GONHS' view, how they plan to integrate environmental concerns as a central theme in all-round Government policy.

The full article containing the wish list is reproduced below.

GONHS ELECTION WISH LIST

Gibraltar will hold its General Elections within the next few months. Political parties will be vying with each other for the electorate's votes and their manifestos will promise a great deal.  Past manifestos have lacked environmental depth, so we have decided to make our own contribution.

What do we want from the next Government, as a Society that has been working solidly in the fields of natural history and the environment for longer than any political party has been in power?

Here are some of what would be our aims if we were writing our own manifesto for the forthcoming elections.

Environmental Philosophy

The needs of the environment, and of our health and well being must run as a central theme through all Government policies, and within all Government departments.  These policies should be regularly measured against environmental parameters.

Species and Biodiversity

The Gibraltar Biodiversity Project to catalogue all living species in Gibraltar should receive official support and resourcing.  The Gibraltar Biodiversity Action Plan must be adopted as Government policy and action taken to implement its recommendations as effectively as possible.  This should include the formal and effective protection of areas of natural importance not currently protected and urgent action to protect species such as the Striped False Limpet, the Barbary Partridge and the Lesser Kestrel, and to control invasive and other alien species of plants and animals.  The Nature Protection Act should be updated to take account of recent changes in knowledge and in the status of species.

Bunkering

The bunkering industry must be made to be more efficient and safer and comply unconditionally with the most stringent safety protocols. Bunkering must be contained within clearly demarcated areas on the west side of Gibraltar.

Pollution

Local sources of air and marine pollution need to be honestly investigated and identified and practical solutions found.

Development

Development must be consistent with the need to protect the environment and to allow areas of natural beauty and greenery within urban areas as well as outside.  The environment must be the priority when designing and developing projects.  Government projects, as well as private ones, must be assessed by the Development & Planning Commission, whose meetings should be public.

Energy

New generating capacity needs to be provided with minimum delay, but this needs to be coupled with serious development of energy from the sea and a plan to realistically dismantle fuel-burning generators as technology develops. Real incentives to reduce energy consumption, both personal and commercial, and increase energy efficiency should be central to Government policy.

Upper Rock

The Upper Rock Management Plan should be adopted as Government policy and used as the basis for designating the Rock of Gibraltar Site of Community Importance (SCI) as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).  The proposed 'holistic plan' revised to give greater importance to wildlife and other heritage protection, enhancement and promotion, ensuring conservation at the same time as improving the visitor product.

EAMP

The Government's Environmental Action and Management Plan should be re-written following meaningful consultation with the stake-holders.

Marine Legislation

The proposed Marine Leisure Act should be withdrawn and re-written following full consultation with all stakeholders.  Similarly the Marine SAC Management Plan should be significantly revised to be consistent with the needs of the marine environment, while ensuring that the interests of all users of the sea who abide within local and international law are protected.  A vigorous plan to ensure regeneration of marine life around our shores by habitat protection and creation needs to be developed. Proper management and protection of our natural marine assets are a vital prerequisite for a favourable resolution of the European waters dispute with Spain.

Dolphinarium

We would expect the next Government to publicly reject any possibility of a dolphinarium opening in Gibraltar.

Gull Control

Realistic resources need to be given locally for increased year-round control of yellow-legged gulls.

Barbary Macaques

Adequate resources need to be put in place to control visitor activity within the Upper Rock while providing training and facilities to existing operators to take on what is a vital role in presenting this asset to tourists with greater knowledge and support.  Improved facilities for the macaques and their management, as well as promotion of information and wardening are also required.

Regional cooperation

Improved communication with environmental management authorities on both sides of the Strait is required in order to develop nature and environmental conservation and co-operation on a regional scale, with Gibraltar playing its part and not being left behind, as is currently the case.  This should culminate in Gibraltar forming part of the Biosphere Reserve, which was declared between Andalucia and Morocco from which Gibraltar was excluded. Gibraltar’s voice needs to be more forceful in promoting environmental wellbeing and nature conservation in the region.

Research and facilities

Increased importance should be given to promoting ecological research and education, within NGOs and institutions, in schools and within the community as a whole.

Consultation

Ecological and other environmental expertise available in Gibraltar, within NGOs such as GONHS, and other institutions, should be tapped by Government and form part of policy making, with widespread representation in consultative and decision-making bodies.