Dr Tony Whitbread, chief executive of Sussex Wildlife Trust is calling on the three main political parties to put conservation issues high on their agenda and introduce a White Paper on nature and ecological restoration in their General Election manifestoes.
He is joined by Stephanie Hilborne, Chief Executive Officer (UK CEO) of The Wildlife Trusts and CEOs from the organisations 47 local wildlife trusts, representing nearly 800,000 members throughout the UK, who want to ensure the wildlife issues are at the heart of government decision making. The leaders are also being asked to commit to the implementation of the Marine Act and securing the designation of Marine Protected Areas by 2012.
Dr Whitbread, who recently sent a series of testing questions to the 26,600 members of the Sussex Wildlife Trust to ‘doorstep challenge’ Prospective Parliamentary Candidates, is hoping top level party political candidates will step up making wildlife issues a priority in the run up to the General Election.
He said, ‘Our natural world is precious. It inspires millions of us every day and provides us with essential services such as flood protection, food, climate regulation, carbon absorption and pollination – things which are fundamental to our health, well being and a successful economy.
‘Already seriously depleted and damaged, the pressures on wildlife and ecosystems in Sussex are increasing, exacerbated by climate change. My concerns in Sussex are echoed by wildlife trusts throughout the UK.
‘The Marine and Coastal Access Act, which recently passed through Parliament with all party support, is the first step on the road to recovery for our seas. The UK’s seas are potentially among the most productive and wildlife-rich on the planet. Marine Protected Areas should provide safe havens where our wildlife can be protected and restored. The next Government must provide strong leadership, commitment and resources to effectively implement the news legislation.
‘It has never been so important to protect wildlife everywhere and on a landscape scale. I feel a White Paper would focus attention on what the next Government should do to restore our natural environment and ecosystems.’
For more information about Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Call to Action for its members and supporters during the run up to the General Election please visit www.sussexwt.org.uk/conservation/general_election/index.htm
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