The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is seeking the public's views on whether the Isle of Man should become party to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The aim of signing this intentional convention would be to strengthen the Government's commitment to conserving the Island’s rich, diverse and unique community of wild plants and animals and their habitats, as well as the ecosystems they form and the various benefits they provide - including the economic benefits. 

Minister Phil Gawne MHK said, "The Department is committed to ensuring that the provisions of the Convention are extended to the Isle of Man at the earliest possible occasion and is recommending that the Island ask for the UK signature to be extended to us. 

"However, we do want to hear your views on this."

The consultation document and a summary leaflet are available here.  Printed copies are available on request from the Wildlife and Conservation Division. 

Views are invited from all interested parties and the closing date is 29th March.  Responses should be marked as confidential if you do not want them to subsequently be published.

Pictured: Leisler's Bat.