Ramsar Partnership Programme

Local environmental projects open for funding

Guernsey’s Ramsar sites represent some of the island’s most ecologically valuable habitats, supporting rich birdlife, internationally important wetlands, and diverse marine species. While their designation highlights their global significance, management can be strengthened through more coordinated long-term planning, consistent monitoring, and clearer integration with the wider Strategy for Nature.

Overview

How to Support this Project

To support this project, please contact: office@naturecommission.gg

The Nature Commission is a Guernsey charity that works with business, government, the third sector, and the public to enhance the Island's natural environment and promote greater native biodiversity. In particular, the Nature Commission is working to reverse the decline in biodiversity by protecting and enhancing Guernsey's natural environment for the health of our economy and well-being of our island community.

For more information visit Nature Commission Guernsey

Project Information

Guernsey’s Ramsar sites represent some of the island’s most ecologically valuable habitats, supporting rich birdlife, internationally important wetlands, and diverse marine species. While their designation highlights their global significance, management can be strengthened through more coordinated long-term planning, consistent monitoring, and clearer integration with the wider Strategy for Nature.

Through this project, the Nature Commission can also enhance community engagement and help address pressures such as recreational disturbance. By providing strategic oversight and promoting collaborative stewardship, the Nature Commission can improve the resilience, protection, and public value of Guernsey’s Ramsar sites. It is proposed that the Nature Commission set up ‘Management Groups’ to facilitate the creation of Management Plans for the sites, to ensure Guernsey’s compliance with the Convention on Wetlands, under which our Ramsar sites are designated.

For more information about Guernsey's Ramsar sites, visit Nature Reserves - States of Guernsey

Funding needed

This project will cost approximately £10,000/ year, however any contribution towards this total will enable more engagement with landowners, and assist the Nature Commission in providing the expertise and other resources needed to create and implement Management Plans for the two designated Ramsar sites in Guernsey.

Which UN Sustainable Development Goals does this Project contribute to?

This project helps to progress against the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

#13 climate action
#14 life below water
#15 life on land

Guernsey's Designated Ramsar Sites

This was the first site in Guernsey to be designated as a Ramsar site, on 1st March, 2006. This site which measures 426 hectares encompasses Lihou Island, La Claire Mare Nature Reserve, and the Colin Best Nature Reserve, as well as the intertidal area and outlying reefs and rocks.

The second Ramsar site to be designated in Guernsey, on 19th October 2015.

Outcomes

Stronger local reputation: by showing that your business is actively investing in protection internationally recognised ecosystems.
Direct support for sustainable tourism growth: Guernsey's Ramsar sites are already linked to recreation, tourism and education activities; your support can help ensure those activities remain viable long-term.
Alignment with ESG and sustainability reporting: by demonstrating measurable nature-positive action (beyond carbon-only initiatives).
Strengthens community relations: showing tangible local investment in nature and resilience initiatives.