Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, has announced the appointment of Judith Annett as the new Chair of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group.

Ms Annett has been involved in developing ways to raise awareness on biodiversity generally and to promote biodiversity widely throughout Northern Ireland. She has also carried out various consultancy assignments of relevance to biodiversity.

The Minister said: "The Biodiversity Group is a non-statutory body which plays an important role in advising government on nature conservation. It monitors progress in meeting the objectives of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy and in promoting biodiversity generally."

He went on to say: "Judith's wide range of skills and experience in biodiversity issues will prove invaluable and I welcome this appointment. Her willingness to devote time and expertise to this group is commendable and I am sure that biodiversity in Northern Ireland will benefit during Judith’s term as chair of the Biodiversity Group."

The Minister also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the outgoing Chair of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group, Dr Bob Brown. Mr Poots said: "Bob has, through his boundless energy and commitment to nature conservation, led the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group since its inception six years go.

"Due to his efforts, many departments and public bodies have a better understanding of the benefits of biodiversity and are undertaking practical actions to promote nature conservation. I commend Bob for his dedication and hard work in leading the Biodiversity Group and I wish him well in all of his future endeavours.”

Read this story in full here: New Chair of NIBG Announced