Dr Bob Brown and Mr Guy Duke have been appointed as
independent members of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee
(JNCC).
Dr Brown has been involved with research and
wildlife conservation for over 30 years. He is currently
Chair of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG). He was a
member of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside
from 2000 to 2009, and represented them on JNCC from 2005 to
2009. He was also a Member of the Biodiversity Working Group
of the European Environment and Sustainable Development
Advisory Council on behalf of CNCC. He is also a Member of the
UK Biodiversity Partnership, and the Biodiversity Forum in the
Republic of Ireland.
Mr Duke is an environmental writer and
consultant. From 2002 to 2007 he served as Principal Administrator,
Directorate-General for the Environment, European Commission, with
responsibility for biodiversity and ecosystem services policy. From
1998 to 2002 he was Technical Director, Environmental Resources
Management Ltd, leading natural resources and biodiversity business
with international donor clients.
Marcus Yeo, Managing Director of JNCC said:
“I’m delighted that Bob Brown will be working with us again. His
knowledge of nature conservation in Northern Ireland is a very
valuable asset, which will help ensure we are continuing to serve
all of the devolved administrations well. In turn, Guy Duke brings
us an invaluable inside knowledge of the workings of the European
Union - he will assist JNCC in ensuring our advice on EU
issues is pitched appropriately.”
JNCC is the statutory adviser to Government on
UK and international nature conservation. Its work contributes to
maintaining and enriching biological diversity, conserving
geological features and sustaining natural systems. JNCC delivers
the UK and international responsibilities of the four country
nature conservation agencies - Council for Nature Conservation and
the Countryside, the Countryside Council for Wales, Natural England
and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Both appointments run from 1 December 2009 for
a period of three years.
- ENDS
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Notes to editors:
1. All appointments to JNCC are made on
merit and political activity plays no part in the selection
process. However in accordance with the original Nolan
recommendations, there is a requirement for the political
activities of appointees to be made public. Mr Duke and Dr Brown
have not declared any political activity.
2. The remuneration payable as an independent
member is currently £9836 per annum which is based on 2.5 days per
month. Mr Duke does not hold any other ministerial appointments. Dr
Brown is currently Chair of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group
(NIBG). This appointment was made by the Minister for the
Environment (NI) and runs until the end of Jan 2010. The
remuneration is £9740 per annum.
3. These appointments have been made in
accordance with the code laid down by the Commissioner for Public
Appointments. The Commissioner is independent of the Government and
was appointed to follow up certain recommendations of the Nolan
Committee. The intention of the Code is to provide an efficient and
transparent appointments system in which both candidates and the
public can have confidence.
4. For further information, please contact the
JNCC Communications Team, tel: 01733 866839 or email: