RECRUITMENT OPENS FOR NEW ADVISORY PANEL TO HELP SHAPE STRATEGY FOR NATURE RECOVERY IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE

Published 11 December 2023 at 12:17pm

Applications are now open for people who are passionate about nature and the environment in South Yorkshire to join a new Advisory Panel.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is looking for new members to help shape the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Local Nature Recovery Strategies are a new system of strategies for nature and environmental improvement required by law in the Environment Act 2021.
The main purpose of the strategies is to identify locations to create or improve a habitat that is most likely to provide the greatest benefit to nature and the wider environment.

According to legislation, each LNRS needs to:

• Map the most valuable existing areas for nature
• Agree priorities for nature’s recovery
• Map specific proposals for creating or improving habitat for nature and wider environmental goals.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Across South Yorkshire, our natural landscapes are some of our most important and most valued assets. And yet over half of our land is in a poor condition. Not just here, but across the UK, we are in an environmental crisis.

“It’s why I’m planting 1.4 million trees across South Yorkshire. As a key part of that commitment I am now taking on the responsibility for leading South Yorkshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Local Nature Recovery Strategies are a new approach to improving nature and the environment to provide the greatest benefit to local communities.

“I am now recruiting local experts to join an advisory panel that will help shape our regional strategy and build an ambitious plan to restore and protect nature across our region.
“If you have experience or expertise in environmental science, agriculture, campaigning on environmental issues, or delivering projects or programmes linked to nature or the natural world, we need your help. Visit our website to learn more about what those opportunities look like.“

The panel will be made up of 12 members broadly representing South Yorkshire’s geography and will also be made up of a mixture of private, public and third sector stakeholders.
As part of the panel members will offer recommendations on high-level and complex issues but its core purpose will be to encourage a range of perspectives, provide challenge and generate new ideas on key topics. 
The recruitment process for members of the Local Nature Recovery Advisory Panel will run until Monday 8 January.

Those seeking appointment to the Advisory Panel are invited to send applications to LNRS@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk by the closing date with interviews expected to take place in early January 2024. 

For more information on the application process, please visit www.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/lnrs-advisory-panel-recruitment