What are your thoughts on the apparent conflict between tentative plans for the area south-east of La Collette and the Ramsar scheme?

Senator Mike Vibert
The Ramsar designation which the States gave to the south east coast gives it the highest protection. If it is ever planned to encroach upon it would have to be proved that this was in the Island’s best overall interests and could not be achieved in any other way.
Montfort Tadier
The La Collette area is the Island’s most recent Ramsar site, being added in November 2000. I am concerned about the health effects of the new incinerator for both humans and the natural environment. I would welcome a full inquiry into the long-term effects of the project for all concerned.
Deputy Sarah Ferguson
I understand that it will barely affect the Ramsar site but until we have the briefing for States Members (which I arranged) I cannot say for sure. As it is – on the basis of the information so far – there is virtually no effect but I will have to see.
Deputy Alan Maclean
There are many difficulties to consider and overcome regarding the potential development opportunities for La Collette and the surrounding area. The Ramsar designation is a very important factor that must form an intrinsic part of future plans.
Cliff Le Clercq
The optioneering plans produced by WEB are contrary to existing States policy and the Ramsar Convention, and international agreements we have already signed. It is also in the Marine Protection Zone, and interesting that the project consultants, Scott Wilson plc, have expressed the above views to WEB.
Senator Paul Routier
As a supporter of the Ramsar designation for the south-east coast, I would not want to see any incursion into the protected area, unless there were some other environmental gains to be made.
Deputy Alan Breckon
The discussion and debate needs to be reopened on the whole area of the Esplanade and sunken road. Mistakes have already been made in what has been built there – hotel, leisure centre, cinema with horrendous design there must be more balance between the natural and built environment.
Deputy Geoff Southern
Once again we appear to have conflict between economic growth and resource demands and environment promises. On past form, I expect the current ministers to sacrifice everything for growth. This Council of Ministers is not to be trusted on anything – election promises, Ramsar or any other agreements, green fields etc.
Trevor Pitman
Conflicts are clear – we have a designated Ramsar site, the success of which is wholly at the mercy of the scheme being respected and thus protected. No amount of spin can hide the fact that development however ‘sensitive’ will effectively wreck this.
Chris Perkins
I sat on the steering party that set up the Ramsar site. There is no conflict, it is a wetland of international importance and under the Ramsar convention there should be no land reclamation. Development would be against the policy of sustainable use.
Nick Le Cornu
We disregard international treaties and conventions when it suits. Ramsar is no different although controversial when we signed up. Profit seeking and short-term expediency will soon make it meaningless if we allow it to happen. We require government monitoring, promotion and publication of all our international obligations.
Ian Le Marquand
I am totally against any development into the Ramsar protected area which is totally inconsistent with ‘Keeping Jersey Special’ and the public will be against this. If some further extension of the reclaimed area is necessary then there are other areas nearby which could serve the required purpose .
Mark Forskitt
Ramsar sites should be inviolable. Any other position makes them meaningless.
Nick Palmer
It shows that there is insufficient concern for the environment among existing States Members. Those seeking re-election are talking the green talk but they certainly don’t seem to have a genuinely green bone in their body – they certainly don’t vote the green vote or plan the green plan.
Mike Higgins
There is a conflict which cannot be settled easily. The development could create a new harbour and allow the existing harbour area to be redeveloped for much-needed housing, provided that it is for locals and not for overseas buy-to-let-investors. Any encroachment of the Ramsar site should be minimised.
Senator Philip Ozouf
I was responsible for extending Ramsar to Jersey’s offshore reefs. It is important to protect our wonderful shoreline. However, in hindsight, the La Collette Ramsar line was probably drawn slightly too close to the working commercial harbours which must be able to keep pace with developments such as building a cruise ship terminal.