The Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC) has strengthened its roster with nine new appointments.

Amit Bhagwat, Ms Clare Dore, Mr John Martin, Dr Stephen McCarron, Mr Ian McKee, Dr Michael Meharg, Miss Laura Neal, Mr Noel Rice and Mrs Rosemary Thomas join the DAERA Statutory Advisory Body, effective for a three year term from 01 December 2021.

Announcing the appointments, DAERA Minister Edwin Poots said: "The CNCC perform a key role in providing expertise to DAERA policy makers in nature protection.

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"I want to welcome the new CNCC members who bring an array of knowledge, skills and experience, not only in matters relating to the environment and the countryside, but also in governance, leadership and decision making, which are essential in executing the valued statutory functions of the CNCC."

CNCC's statutory functions include advising the Department on matters relating to nature conservation including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Areas of Special Scientific Interest and nature reserves.

It also provides advice on the protection of wildlife species and on promotional and educational activities.