Derry woman Dr Hilary Kirkpatrick has been appointed the new chairperson of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside.
The appointment is for a three-year term and has a salary of £9,740 per annum.
The Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, a statutory advisory council to the Department of the Environment, plays an important role in advising the department on issues affecting the natural environment.
Welcoming the appointment, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “The beauty of Northern Ireland’s natural environment cannot be denied. It not only plays an important role in our health and wellbeing but is a major element in tourism.
The Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside can help inform government how to best maintain and manage our natural heritage, and ensure our beautiful environment is protected for future generations.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Kirkpatrick as Chair of CNCC and I wish her well in her new role.”
Dr Kirkpatrick is an environmental consultant from the foothills of the Sperrin mountains who has previously lectured in Environmental Science in the University of Ulster and the University of Stirling and has also held posts in the National Strategy unit of Scottish Natural Heritage and the Chief Scientist’s Directorate of NCC.
She is one of the authors of a recently published book on the ecology and economy of less favoured areas in Europe and has also published other book chapters, scientific papers and general articles on nature conservation.
A member of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside since 2009, Dr. Kirkpatrick also chaired the NI Rural Development Programme Monitoring Committee Environment sub-group from 2007 to 2010 and is an active member of the Rural European Platform.
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