MEP PLEDGES TO BE 'A VOICE FOR NATURE'

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 2nd Jun 2009

MEP for the North East, Fiona Hall, has pledged to be 'A Voice for Nature' for the 2009-2014 European Parliament, if she is re-elected as an MEP this Thursday 4th June.

The campaign, run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and its partner Bird Life International, asks MEPs to commit to improving the environment as well as pushing for sustainable economic activity through four main issues: restoration of the ecosystem, making agriculture work for society and environment, fighting climate chaos and championing healthy seas.

Fiona, who sat on the Temporary Committee on Climate Change in the European Parliament, and who called for tough European targets on carbon emissions said:

"A shift in habitat - due to climate change - could have fatal consequences for many birds which currently frequent the North East, because there will be no suitable alternative habitats for them to migrate to."

"To protect the species of bird founding the region, renewed investment in the natural environment is essential. Land managed specifically for nature conversation has a better chance of safeguarding species. This is particularly important as currently 38% of UK priority habitats are in decline and the commitment to halt loss of biodiversity by 2010, made by EU Heads of State in 2001, is unlikely to be met.

"Tackling climate change is a key priority in the fight to preserve biodiversity and prevent habitat loss."