The custodians of the Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and Registered Environmental Technician (REnvTech) registers, the Society for the Environment, is delighted to announce that Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will speak at the Society’s Annual World Environment Day Awards and Lectures on the 4th June.
In March the Society confirmed that the 2019 World Environment Day Awards and Lectures, hosted by the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, will focus on the theme of “A Spotlight on Net Gain”. A topical choice, with The Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond recently announcing mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain as a requirement for developments, and the Government’s Twenty-Five Year Environment Plan including a commitment to delivering a wider Environmental Net Gain. Complementing this theme will be discussion of the connected topic of “Air Pollution”, chosen by UN Environment as the global theme for World Environment Day.
Dr Coffey, whose remit at Defra includes air quality, the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, and the natural environment – including biodiversity – will provide a fascinating insider’s perspective into these recent policy developments. She joins a brilliant line-up of speakers on this topic, including Nick Blyth CEnv, Policy and Engagement Lead at IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) and Claire Wansbury CEnv, Associate Director of Ecology at Atkins.
Reacting to the announcement, Chair of the Society for the Environment and the Environmental Policy Forum, Professor Will Pope HonFSE CEnv, said:
“As part of our environmental leadership, the Society is proud to champion World Environment Day, and this will be the third year the Society has showcased this key global day with an expert led event. The day is a platform to celebrate the work and dedication of registered environmental professionals and their contribution to environmental good practice, which will contribute to a celebration showcasing the achievements of individuals striving to protect and enhance the environment on a daily basis. Alongside the awards we hold a series of insightful lectures, providing expert insight into environmental issues, good practice and case studies and I am particularly pleased as Environmental Policy Forum Chair that with this year’s lectures are themed around the topic of Environmental and Biodiversity Net Gain. It will also allow us to garner some great Ministerial insights from Dr Thérèse Coffey MP into policy developments in Net Gain.”
The event will also see the presentation of the 2019 Environmental Professional of the Year Award – recognising the outstanding work of CEnv and REnvTech registrants.
More about the Awards and how to submit a nomination
Both registrants and interested parties are encouraged to attend to celebrate the Society’s 15-year anniversary, World Environment Day and the work of registered environmental professionals. Registration is free for CEnv and REnvTech registrants.
