Environmental issues that affect the Crown Dependencies and UK Overseas Territories, including climate change, will be virtually discussed by ministers and senior officials this week.

The Environment Ministers’ Council, which is hosted by the Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, is meeting online today (Thursday) to discuss a range of topics and how they can work together to benefit of the natural world.

Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot and Minister for Policy and Reform Ray Harmer will represent the island with members of the government’s environment and climate change teams.

Issues debates over the two-day event will include invasive species, marine protection, coral diseases and carbon capture.

Mr Boot said: ’Although different in character, our islands boast beautiful environments that are crucial to our economies and way of life.

’We are facing a global climate change and biodiversity emergency and protecting the natural world has never been more important.

’The Isle of Man takes its environmental responsibilities extremely seriously but to have any chance we must work together.’

In 2016, the Isle of Man was recognised by UNESCO when it designated the entire island as a Biosphere Reserve.

More recently the island tabled a climate change bill that commits to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and introduced initiatives to reduce single use items, nurture areas of internationally important biodiversity, and planted more than 100,000 trees.

This online meeting comes as the Climate Change Bill was concluded by the House of Keys on Tuesday.

Mr Harmer said: ’It is important to recognise that the natural environment is important to our health, wellbeing and economy and it has never been more important to work together for the benefit of future generations.

’Our work on climate change is accelerating and this event provides us an opportunity to share and grow ideas.’