A scrutiny panel has heard Jersey is in a “biodiversity crisis”, amid concerns the government is not focusing on the environment enough.

Willie Peggie, government Director of Natural Environment, said the Environment Department needed time and resources for a state of nature report.

Piers Sangan, who runs Sangan Island Conversation, said a biodiversity crisis included more invasive species, fewer native species, and a decline in the ecosystem. He said the government had responsibility to ensure the environment did not “fall by the wayside” because it was a “fundamental part of our island”.