Report warns NI ‘off track’ on nature protection targets
Northern Ireland is falling behind on 2030 nature protection targets according to a new report from the Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL).
According to the NIEL report, Northern Ireland is "off track" on meeting its targets, with urgent action needed if the NI Executive is to deliver its commitments.
The report claimed that Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is yet to publish a framework that sets out how progress of these targets will be calculated.
30by30
The target, known as 30by30, forms part of a framework decided at COP15 four years ago.
It is dedicated to the conservation and protection of 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030.
Northern Ireland has committed to delivering these targets through the Programme for Government, Environmental Improvement Plan and Nature Recovery Strategy.
NIEL estimates that contributions towards the target can be as little 0.38% of land and freshwater and 2.2% of marine areas.
The report says that existing protected areas will not be sufficient to meet these targets, which will fall due in the next four years
Recommendations
NIEL argues that clearer frameworks; precise action plans and improved monitoring are needed to achieve these targets.
The report also urges for stakeholder representatives of different sectors from both DAERA and NIEL to convene before the 30by30 is delivered.
The report also suggests publishing a document that sets out the clear criteria necessary for areas that count towards the target. This will be an action plan to ensure delivery.
Chief executive of NIEL, Max Bryant said: “Making progress towards the target remains possible, but only if the Executive act decisively.
“Protecting and restoring nature is essential if we are to tackle biodiversity loss in Northern Ireland and beyond.”
According to Christopher McAteer, environmental strategy and advocacy manager at NIEL, Northern Ireland is one of the most nature depleted areas of the world, with 12% species across the island of Ireland being threatened with extinction.
He said: “What is clear is that we need the entire Executive to get behind urgent action to keep to their commitments for biodiversity.”
