Conservation

The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy published in 2000

Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy

Biodiversity is the variety of living things that are found on earth. The threat to world biodiversity resulted in 156 countries, including the United Kingdom signing the Biodiversity Convention in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. This committed all signing countries to produce national strategies for the conservation of biodiversity. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan based on the principles of this convention was produced in 1994. The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy published in 2000, adapted this plan to inform policy and promote action on biodiversity conservation within Northern Ireland. The Strategy contains 76 recommendations for the conservation of biodiversity in Northern Ireland. Several of the recommendations are directly related to peatland and many others could impact on peatland conservation. Some of the most important recommendations for peatlands and the organisations with lead responsibilities are listed below:

• EHS to update, re-issue and continue to implement Government policy on peatland conservation
• Forest Service to identify area of upland forest which when clear felled should remain unplanted and restored to peatland or other habitat - this is particularly important in archaeological landscapes.
• EHS to prepare and implement:
  • Habitat Action Plans (HAP) for all priority habitats including fens, raised bogs and blanket bogs. Click here to view draft HAPs for Lowland Raised Bogs and Blanket bogs.
  • a number of Species Action Plans (SAPs) for Priority Species including peatland species such as Irish Damselfly, Red-tipped Clearwing, Curlew and Irish Hare. Click here to view the SAP for the Irish Hare and Curlew.
• DARD to tailor the new agri-environment schemes, from 2000-2006, to take account of priority habitat and species action plans
• Planning Service to address biodiversity priorities in all development plans
• Government to select and produce a list and maps of Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCIs). These are the most important places for wildlife in a local context and are included in Development Plans and are considered in planning applications involving land-use change

These are just a sample of some of the biodiversity recommendations that directly affect peatlands but many others, especially those relating to protected areas, agriculture, water use and education have the potential to enhance peatland conservation.