Proposed legislation could turn the tide on Northern Ireland’s devastating nature decline

A spokesperson said this new consultation on legislation to restore nature could turn the tide on its devastating decline in Northern Ireland.

John Martin, Head of Policy at RSPB NI commented: “It is great to see nature restoration being made a priority at the Assembly so we can Revive Our World for present and future generations. Now more than ever, people are recognising the benefits of nature and connecting with outdoors, wildlife and green spaces for not only wellbeing but for health and economic prosperity. In Northern Ireland, 74% of people want new laws and polices put in place to better protect nature and on experiencing lockdown, 75% say that have appreciated access to local green spaces. The public recognise the need for our Assembly to act to protect our precious natural resources and the demand for stronger laws is clear. We welcome this consultation as going forward it is vital that any new legislation matches the nature emergency and the growing mandate from the public for change.”

The public consultation for an Environment and Nature Restoration Bill has come at a time when nature desperately needs restoration. Despite commitments made by the Northern Ireland Executive to reverse nature’s decline in the 2015 Biodiversity Strategy, the Executive has failed to deliver the majority of its objectives, according to the RSPB. Northern Ireland has lost more wildlife than anywhere else in the UK making new legislation vital if the government intends to deliver on its commitments to halt the devastating decline. The State of Nature Report across the island of Ireland shows that 11% of species are at risk of extinction including common garden birds such as starlings and house sparrows.

The RSPB, as part of its Revive Our World campaign, is pushing for legally binding targets to restore nature by 2030 and for a green recovery from the pandemic. For more information or to get involved, visit rspb.org.uk/ReviveOurWorld.