Minister Muir comments on OEP Report on Drivers and Pressures on Biodiversity
Date published:
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has acknowledged the latest report from The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) and says that whilst change is already happening, we cannot be complacent and need to move at pace to address environmental issues in Northern Ireland.
The OEP has published a detailed report which assesses the drivers and pressures affecting terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity in Northern Ireland. The report identifies land use change and pollution as major factors affecting the natural environment as well as climate change and invasive species.
In response to the report, DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir said: “I acknowledge this report which provides a comprehensive and accurate overview of the current issues that need to be addressed to support nature recovery.
“It is clear that we must change practices which contribute to the loss of our valuable habitats. Recommendations ranging from reduction of pollution from both agriculture and sewage, as well as changing land use to increase biodiversity in rural and urban areas are unsurprising.
“The agriculture sector is already making moves towards addressing many of the issues in this report, and we as Government must continue to provide both the right policies and financial support to place us on the correct path to reverse environmental degradation.”
The Minister continued: “In recent months, I have made significant progress by receiving approval for the Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan, as well as the Environmental Improvement Plan, serving as Northern Ireland’s first Environment Strategy.
“We all know more needs to be done quickly and I am determined to work together with others to turnaround the situation.”
Notes to editors:
- The Office for Environmental Protection was legally created in November 2021. Its remit is to protect and improve the environment by holding government and other public authorities to account.
- The OEP’s work covers England and Northern Ireland.
- Its main activities are to scrutinise the effectiveness of relevant government bodies adhering to environmental law. The OEP can also seek or give advice on any matter relating to the natural environment.
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