Environment Minister Edwin Poots has shined a spotlight on the importance of Northern Ireland's peatlands at COP26 in Glasgow.

The Minister visited the Peatland Pavilion, where he was able to see first-hand how globally significant peatlands are to tackle climate change, while also how critical it is that NI's peatlands are restored to a healthy state to help reverse carbon and biodiversity loss.

Speaking following his visit, Minister Poots said: "I am delighted to visit the Peatland Pavilion at COP26 and to see the importance of Northern Ireland's peatlands and some of our exemplar peatland restoration projects showcased on a global stage. Working collaboratively with partner organisations, such as RSPB, demonstrates how we can protect and restore these valuable ecosystems. Peatland restoration will play a key role in our plans to reduce carbon emissions and lead to a low carbon, high nature future, as envisioned through the draft Green Growth Strategy, which I recently launched on behalf of the NI Executive."

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The IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Peatland Pavilion, which is supported by DAERA, aims to bring together climate negotiators, peatlands experts and enthusiasts from around the world to exchange their knowledge and experiences on peatlands policy, practice, research, and innovation. A virtual Peatland Pavilion is also available for people to access, showcasing peatland projects from around the world, including Northern Ireland case studies such as the CABB (Co-operation Across Borders for Biodiversity) and CANN (Collaborative Action for the Natural Network) projects, funded through Interreg VA to restore important lowland raised and blanket bog sites; as well as the National Trust's restoration work on Divis and Black Mountain.

Globally, peatlands are one of the most valuable ecosystems, holding more than twice as much carbon as the world's forests and providing a wide range of benefits for biodiversity and society. Restoration of Northern Ireland's peatlands will be key to plans to address the climate and biodiversity crises, with peatland habitats and peat soils covering 18% of Northern Ireland.

Minister Poots added: "My Department has also recently consulted on a draft Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy. This Strategy, which we hope to publish in the New Year, will provide a framework for peatland conservation and restoration in Northern Ireland over the next two decades, ensuring we deliver a low carbon, high nature future. I would encourage everyone to visit the Virtual Peatland Pavilion to find out more about the value of peatlands and the positive work being delivered in Northern Ireland and around the world to restore and protect this valuable ecosystem."