The Government has announced that Ireland's fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) will empower the public sector following the commencement of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023.

The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 which commenced in November 2023 will require all public service bodies, including government departments, agencies and local authorities to integrate biodiversity into their plans, policies and programmes.

Launching in early 2024, Ireland's new National Biodiversity Action Plan will build on the achievements of previous plans, but aims to go even further in progressing conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity in Ireland.

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Over the last two years the Plan has been the subject of significant effort. The interdepartmental Biodiversity Working Group, led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, worked collaboratively on the preparation of this Plan with the support of stakeholders across government.

Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD said: "The rich diversity of species, habitats and ecosystems that we have in Ireland is our most precious resource and it is in crisis. I am starting this work with real intent by enshrining our national response to this crisis in legislation.

"This new development will empower all of us in the public sector to lead by example. I look forward to announcing the detail of our fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan early in the new year."

Ireland has endorsed the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, a worldwide agreement comprising 196 members, including both EU Member States and the European Union. The implementation of this treaty occurs through national strategies and action plans globally.