Alliance has called for 2024 to be the year that Northern Ireland makes significant efforts in restoring and protecting the natural environment.

The party's Agriculture and Environment spokesperson, John Blair MLA, made the comments listing three main areas of focus including environmental recovery, marine and waterways protection, and waste management.

Mr Blair said our species populations, habitats and ecosystems are in "devastating condition". He made reference to a recent RSPB report which highlights that 12 per cent Of NI's species are threatened with extinction and around half of the protected areas are in an "unfavourable condition".

The South Antrim MLA said long-term plans and actions such as those put forward by Alliance in its Green New Deal must focus on agendas within every level of government. Mr Blair said these agendas should include "promoting biodiversity by assisting in the planting of trees and the restoration and preservation of peat bogs, and supporting land managers' transition to alternative land uses".

-- Advertisement --

In a statement Mr Blair said:

"We are also tackling an ecological crisis at Lough Neagh and other waterways across Northern Ireland. The importance of protecting, restoring, and properly managing these resources cannot be understated, in terms of safeguarding our biodiversity, tourism, recreation, fishing, culture and even our drinking water.

"I will continue to call for urgent movement from DAERA on long-awaited marine-based strategies, such as the Marine Protected Area Strategy, as well as stand alongside Alliance colleagues to pursue the delivery of our previously published 5 Point Plan for Lough Neagh. This includes a particular focus on the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency, something which all parties have previously committed to in New Decade New Approach.

"In turn, when it comes to waste management, it will be no surprise when I say Northern Ireland needs to catch up when maximising recycling opportunities. Meeting the target of 70% recycled by 2030 is vital to protecting our environment, ending our over-reliance on landfill sites, and protecting species and habitats.

"I will continue to pressure DAERA on their progress in publishing the Waste Management Strategy, as critical deadlines have yet to be met. However, we all have a role to play here and every one of us must be conscious of our waste habits.

"In this new year, we must take bold and decisive action in securing a better future for our natural world, and every policy and practice must be viewed and assessed directly through the lens of its potential impact on the climate and our environment. Undoubtedly however, meaningful action can only be taken through working together, within functioning government institutions, to protect our natural environment and drive the restoration of species and habitats."