In light of World Environment Day, World Oceans Day and Clean Air Day this month, DAERA is emphasising the role of peatlands in aiding nature's recovery and reducing carbon emissions.

Over recent years, DAERA's Environment Fund has supported numerous councils and non-profit organisations in restoring local peatland sites. Ulster Wildlife, in collaboration with DAERA's Forest Service, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and other partners, has played a significant role in safeguarding and improving these crucial habitats.

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The Fund Competition is now open for applications from councils and voluntary organisations. This initiative provides a minimum grant of £50,000 for projects aimed at safeguarding and enhancing habitats, as well as improving water quality.

Environment Minister Andrew Muir launched this new £3million Peatland Challenge Fund to help protect our peatlands. He explained: "Our peatlands are of enormous importance to our environment, affecting our water quality, conserving biodiversity and in mitigating climate change by storing carbon, so I am delighted to announce the opening of this £3 million competition fund. It provides a great opportunity to support local not-for-profit organisations and councils to help improve the conditions of our peatlands, many of which are sadly in poor condition."

DAERA's Peatland Challenge Fund is open until 19 June.