The report brings together for the first time detailed information on NI's environment. It presents a set of 30 indicators on the condition of the environment across air, water and land for both the natural and built heritage, using a 2005 baseline.
The Minister explained that real progress is being made on environmental issues. She said: "Understanding and explaining how, why and what damage we inflict on our environment is essential in establishing the causes and finding solutions.
"The report sets out a clear baseline which is fundamental in measuring impacts and progress towards enhancing the environment. The report represents a key and positive step towards integrating environmental considerations into all our policies and actions.
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"Experience shows the complex issues involved need application and thinking which is not constrained by traditional work boundaries. Each of us must play our part if we are to meet the increasing challenges of climate change and provide a healthy and sustainable society for all."
Amongst the findings of the report, considerable challenges are identified for Northern Ireland's rivers and lakes arising from excessive nutrient levels, and for natural habitats and species as aspects such as lowland meadows and hedgerows have declined. The report also identifies a number of gaps where our knowledge is incomplete, such as records for historic buildings.
The report notes that actions are in hand to address many of these issues, for example through measures on climate change, and new River Basin Management Plans to tackle water pollution. Dealing with waste, environmental crime and a modern approach to regulation all have a part to play. Future programmes of surveying and monitoring will enable us to measure our progress in protecting and enhancing our environment and natural resources, an important priority within the Programme for Government.
(VB/JM)
