Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan: Regulatory Impact

Ireland National Biodiversity Action Plan

Know more about "Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan: Regulatory Impact"

Did you know that 85% of Ireland’s EU-protected habitats are in “unfavourable status”? This stark reality underscores the urgent need for robust environmental policy. It also shows the need for strong biodiversity strategies to make things better.

The Ireland National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) is now in its fourth edition. It covers the years 2023 to 2030. The plan marks a big change in how Ireland protects and values its nature. It is led by the Biodiversity Working Group and the Biodiversity Forum. These groups include people from across society and government.

The 4th NBAP has five main goals. These are to guide conservation and to solve new issues in many ways. The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 is one example of the plan in action. It requires public bodies to meet the NBAP objectives. This law shows how important the NBAP is for protecting nature.

The NBAP works with other local and global plans. Together, they fight the biodiversity crisis. The NBAP shows Ireland’s strong promise to protect its nature. It wants to keep its natural beauty for the future.

Key Takeaways

  • The fourth iteration of Ireland’s NBAP covers the period from 2023 to 2030.
  • The plan adopts a “whole of government, whole of society” approach to biodiversity governance.
  • The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 introduces a public sector duty on biodiversity for public bodies.
  • Nearly one-third of bee species in Ireland face the threat of extinction.
  • 85% of Ireland’s EU-protected habitats are in “unfavourable status”.

Introduction to Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan

The Ireland National Biodiversity Action Plan is a key part of the country’s efforts to protect nature. It aims at stopping the loss of biodiversity. It includes goals for safeguarding wildlife, managing ecosystems, and saving native species.

What is the Ireland National Biodiversity Action Plan?

The Ireland NBAP is a detailed plan for caring for our environment. It looks ahead from 2023 to 2030, building on past plans. Experts, including those at the 2nd National Biodiversity Conference, worked hard to shape this plan.

The Main Objectives of the Plan

The current NBAP has several main aims:

  • Improve how we work together on environmental issues.
  • Stop the urgent need for conservation to prevent more biodiversity loss.
  • Make sure ecosystems keep helping people and the planet.
  • Use detailed info to make our plans about biodiversity smart.
  • Help Ireland do its part in global efforts to protect nature.

Historical Context

The Ireland NBAP has grown and improved over time. Since 2002, it has aimed to protect Ireland’s natural variety. Regular updates, like the Final Review in 2023, make our conservation efforts better.

Signing the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1996 boosted Ireland’s wildlife protection steps. Plans like the Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan and the National Strategy for Plant Conservation have played key roles. They help save local plants and tackle invasive species.

The Ireland NBAP’s journey shows a strong commitment to teamwork and sustainable conservation. It ensures our natural treasures are looked after.

Key Regulatory Changes Under the 4th NBAP

The 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) for 2023-2030 brings big changes. It aims to stop the loss of nature in Ireland. With the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023, public bodies now have to help nature, too. They must follow goals set to protect Ireland’s nature. This makes everyone work together for nature’s sake.

New Policies Introduced

The 4th NBAP makes Ireland’s plan to protect the environment stronger. It lists 194 things to do, like fixing habitats and saving animals and plants. These steps follow advice from the Citizen’s Assembly. They aim to stop the decline in many habitats and plant types seen in the last 20 years.

biodiversity strategy

Amendments to Existing Legislation

Changing the law is key to help nature. The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 is a big step. It makes sure public groups join in to protect nature. This Act, with help from government departments, works together for nature. Older plans and reviews showed the way to these new rules.

Now, laws are being updated for better results. Ireland’s important nature spots need help, and everyone, including the government, must do their part. The plan helps make sure nature wins, and our future is greener.

Stakeholder Engagement and Public Consultation

Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) owes a lot to involvement and sharing from many. This joined-up way of dealing with the big biodiversity problems has let many people and groups have their say. It has built strong environmental leadership by involving everyone who cares.

The Role of Stakeholders in Shaping the Plan

The Biodiversity Forum and Working Group are key players in creating the 4th NBAP. Offering their knowledge and different views, they helped make this plan over many years. Their efforts aimed to meet various needs, showing everyone’s commitment to nature.

Results of Public Consultations

When the public had their say, it was big. There were more than 200 survey answers and 111 written ideas submitted. These were key in shaping the right steps to protect nature. The talks showed what the public worries about and hopes for, linking the plan with everyone’s dream of a green future.

Future Engagement Strategies

Not stopping, we must keep talking to each other and with the public to make the plan work. The strategy ahead includes checking often to make sure everyone does their bit. Open talks and feedback help the plan keep up and change when needed. This way, we can keep on supporting Ireland’s nature work.

The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 is a sign of working together more. It makes looking after nature a duty for the public sector. This strengthens our focus on the environment and the big goals of the 4th NBAP.

  1. Enhancing resources for biodiversity enforcement and conservation.
  2. Designating new Marine Protected Areas.
  3. Increasing funding for local conservation projects.

Whole of Government, Whole of Society Approach

The Ireland National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) shows how everyone can work together. Leaders at all levels across the country and in the community come together for biodiversity. This plan unites our efforts, helping us reach big goals for nature.

whole of society and government approach to biodiversity action

Interdepartmental Collaboration

Working together between departments is key to the plan’s success. This approach combines different government efforts, creating a strong teamwork. The recent 2nd National Biodiversity Conference showed these combined efforts boost our actions for nature.

Role of Local Authorities and Communities

Local areas and their people are essential for the plan’s success on the ground. Community efforts ensure that our actions for nature match what’s important locally. The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 gives locals a duty to help with biodiversity efforts.

These efforts were given a deep look in reviews from February 2020 and November 2023. These checks show our ongoing commitment to involve local people. They keep us all working together to care for our environment.

The plan also supports global needs for nature and sustainable growth. To learn more about how the NBAP works as a whole, check the National Biodiversity Action Plan site.

Urgent Conservation and Restoration Needs

Tackling conservation and restoration issues is key in the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) in Ireland. The NBAP spans from 2023 to 2030 and promotes a holistic approach. It aims for broad biodiversity care.

Priority Ecosystems and Habitats

The NBAP’s core is protecting crucial ecosystems and habitats. It pinpoints key areas needing attention, focusing efforts. For example, 48 marine species are targeted for protection.

These include various sea creatures at risk. Such focused steps help save fragile habitats and species.

Conservation Funding and Resources

Getting enough resources and funding is crucial. The plan sets out a detailed way to provide what’s needed for effective action. Public organisations must work towards the NBAP’s goals by law.

This ensures everyone is moving forward together in saving biodiversity. The law’s support is vital in this shared effort.

Required funds, solid laws, and a clear strategy are the keys to protect our ecosystems well.

Securing Nature’s Contribution to People

Nature’s Contributions

The Ireland National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) connects healthy ecosystems to our well-being. It focuses on ensuring nature’s contributions reach us. This way, it saves the ecosystem services we need, like clean air and water. These are vital for our health and survival.

Besides, biodiversity benefits help more than the environment. They are critical for jobs and helping our local areas thrive. By protecting biodiversity, our communities gain a lot, both seen and unseen.

Ireland is serious about putting nature in the heart of its plans. It shows a strong dedication to both nature and people. This is in line with global steps to care for our environment and enjoy a better future. Ireland leads by showing how protecting biodiversity helps everyone.

History also shows our consistent work, like the Interim Review of the Implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021. We constantly update and improve to face new eco-challenges. This effort is key for a steady societal well-being.

Enhanced Evidence Base for Action on Biodiversity

The Ireland National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) is focused on boosting our knowledge base from 2023 to 2030. It’s key to use research, the latest tech, and data well. This helps to make solid plans for saving nature.

Research Programs and Initiatives

At the heart of the 4th NBAP is a strong effort to research biodiversity better. These studies meet global standards and help Ireland’s nature. They check if plans are working and change them if needed.

The NBAP has been checked on over time, like in 2010 with Ireland’s Fourth National Report to the CBD. Plus, movements in things like the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation show Ireland’s progress.

Technology and Data Utilisation

Using tech is crucial for good policies and watching biodiversity. With clever data use, Ireland meets world green rules. Tech helps keep an eye on nature changes, which guides smarter choices.

For saving marine life, where 48 species are in trouble, we need tech solutions. One aim is to protect 30% more marine areas by 2030 through a special bill.

The Ireland National Biodiversity Action Plan values research, high-tech, and smart data use. These are important in keeping our nature safe.

Strengthening Ireland’s Contribution to International Biodiversity Initiatives

The 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) from 2023-2030 is a big step for Ireland in global biodiversity work. It focuses on making big changes to protect nature. Its goal is to make Ireland a key player in saving our planet’s wildlife.

international biodiversity initiatives

Part of the NBAP’s big goals is to help more in worldwide efforts to protect wildlife. This plan isn’t just for Ireland – it shows our global commitment to nature. The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 adds a new rule for public bodies to think about the NBAP’s goals. This shows how serious Ireland is about helping nature on an international scale.

Since the first National Biodiversity Plan in 2002, Ireland has reached many important points. The fourth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity was in 2010. It showed Ireland’s steps in meeting global biodiversity targets. Ireland also showed its commitment by making its own Plant Conservation Strategy based on a global plan. By following this, Ireland met 16 goals for plant protection.

There have been several checks on how well Ireland has kept its biodiversity promises. The latest one was reviewed in November 2023. These reviews help see how Ireland is doing compared to global conservation aims. The NBAP is the first plan to have laws that need all public bodies to help with biodiversity. This shows how Ireland wants everyone to focus on saving nature.

One big part of the NBAP is working on the problem of introduced species. It also looks at ways to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. This target is in line with EU and global goals. Ireland aims to have a big education plan on ocean life by 2026, showing its strong commitment to marine biodiversity.

In the end, Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan helps both at home and abroad. It makes Ireland a key global player in saving wildlife. By taking strong and legislative steps, Ireland stands out in the fight to stop biodiversity loss.

Impact of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023

The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 is a big step forward for our environment. It gives new duties to public bodies and checks closely to make sure they follow the rules. These changes make sure everyone cares for nature when doing their jobs.

New Duties for Public Bodies

Now, public bodies must care more about nature. They include government departments and local agencies. These bodies must start following a plan to protect our wildlife better. This is to make sure everyone works together to help nature thrive.

Compliance and Enforcement Mechanisms

The law has tough checks to keep public bodies in line. They must share how they’re helping wildlife with the Minister. This starts 18 months after the first protection plan is shared. Then, they must report each year after that. This keeps them working hard to protect our natural world.

Future Legislative Developments

More laws in the future will make our country even better at protecting wildlife. They will help us all work towards saving species and the places they live. This means public decisions will have a bigger focus on protecting natural areas. It’s all about looking after our planet together.

Plant Conservation Strategies

The Ireland National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) is a plan to protect plant species. It started in 2023 and goes until 2030. The goal is to stop the decrease in plant types that hurts the environment and biodiversity.

plant conservation strategies

National Strategy for Plant Conservation

The national plant conservation strategy focuses local efforts with global goals. It began in 2002, following the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. It aims to keep plant types, protect special areas, and teach the public about the importance of plants.

  • Maintaining plant diversity: This means saving different native plant types to help nature and fight climate change.
  • Managing critical areas: It’s about finding and saving areas with a lot of different plants to keep them healthy for the future.
  • Public awareness: Teaching the public why protecting plants is important through education.

Invasive Plant Species Management

Invasive species are a big problem in the NBAP. They harm Ireland’s native plants by growing too much and taking over. To fight this, the NBAP has set ways to stop them.

  1. Mitigation and Control: It includes using different methods to stop non-native plants, like removing them by hand, using other plants to control them, and carefully using chemicals.
  2. Collaboration: Working with Northern Ireland helps create better strategies to fight invasive species, according to Action 28 in the NBAP.
  3. Legislative Backing: Laws like the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 make protecting biodiversity a must for public organisations.

The NBAP shows how Ireland is dedicated to save its plants. It’s working hard to stop plant loss and invasive species for now and the future.

Invasive Species Management

Ireland tackles invasive species under the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). This plan, for 2023-2030, highlights the need for national and international coordination. It’s crucial to fight invasive species effectively.

National and International Coordination

Managing invasive species is a group effort across countries. The NBAP from 2023-2027 focuses on the Soil and Stone Pathway. It assigns tasks to different groups, both government and non-government.

This is all under the regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014, showing that preserving biodiversity is a worldwide task.

“The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 introduced new public sector duties on biodiversity, ensuring persistent national dialogue and action on invasive species management.”

Irish groups work closely with others internationally to handle these problems. This includes cooperation with Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and Europe. By working together, these regions can fight invasive species that threaten their borders.

Efforts to Combat Invasive Aquatic Species

Ireland is particularly focused on protecting aquatic species. Projects like Inland Fisheries Ireland’s work aim to keep invasive species out of our waterways. These efforts bring together local, national, and international organisations.

  1. Implementation of the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation.
  2. Awareness campaigns like the European Commission’s Beware of Aliens.
  3. Public sector duty obligations stipulated by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023.

Efforts include things like the EU’s rules and awareness programmes. These are designed to prevent invasive species from spreading. By stopping their accidental travel, Ireland wants to protect its water life.

The Ireland National Biodiversity Action Plan is a key part of fighting off invasive species. It shows the vital need for coordinated work at home and abroad. This is crucial for saving our native plants and animals.

Peatlands and Raised Bogs Conservation

Peatlands and raised bogs are vital in Ireland, needing special efforts to protect them. The National Peatlands Strategy points out their key role in nature and fighting climate change.

peatlands conservation

National Peatlands Strategy

The first Biodiversity Action Plan by Bord na Móna, from 2010-2015, aimed to keep peatlands safe. With over 80,000 hectares of land, new lives for birds like Lapwing and Curlew were on the rise. This was thanks to careful recovery work in these areas.

The National Peatlands Strategy backs up these efforts, focusing on stopping draining and damage. Shockingly, 40% of peatlands lost their home because of past digging, and just 9% got help to grow back. It shows why a strong national plan is necessary.

Community Initiatives and Projects

Local projects are essential in community conservation. Initiatives such as LIFE Irish Raised Bogs work hard to better 12 Natura 2000 sites. Also, the Wild Atlantic Nature initiative is dedicated to 24 SACs, aiming to protect blanket bogs. These efforts show how important local help is in the big picture of peatlands conservation.

Now, the national peatlands strategy looks to get more support from locals. They want everyone to be part of saving these beautiful lands. The plan is to put more money into surveys and fixing the land. This way, more plants and animals will thrive, keeping Ireland’s peatlands safe for the future.

Role of EPA in Biodiversity Research

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a key role in biodiversity research in Ireland. It uses the EPA Research 2030 Framework to shape its activities. This plan lasts for a decade and focuses on building the science behind saving our wildlife. It works in line with the National Biodiversity Action Plan, which aims to save our ecosystems and stop the loss of plants and animals.

EPA Research 2030 Framework

The EPA Research 2030 Framework offers support to many research projects. It has funded more than 120 projects, putting in around €18.3 million. This big investment shows the EPA’s strong support for biodiversity research. The framework targets important ecological topics. This way, Ireland can develop conservation plans based on solid science.

Key Research Projects

Some big projects under the EPA Research 2030 focus on ammonia’s effects on special sites, soil health and life, and using DNA for water quality checks. They help gather info for making policies and saving our nature. Work on controlling harmful alien plants is also crucial. These plants can badly affect others, so managing them protects our local wildlife.

The EPA has already published 50 reports on nature. It’s committed to pushing forward projects that help save our planet. By working on natural capital accounting, it also highlights the economic and environmental worth of our nature. This helps make better decisions. Through these moves, the EPA keeps Ireland leading in saving biodiversity and mending our damaged habitats.

FAQ

What is the Ireland National Biodiversity Action Plan?

The Ireland National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) is a strategy to protect nature. It guides the country’s efforts from 2023 to 2030. It targets biodiversity loss through team work with the government, stakeholders, and the public.

The Main Objectives of the Plan

The 4th NBAP aims at joining up efforts to save nature. It covers urgent conservation needs, boosts ecosystems for society, and advances research. Plus, it wants Ireland to play a big part internationally in saving biodiversity.

What is the historical context of the NBAP?

The NBAP started in 2002 and has been improving since. Through the years, it has been updated to be more effective. Each change comes after a lot of views from many people and with new laws added.

What new policies have been introduced under the 4th NBAP?

The 4th NBAP brings in new rules to save more wildlife. Now, public bodies must consider nature in their work. There are also new steps for fixing habitats and protecting animals.

What amendments to existing legislation have been made?

The 4th NBAP strengthens important rules through the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023. This Act makes sure public bodies help save wildlife in what they do.

What role do stakeholders play in shaping the NBAP?

Groups like the Biodiversity Forum and Working Group have a big say in the NBAP. So do the talks with the public. Their views make sure the NBAP covers everyone’s ideas and knowledge on saving nature.

What were the results of public consultations?

For the 4th NBAP, over 200 surveys and 111 written ideas were given. This feedback was key in setting the plan’s goals. It made sure the plan really answered what the public and experts wanted.

What are the future engagement strategies for the NBAP?

In the future, the NBAP wants to keep everyone involved. They plan to always talk to people and check how well they’re meeting biodiversity goals. This makes sure the efforts to save nature keep going strong.

How does the ‘whole of government, whole of society’ approach work?

This way of working means all parts of the government and people work together. They all make sure efforts to save nature happen everywhere. This is good for nature both locally and across the country.

What are the priority ecosystems and habitats for conservation?

The 4th NBAP focuses on saving certain areas like wetlands and peatlands. These places are rich in life and need our help. The plan puts extra work and resources into protecting them.

What funding and resources are allocated for conservation?

The NBAP plans to spend money on saving nature. This funds things like making habitats better, protecting animals, and doing various conservation projects. It makes sure the plan’s goals are met.

How does the plan aim to secure nature’s contribution to people?

The NBAP knows nature and people are linked. So, it works to keep nature’s services like clean air, support for farming, and tourism. This way, saving nature helps everyone.

What research programs and initiatives are included in the NBAP?

The NBAP supports studies to know nature better. This means using the latest tech and good facts to see how we’re doing in saving nature.

How does the NBAP strengthen Ireland’s role in international biodiversity efforts?

The NBAP makes Ireland part of the world’s efforts to save nature. By working with others, Ireland can do more to stop losing nature worldwide.

What new duties are imposed on public bodies by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023?

The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 tells public bodies to think about nature in what they do. It gives them the job to help and look after wildlife just like everyone else.

What compliance and enforcement mechanisms are included?

The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 makes sure rules for nature are followed. It checks that all are doing their part to save wildlife, making everyone who promises, do.

What are the anticipated future legislative developments?

The future of the laws will line up with the NBAP’s big plans. They want to keep saving nature by making new laws that help grow nature back and protect it for everyone.

What is the National Strategy for Plant Conservation?

This strategy is part of the NBAP and it’s for saving our plant life. It has actions to take care of special areas, stop bad plants from growing, and tell people about keeping plants safe.

How is invasive plant species management conducted?

Stopping bad plants is a big job in the NBAP. It has ways to lessen their harm and stop them from hurting our good plants. We work with others, at home and abroad, to fight off these bad plants.

How does the NBAP address the management of invasive species?

The NBAP has a plan to deal with bad plants properly. It works with the whole country and other places too. They follow the EU rules to stop bad plants from hurting our good plants.

What is the National Peatlands Strategy?

This strategy is all about caring for our peatlands and bogs. It’s important for nature and also to keep carbon in the ground. It involves big projects and work done by local people too.

What community initiatives support peatlands conservation?

Local people doing their bit is key to saving peatlands. They take part in projects like ‘LIFE Irish Raised Bogs’ and ‘Wild Atlantic Nature’. This work really helps keep the peatlands safe.

How does the EPA contribute to biodiversity research?

The EPA helps study biodiversity through its research plans. By funding these studies, we learn things that can help save nature. This science is key to make good choices in how we protect nature.

What are the key research projects under the EPA Research 2030 Framework?

Under the EPA’s plan, we’re looking into soil health, stopping bad plants, and other big nature questions. These studies are important for making decisions that really help nature grow and stay safe.

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