25/10/2024

Minister Calls For Collective Effort To Protect NI Landscapes

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, has emphasised the importance of collective action in preserving and enhancing Northern Ireland's natural landscapes.

Speaking at the 'Enriched Landscapes Enriched Lives' event in Belfast, Minister Muir commended the work of Landscapes NI, a newly revitalised network of 16 organisations dedicated to safeguarding the region's natural environment. The event marked the launch of the NI Landscapes Manifesto, which outlines a vision for protecting and promoting Northern Ireland's unique landscapes.

Minister Muir highlighted the diverse benefits that landscapes provide to communities, including recreational opportunities, biodiversity conservation, and economic contributions. He encouraged professionals in landscape protection and management to collaborate and share best practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of these valuable assets.
News Image
Landscapes NI represents a united front of organisations working to balance the needs of nature and people in Northern Ireland's landscape. Their efforts are crucial in preserving the region's natural beauty and heritage for future generations.

Welcoming the launch of the Manifesto, Minister Muir said: "Northern Ireland has an incredible array of amazing landscapes and seascapes. They are not only places of outstanding beauty they are also where we live, work and play, they provide a home for diverse nature and wildlife, and they support livelihoods through agriculture and tourism.

"We need to reduce the harm caused to those landscapes and ensure that they are resilient to the risks of climate change. It is our responsibility to protect these natural treasures for future generations.

"The Landscapes NI manifesto has clear links to the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) that was agreed by the Executive and published last month.

"The EIP commits to developing a landscape Action Plan by December 2025, completing a landscape and policy review, and then, publishing a landscape strategy by March 2027.

"This will help us to create healthy and accessible landscapes everyone can connect with and enjoy."


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

20 June 2013
Conference Announced To Promote Jobs In NI
First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have announced a major Investment Conference on 10 and 11 October 2013 to promote jobs and growth in Northern Ireland.
18 October 2010
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
14 October 2024
Ministers Attend First Council Of Nations And Regions Meeting
Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, have attended the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in Edinburgh.
05 March 2024
Ministers Discuss Development Of Football At All Levels In NI
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed UK Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, on an official visit to Northern Ireland. During his visit, the Ministers will discuss the development of football at all levels in NI.
27 January 2022
Executive Publish New Draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland
A new draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) has been produced by the NI Executive, the First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill have announced.