Skip to main content

Gormley calls for integrated and cross-sectoral approach to tackle the problems of biodiversity loss.

11/11/09

Mr. John Gormley TD., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government today (11 Nov 09) opened the 3rd Annual North/South Biodiversity Conference at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. The theme for this years Conference is ‘Biodiversity and Planning: Developing Connectivity for Sustainability’ and has been organised jointly by the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group and the Biodiversity Forum of Ireland.

“Loss of biodiversity has potentially devastating impacts on our environment, health and economy” the Minister stated. “Because of the lead-in time, the effects of any actions taken to stop biodiversity loss may not be seen for many years. If we are to put things right we must start now.”

“The theme chosen for this year’s conference is, therefore, very timely,” the Minister added. The OECD environmental performance review report launched last week recommended, inter alia, that Ireland strengthen its environmental management efforts and further integrate environmental concerns into economic decisions and reinforce international cooperation on environmental issues.  The aim of the all-island conference is to share information and experiences on biodiversity and planning, covering the areas of green infrastructure, coastal zone management, the Water Framework Directive, and Natura 2000 and spatial planning

“Approaches such as green infrastructure are smart and strategic” the Minister said. “It enables the integration of biodiversity into a range of other policy areas including spatial planning, health, climate adaptation, tourism and recreation. This is a real challenge for biodiversity policy and its implementation and we need to find more effective ways of doing this to make progress in halting biodiversity loss.”

The safeguarding of Ireland's rich biodiversity increasingly needs an all-Ireland approach.  “Biodiversity in Ireland and its waters exists in a single geographical entity – it does not recognise political boundaries. It will take all of us working together to tackle the problems of biodiversity loss and climate change mitigation and adaptation” the Minister said. “I welcome the sound working relationships that have been established between government departments and agencies North and South. I’m confident that the close working relationship that has been developed between the  Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group and the Biodiversity Forum in Ireland will enhance the protection of biodiversity for the whole island.”

The Minister concluded by stating that “I, and the Government, intend to make halting biodiversity loss a priority. The policy framework for protection of biodiversity in Ireland will be strengthened with the publication of a new National Biodiversity Plan, currently being prepared in my Department.”

ENDS

Media queries:
Press and Information Office
Tel: (01) 888 2638  (direct)
(01) 888 2000
E-Mail: press-office@environ.ie
Web site: www.environ.ie

Back