News
Minister Heather Humphreys launches the 3rd National Biodiversity Action Plan
Date Released: Friday, October 6, 2017
Minister Heather Humphreys launched Ireland’s 3rd National Biodiversity Action Plan on Thursday 5 October in the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin. The Plan sets out actions through which a range of government, civil and private sectors will undertake to achieve Ireland’s ‘Vision for Biodiversity’, and follows on from the work of the first and second National Biodiversity Action Plans.
119 targeted actions are contained in the Plan, underpinned by seven strategic objectives. The objectives lay out a clear framework for Ireland’s national approach to biodiversity, ensuring that efforts and achievements of the past are built upon, while looking ahead to what can be achieved over the next five years and beyond.
Launching the Plan, the Minister said:
“We are lucky in Ireland to be surrounded by an abundance of nature. This natural heritage supports our livelihoods and enriches our lives on a daily basis. We also gain many fundamental benefits from a healthy biodiversity, with many of Ireland’s economic sectors depend on our natural capital.
“The new National Biodiversity Action Plan for 2017-2021 demonstrates Ireland’s continuing commitment to acting on its obligations to protect our biodiversity for the benefit of future generations.
“All sectors of society need to be engaged for the Plan to be a success. Local government and local community involvement, in particular, is crucial. I would like to see Local Authorities more involved in supporting the Plan through locally focussed biodiversity projects and will be considering options in this regard in the coming period.”
Minister Humphreys noted the contributions and continued efforts of the broad range of organisations involved in biodiversity conservation. This includes central Government Departments, State agencies, Local Authorities, the research community, national and local NGOs, local communities and individuals.
The plan is available in the publications section of this website.