NORTHERN IRELAND Biodiversity Strategy Proposals June NORTHERN IRELAND Biodiversity

NORTHERN IRELAND Biodiversity Strategy Proposals June 1999 NORTHERN IRELAND Biodiversity Strategy Proposals June 1999 FOREWORD The UK Government, along with over 150 others, is committed to the conservation of biodiversity: the total variety of all living things. To assist in this, the Government established advisory groups in each of the four countries of the United Kingdom. The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG) was established after nominations were sought from the key sectors: local government, the business and farming communities, the voluntary sector and central government. The NIBG saw the value of developing a Strategy, which would assist in delivering the UK’s commitment and take into account the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland. The Group decided that, before it made its recommendations to the Government, it would consult interested groups and individuals and the wider public. That is the purpose of this document. People in Northern Ireland now have the opportunity to comment upon the steps which should be taken to look after this important aspect of our heritage. Richard Rogers Chairman Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group CONTENTS SUMMARY 1. 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 PEOPLE AND BIODIVERSITY What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity important? Human impacts on biodiversity Biodiversity conservation in Northern Ireland 12 12 14 15 2. 2.1 2.2 2.3 THE NEED FOR A NORTHERN IRELAND BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY Background: from Rio to Belfast The need for a Regional Biodiversity Strategy Aim and objectives 20 22 22 3. 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 NORTHERN IRELAND’S BIODIVERSITY Origins and influences Today’s landscape and coast Habitats Species Domesticated species, cultivars and breeds 24 27 31 50 58 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 ISSUES AFFECTING BIODIVERSITY AND DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS What are the issues affecting biodiversity in Northern Ireland? Agricultural systems and support Forestry and woodland management Coastal and marine management Freshwater use and management Construction and development Tourism and recreation Peatland management Introduced species Protecting special areas for biodiversity Protecting priority habitats and species Conserving genetic biodiversity Future research and monitoring Knowledge, understanding and participation Local action 62 64 69 71 75 77 80 81 82 84 87 89 90 93 96 5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 PRIORITY HABITATS AND SPECIES UK Priority habitats Priority habitats in Northen Ireland UK Priority species Priority species in Northern Ireland 100 100 103 103 6 6.1 6.2 6.3 IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW Responsibilities and timetable for implementation Co-operation with other biodiversity conservation initiatives Monitoring and reporting arrangements and review procedures 108 116 117 7 BIBLIOGRAPHY 8 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 APPENDIXES Membership of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group Acknowledgements Acronyms Legislation affecting biodiversity in Northern Ireland Provisional list of Species of Conservation Concern and Priority species in Northern Ireland List of species considered to be extinct in Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy SUMMARY The Biodiversity Convention and the UK Action Plan 1. Biodiversity is the total variety of all living things. The threats to world biodiversity resulted in 156 countries, including the United Kingdom, signing the Biodiversity Convention in 1992 committing them to develop national strategies for its conservation. To begin fulfilling this commitment, the UK Biodiversity Action Plan was published in 1994 and addresses national and global issues. Native woodlands are of limited extent. The total number of species occurring in Northern Ireland is restricted although there are unique genetic varieties of some species (such as the pollan and Irish hare) and there is a rich bryophyte and lichen flora associated with the mild wet climate. Priority Habitats and Species 4. Twenty habitats and 206 species or groups of species are identified as priorities for conservation action in Northern Ireland. However, for some taxonomic groups such as lichens, mosses, insects and some groups of marine invertebrates, information is poor. For these groups, the priority is to find out more about where they occur, how common they are and how their populations are changing. Objectives 2. These proposals for a Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy have been drafted by a cross-sectoral group, the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group. They are intended to inform policy and promote action on biodiversity conservation in Northern Ireland by: identifying the main features of biodiversity in Northern Ireland identifying the main issues affecting biodiversity, including institutional, political and legal issues proposing measures to support the conservation of biodiversity for the period 1999-2014. Issues 5. This strategy identifies the following 14 main issues affecting biodiversity in Northern Ireland: Agricultural systems and supportPast and current changes in agricultural practice such as specialisation and intensification, have affected a large number of habitats and species. Proposals include (a) implementing environmentally sensitive farming measures contained in the 1999 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, (b) seeking an increase in funding and uptake of agri-environment schemes, and (c) improving the targeting of agri-environment schemes. Forestry and woodland management- Many of Northern Ireland’s terrestrial species are dependent on woodland, although it is one of the least wooded areas in Europe. It is • • • • Biodiversity of Northern Ireland 3. Improved agricultural grasslands in small fields dominate the lowlands. Wetland habitats (such as lakes, fens, bogs and wet grasslands) and coastal and marine habitats (such as sand dunes and the intertidal and subtidal habitats found in sea loughs) are very well represented. • 8 Biodiversity Strategy proposed to increase broadleaved woodland cover and improve the protection and management of existing woodland for biodiversity. • Coastal and marine managementCoastal and marine habitats comprise a large part of the biodiversity of Northern Ireland, although the submerged habitats are hidden from view. The coast and coastal waters are affected by potentially conflicting uses. Measures are proposed for the establishment of mechanisms which help integrate coastal uses and develop sustainable fisheries. Water use and managementNorthern Ireland wetland habitats and species are being affected by nutrient enrichment (eutrophication). Rivers are also affected by conflicting potential uses. The implementation of a Eutrophication Strategy and a River Conservation Strategy is proposed. The impending Water Framework Directive will have a significant impact. Construction and developmentThese can have both direct and indirect effects on biodiversity. Measures are proposed to ensure that biodiversity priorities are fully addressed in development plans and strengthen the protection of sites of nature conservation importance. Tourism and recreation- For the most part tourism and recreation are compatible with biodiversity and rarely conflict. However, there have been some cases where developments and activities have impacted on biodiversity. Measures are proposed to ensure that any future potential growth in these sectors does not adversly affect biodiversity. • Peatland management- Upland blanket bogs and lowland raised bogs are well represented in Northern Ireland. Past drainage, over-grazing and continued peat cutting have reduced the area and quality of these habitats and it is proposed to revise the peatland conservation strategy to address these problems. Introduced species- Introduced species can present particular problems on islands such as Ireland with a naturally limited range of native species. A number of habitats and species are severely affected by introduced species. It is proposed that this issue be addressed by developing an introduced species strategy at an all-Ireland level. Protecting special areas for biodiversity- Many habitats and species are concentrated on a few sites and therefore the protection of sites is especially important. Measures are proposed to develop a more effective site protection network, particularly by reviewing the effectiveness and efficiency of the current protection and, if necessary, making legislative changes and seeking the positive and beneficial management of sites. Protecting priority species and habitats- For those priority habitat and species identified in the UK Biodiversity Report, the habitat and species action plans will continue to be implemented. Proposals are made for the preparation of 20 Northern Ireland habitat action plans including three habitats which do not have UK action plans. Three Northern Ireland species action plans are currently being prepared and a proposed list of Northern Ireland priority species is presented from which an initial • • • • • • 9 Biodiversity Strategy 43 species requiring Northern Ireland action plans are identified. • Conserving genetic biodiversityA wide range of livestock breeds and plant varieties has been used in Ireland. Little is known of the current status of some of these. A review of the conservation arrangements for plant cultivars and livestock breeds in Ireland is proposed. Future research and monitoringInadequate information is likely to be one of the factors limiting the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation. Measures are proposed to improve information on such groups as lichens, bryophytes and some marine taxa and habitats. Knowledge, understanding and participation- The success of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy depends on the involvement of people and groups in undertaking or supporting action. However, there is at present a low level of awareness of the concept of biodiversity and conservation by individuals, groups and government. To improve this situation, measures are proposed to strengthen biodiversity education, increase awareness of local biodiversity and encourage wider participation in conservation work. Local action- Local involvement is seen as a critical part of delivering biodiversity conservation. Measures are proposed to enhance the role of district councils and community groups in biodiversity conservation, particularly under the auspices of Local Agenda 21. Proposals 6. This draft strategy contains 70 proposals. Government should take the lead in their implementation. But they are not directed solely at government. There is a wider responsibility on society as a whole, an important part for many of its different component sectors to play. Comments on this document are invited and should be sent in writing to the following address no later than 30 November 1999. NIBG Secretariat River House 48 High Street Belfast BT1 2AR (Tel: 01232 547719) 7. • • • 10 PEOPLE AND BIODIVERSITY 1 Biodiversity Strategy 1 PEOPLE AND BIODIVERSITY 1 Biodiversity is simply the variety of life. Everyone has a stake in maintaining biodiversity. This chapter outlines how biodiversity affects us all and how the people in Northern Ireland affect both global and domestic biodiversity. The legislation and institutions which help conserve biodiversity in Northern Ireland are also outlined. There are, for example, many varieties of potato that have different qualities: we would lose biodiversity if we only conserved one or two of them. All species vary in their genetic make-up: no two individuals have the same genetic make-up. 1.1 What is biodiversity? The word ‘biodiversity’ is becoming increasingly used as part of our vocabulary although it is rarely defined in straightforward terms. Broadly speaking, biodiversity is the variety of life found on earth. All the species that we see represent biodiversity, from microbes to great whales. However, biodiversity is also found at many other levels in the natural world, from variation in habitats and landscapes The Irish hare is a distinct subspecies of the mountain hare found only in Ireland. 1.2 Why is biodiversity important? The natural world is very complex with many intricate relationships between species and habitats that we do not always fully understand. No living thing, however, lives apart from its Northern Ireland’s landscapes are rich in wetland and grassland habitats and hedgerows. right through to variation in the genetic make-up of species. For example, the biodiversity of the Sperrins is very different to that of green spaces in urban areas. All of these landscapes and habitats make valuable contributions to biodiversity. At the smallest scale is genetic biodiversity represented by the wide range of crop plants and domesticated animals of the present and the past. A colonial anemone: our coastal waters contain a great diversity of species. surroundings and from other living things. Indeed, this interdependence of all the various parts of the natural world is essential for the health of the planet as a whole. Consequently, it is vital that we ensure that all of these components are functioning properly. Levels of 12 Biodiversity Strategy biodiversity are important because they interact and combine to provide yet more variation in the living world, i.e. evolution - our future. Any human activity that diminishes this biodiversity will, therefore, impoverish our own quality of life, reduce resources available and jeopardise the survival of our descendants. • we have an enormous influence over what happens to other species. We therefore have the responsibility to look after them. We should ensure that a rich environment is handed on to the next generation. Rivers and loughs are rich in wildlife and offer many opportunities for fishing and recreation. Particular reasons why we should seek to conserve biodiversity include: • direct benefits as natural processes protect our planet. For example, upland vegetation binds soil and reduces erosion and the climatic cycle maintains air quality; it feeds and clothes us, and provides medicines; it enhances our quality of life, by adding variety to our surroundings; it helps shape our culture and inspires our poets, painters, writers and composers; we have a moral responsibility to hand on to the next generation the variety of life that we have inherited; Conserving biodiversity should be fundamental to every aspect of society. The current loss of biodiversity is largely the result of human activity and represents a serious threat to human development. It is now accepted that biodiversity is an issue not only in tropical countries, which is where the threat to biodiversity is most often perceived to lie, but everywhere including Northern Ireland. • • • Foxgloves are a source or digitalin, used in the treatment of heart disease. • 13 Biodiversity Strategy 1 What we do in Northern Ireland also affects biodiversity elsewhere in the world. Tropical rainforests are felled to supply timber to developed countries. Greenhouse gases produced by burning fuel in Northern Ireland contribute to global warming. This has been implicated in the loss of coral reefs in tropical oceans and, through rising sea levels, threatens coastal habitats around the world. Furthermore, since every individual benefits from biodiversity, it follows that the responsibility for its conservation rests with everyone and not only with governments. We must all become involved in the conservation of biodiversity. We should seek to tread very lightly on our countryside since we cannot predict with certainty the consequences of our actions: this is the precautionary principle. 1.3 Human impacts on biodiversity pasture as well as entirely artificial habitats such as arable land; areas of low-intensity traditional farming support a high proportion of our biodiversity. However, not all human activities can be said to have had benefits for biodiversity. The scale and pace of human intervention in the natural world has increased dramatically and this has resulted in an unprecedented wave of biodiversity loss. For example, globally some 10% of all bird and mammal species are threatened with extinction. The current rate of species extinction in the world is many thousands of times as high as in pre-historic times. In the UK, we have lost at least 100 species this century. We are also losing biodiversity here in Northern Ireland on a similar scale (Appendix 8.6 lists over 50 species which have become extinct in Northern Ireland during the last 150 years). Human activities have always had an effect on other species and their habitats. Indeed, as described in Chapter 3, humans have profoundly affected Northern Ireland over the last 10,000 years. Although these changes reduced the extent of the original habitats, in some respects total biodiversity increased because new habitats were created. These include semi-natural habitats such as heathlands, grasslands and wood Club sedge became extinct at its sole Irish location on Lough Neagh around 1886 because of waterlowering, scrub clearance and overgrazing. Water colour drawing by George Victor Du Noyer. Northern Mournes at Tollymore showing heathland and recent land-use changes such as afforestation and agricultural improvement. In the past, traditional land management practices, such as reedbed cutting, haymaking and livestock grazing, created or maintained many habitats where a great variety of plants and animals could live. Many of these practices have since been abandoned, to be replaced by the mechanisation and intensification of agriculture, including the use of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides. 14 Biodiversity Strategy This has led to a rapid decline of wild areas and the species they contained. Ninety percent of Northern Ireland’s lowland raised bogs have been lost or altered due to peat extraction, forestry and drainage, and whereas 50 years ago every farm with livestock would have maintained a hay meadow to provide winter feed, now only a few survive. Furthermore the desire that many people have to live in the countryside has put increasing pressure on our natural habitats. The demand for land for development for houses, shops, roads and leisure activities has had its effect. Natural habitats have a lower market value and so are disproportionately affected by such developments. 1.4.2 Outline of the institutions and sectors in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland institutions involved in biodiversity conservation differ in a number of respects from those operating elsewhere in the UK. Most key responsibilities are vested in departments, agencies and regional roards. These include roads, housing, health, environmental protection, planning and agriculture. Local government also has a part to play in the direct provision of some functions but has an equally important influential role. Central government The organisation of government will be affected by the introduction of the new Assembly and the new departmental structures associated with it. Government functions in Northern Ireland will be reorganised into the Offices of the First and Deputy First Ministers and ten other departments. The precise roles of the new departments remains to be clarified but all central government departments will continue to be involved in achieving the wider objectives of this strategy, e.g. through land management and green housekeeping. All government departments are concerned with biodiversity to the extent that they need to take account of the implications of their policies and activities. Two of them have a pivotal role in delivering biodiversity conservation, the Department of the Environment (DOE) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). The Department of the Environment will have responsibility for government environment policy formulation including legislation. 1.4 Biodiversity conservation in Northern Ireland 1.4.1 Legislation Northern Ireland has a separate statute book from Great Britain. It covers not only nature conservation and public enjoyment of the countryside but also includes aspects of environmental protection (waste management, air and water quality), planning and agriculture. However, these mostly reflect legislative provisions in GB. Biodiversity conservation has also become affected by international agreements and legislation in recent years, which also affects the Republic of Ireland. Details of the main domestic legislation and international legislation affecting nature conservation, environmental protection and planning can be found in Appendix 8.4. 15 Biodiversity Strategy 1 This includes most of the regulatory functions exercised by the Department of the Environment (NI) and incorporates direct responsibility for biodiversity and sustainability. In exercising its function in relation to nature conservation and countryside matters, the DOE is advised by a statutory body, the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC). The department has responsibility for two executive agencies which are of particular relevance to biodiversity conservation in Northern Ireland. The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of the DOE has the main operational responsibility for the conservation of biodiversity. Its core aims include conserving nature and the countryside and protecting species, particularly through protected wildlife sites, the protection of landscapes, and providing advice to other parts of government. A formal link to GB conservation agencies is the provision of work undertaken in conjunction with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). In addition, its function in controlling the pollution of air, water and land has an important impact on biodiversity. Other functions include protecting, recording and conserving historic monuments and buildings and promoting awareness and appreciation of our environment and heritage. The Planning Service of the DOE is responsible for development planning and development control. This involves setting out detailed policies for the development and use of land and dealing with formal planning applications. These functions are critically important in promoting the sustainable development of natural resources in general and the protection of key areas for wildlife in particular. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will retain most of the functions of the Department of Agriculture (NI) (DANI) and will be an important enabler of biodiversity action. It will be responsible for economic growth and the development of agriculture in the countryside in Northern Ireland. This involves assisting the agri-food, fishing and forestry sectors. This is supported by a strong research capability, through links with The Queen’s University of Belfast. Its Environmental Policy Division has particular responsibility for the direction of DANI environmental policy designed to enable farming to be undertaken in a way that is compatible with the conservation of the countryside. There are four parts of the department particularly concerned with the implementation of biodiversity conservation: Countryside Management Division, Forest Service, Rivers Agency and Fisheries Division. Countryside Management Division plays the key role in delivering biodiversity conservation at the farm level and in the implementation of environmentally sustainable farming practices. This is undertaken through promoting and implementing European Union (EU) agri-environment schemes, facilitating and delivering environmental education and training and supporting good countryside management. Forest Service is concerned with the economic development of the entire forestry sector in Northern Ireland, whilst at the same time promoting the sustainable management of forests for multiple use and conserving and enhancing the rural environment. Most key responsibilities relating to biodiversity are vested in central Government. Forest Service is the largest single landowner in Northern Ireland and manages a number of important woodland and peatland sites. 16 Biodiversity Strategy This involves the direct management of woods and forests and the encouragement of private investment in forestry, particularly through grant-aid, and by regulation of forestry. Forest Service manages 5% of the land and is the largest single landowner in Northern Ireland. part of such an LA21 strategy through having wildlife and habitat conservation policies and facilities. Museums The Ulster Museum plays a particularly important role in biodiversity awareness, environmental information and research. It administers the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR), Northern Ireland’s biological records centre (funded by EHS). Universities The two universities in Northern Ireland, The Queen’s University of Belfast and the University of Ulster are key providers of specialist biological education and research and their staff are a major reservoir of expertise. They undertake research in a wide range of environmental and biological subjects. Voluntary environmental groups Voluntary societies have a long history of involvement in the study of nature going back to the nineteenth century. Many of them, or their successors, remain major sources of information about the biodiversity of Northern Ireland. The second half of the twentieth century has seen a dramatic growth in the number and range of voluntary bodies primarily orientated towards conservation. Their activities vary, but include managing land for nature conservation, compiling information, Rivers Agency is primarily responsible for flood protection and land drainage, both of which can have a major impact on rivers, lakes and other inland wetlands and coastlines. This involves executing flood protection works, maintaining a network of free flowing rivers and regulating the water levels of Lough Neagh and, in conjunction with authorities in the Republic of Ireland, Lough Erne. It also constructs and maintains water recreation facilities and maintains the Lower Bann and Lough Erne as navigable waterways. It aims to execute these activities in an environmentally sympathetic manner and, where possible, opportunities are taken to conserve and enhance the natural river environment. Fisheries Division is responsible for the supervision, protection and the development of fisheries. Fisheries development can have very major impacts on marine biodiversity and progress is being made towards fisheries which are sustainable. Local Government Local government in Northern Ireland is administered by 26 district councils. They have a major responsibility for biodiversity as landowners in addition to having statutory responsibility for waste management, parks and leisure, water and air quality management, building control and economic development. They are also instrumental in representing the needs of communities to the various regional boards and government departments and additionally have an obligation to consult with local communities in developing a strategy for Local Agenda 21 (LA21) in partnership with other key players. Biodiversity can form a major Voluntary environmental groups are particularly important in managing land for nature conservation, compiling information, education and promoting awareness. 17 Biodiversity Strategy 1 education and promoting awareness of environmental issues to the public and government. In addition, there are increasing numbers of community and local interest groups whose work includes dealing with environmental issues. Land managers The farm sector is more important in Northern Ireland than in virtually any other region of the UK. Northern Ireland agriculture is largely based on family-run farms, with many farmers supplementing the areas they own with land taken in short-term lettings, known locally as conacre. In 1994 there were 28,400 farm businesses with an average area of 35 ha. Almost half of these farms are classed as ‘very small’ in the UK context. Farmers are represented by two groups, the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association (NIAPA). Through their control of over 80% of the land of Northern Ireland, farmers have a dominant influence over the future of wild populations of plants and animals. mild wet climate, which has led to an abundance of lake and peatland habitats not found in GB. In addition, local impacts of human activity have resulted in a dominance of grassland and sparse woodland cover. The interdependency is also seen clearly where river catchments and sea loughs straddle the political border, and in the thousands of birds which migrate to Ireland during the winter to use a network of sites throughout the island. It follows that the issues affecting biodiversity are shared and may be best tackled in similar ways in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Non-government organisations have been working together for several years, particularly over bird counts. Government departments are also working on joint initiatives, such as the identification of threatened species in plant and animal Red Data Books, the identification of international sites such as Special Protection Areas for birds (SPAs) and cross-border water catchment management plans. There is scope for closer co-operation through cross-border structures which may be established. This document therefore needs to address the all-Ireland aspects of our biodiversity. It proposes to identify opportunities for common approaches and co-operation to maximise biodiversity conservation within the island of Ireland. Farmers have a crucial role in managing the countryside of Northern Ireland and its rich wildlife. 1.4.3 The all-Ireland context In terms of biodiversity, Northern Ireland is more closely linked to the Republic of Ireland than GB. As a result of its geographical isolation the island of Ireland lacks many species found in GB or Europe. Ireland, as a whole, has a Pale-bellied brent geese breed in arctic Canada and winter in a series of protected sites around the Irish coast. 18 THE NEED FOR A NORTHERN IRELAND BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 2 Biodiversity Strategy 2. 2 THE NEED FOR A NORTHERN IRELAND BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY on Biological Diversity (Box 2.1). At the same time, several other biodiversityrelated initiatives were also agreed including: • the Rio Declaration, a statement of principles addressing the need to balance environmental protection with sustainable development; Agenda 21, an action plan for the 21st century aiming to integrate environmental issues across a wide range of activities; a statement of principles for the sustainable management of forests; the Convention on Climate Change, committing countries that ratified it to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This chapter outlines the context and aims of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy relative to the UK’s international commitment to sustainable development, the Biodiversity Convention, and subsequent UK initiatives. It also explains how a strategy would help Northern Ireland fulfil its role in conserving biodiversity. 2.1 Background: from Rio to Belfast • • 2.1.1 The Biodiversity Convention Much of the current concern over the state of the world’s biodiversity became focussed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 (the ‘Earth Summit’, or simply ‘Rio’). It was attended by representatives from 156 countries and launched the Convention • The Biodiversity Convention was signed in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 by 156 countries including the UK, Ireland and the European Community. 20 Biodiversity Strategy Box 2.1 The Biodiversity Convention The objectives of the Convention are to ensure the conservation of biodiversity, its sustainable use and the fair and equal sharing of benefits from its use. Nations that signed the Convention are obliged to adopt its Articles. The key Articles relating to the conservation of biodiversity are: • Article 6: General measures of conservation and sustainable use The article requires signatories to develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. • Article 7: Identification and monitoring The article requires signatories to identify and monitor biodiversity and the impacts on it. It also addresses knowledge necessary for conservation and sustainable use. • Article 8: In-situ conservation (i.e. conservation of natural habitats and ecosystems) The article requires signatories to manage biodiversity where it occurs naturally. It also covers protected areas and threatened species. • Article 9: Ex-situ conservation (i.e. conservation of biological diversity outside natural habitats) The article requires signatories to conserve biodiversity in zoos, botanical gardens and the like. Collections from the wild are also covered. 2.1.2 The UK Biodiversity Action Plan The UK government ratified the Biodiversity Convention in June 1994. Even before this, however, the government had committed itself to produce a consultative national action plan based on the principles of the Biodiversity Convention. Thus, Biodiversity: the UK action plan was launched in January 1994. Its overall aim is ‘to conserve and enhance biological diversity within the UK and to contribute to the conservation of global diversity through all appropriate mechanisms’. The objectives for conserving biodiversity which underlie this aim are to conserve (and, wherever possible to enhance): • native species, habitats and ecosystems in general; those species, habitats and ecosystems which are especially threatened or for which the UK is very important; species, habitats and ecosystems that are characteristic of local areas; the biodiversity of natural and semi-natural habitats where this has been reduced over recent decades. A UK Action Plan was published for the roseate tern in 1998. • In 1993 a grouping of NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) had produced Biodiversity Challenge: an agenda for conservation in the UK. This proposed targets for over 530 threatened species and 16 habitats and was a valuable contribution to the identification of priorities for conservation. In Northern Ireland, a similar local consortium of NGOs launched Biodiversity in Northern Ireland. Priorities for wildlife conservation: a discussion document in 1997 which identified the needs of Northern Ireland’s threatened species and habitats. 21 • • Biodiversity Strategy 2 Following the publication of the UK plan, a steering group was formed to develop a detailed programme of action to meet the plan’s objectives. The group published its conclusions and recommendations in 1995 as Biodiversity: the UK Steering Group Report. The report contained the following proposals: • the promotion of increased public awareness of the importance of biodiversity, and the broadening of public involvement; the development of action plans for each part of the UK as a means of implementing the national plan; specific costed actions with targets to conserve about 130 of the most threatened and declining species and habitats; the establishment of a more effective system for handling the biological information that is needed to assess and monitor the status of biodiversity; putting together a further tranche of costed action plans for habitats and species. 2.2 The need for a Regional Biodiversity Strategy • The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG) was consequently established in late 1996. From the outset, the NIBG recognised that a regional strategy for Northern Ireland should facilitate the implementation of the UK action plan in Northern Ireland, whilst paying considerable attention to local needs and the all-Ireland context. The clear commitment from ghovernment to put the environment at the heart of all its policies will enable the delivery of the objectives on biodiversity. It is also desirable to address biodiversity in Northern Ireland from an all-Ireland perspective. A biodiversity strategy for Northern Ireland therefore provides the opportunity for identifying priorities and setting targets for action that take into account the abundance, distribution and status of species and habitats in the Republic of Ireland. It also enables the identification of those priority habitats and species identified by the UK Biodiversity Steering Group for which Northern Ireland has a special responsibility. 2.3 Aim and objectives • • • The first two points are essentially concerned with extending involvement in biodiversity conservation in the community. They explicitly recognise that conservation will not be effective if it is confined to those with a traditional leading role. By adopting a broad-based approach, a wide range of bodies (including landowners, managers and businesses) can and must become involved in biodiversity-related issues through the establishment of partnerships. The government endorsed the steering group report in May 1996 and established a UK Biodiversity Group to develop structures, processes, actions and timetables for delivering the UK Action Plan. As a part of this, National Biodiversity Groups were to be established and charged with carrying forward action on the ground. 22 The aim is to develop and refine the objectives of the UK action plans at the regional level of Northern Ireland and enable responsibilities under that parent plan to be discharged here along with local biodiversity priorities. Specifically, this document: • • • identifies the main features of biodiversity in Northern Ireland; identifies the main factors affecting biodiversity; proposes a comprehensive set of strategic measures designed to support the conservation of biodiversity for the period 1999-2014.