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Protecting Nature:
Towards a more
prosperous society
Priorities for a new Assembly 2016-2021
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Protecting Nature – Towards a more prosperous society
Priorities for a new Assembly 2016-2021
About RSPB NI: The RSPB is Europe’s largest nature conservation charity. Supported by more
than 1.1 million members, we protect threatened birds and other wildlife – and the habitats which
they rely upon. Locally, we are supported by more than 16,000 members and a dedicated group of
volunteers and supporters.
We employ a dedicated team of staff to understand the threats facing our wildlife, manage a
network of stunning nature reserves, and give our children hands-on experience of the natural
world. RSPB NI invests more than £1 million annually in the protection of NI’s natural environment.
Through our policy and advocacy work, we also act to influence decision-makers who have the
ability and power to protect and enhance the living world for future generations.
Introduction
Our natural environment is special, iconic and unique. However, all too often we take it for granted,
assuming it will always be there to provide us with the goods and services which it always has:
safe food, clean water, flood protection, tourist potential, carbon storage, recreation and the space
to improve our physical and mental well-being through our connection with nature and green
spaces.
The truth is that nature is in trouble. The State of Nature Report1 launched in 2013 demonstrated
beyond any doubt that we are taking more from the natural world than we are putting back, leaving
a dangerous legacy for future generations and creating a nature deficit. The pressures on nature
continue to grow – habitat change (loss, degradation and fragmentation), climate change, pollution,
over-exploitation and invasive non-native species continue to present serious risks. For the first
time, State of Nature gave us the clearest indicators yet, that species declines continue at an
alarming rate. One stark finding is that 60% of the 3,148 species assessed had declined in the last
50 years, and 31% had declined strongly. This should be a wake up call for all of us, including
government.
The good news is that very many of these challenges can be overcome – if there is the will,
political action, the right institutions and structures of government in place. We also need
measurable short, medium and long-term strategies and an ‘outcomes based’ approach. The
environment should not have to compete with an ‘economic’ agenda. The environment is the
economy, and the economy is the environment.
Below are some of RSPB NI’s solutions to help address the very many environmental challenges
which we now face as a society. The incoming Assembly and Executive must embrace many of
these solutions in the lifetime of the 2016-2021 Assembly term and work towards the longer term
goals of truly sustainable development. We look forward to working with the new Assembly to
implement many of these recommendations.
State of Nature Report 2013 – This report was produced by a partnership of 25 organisations involved in the
recording, researching and conservation of nature in the UK.
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Our Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of living things on our planet; it is the earth’s life support system. The
intricate relationships between species and habitats are essential to the health of our whole planet
and contribute to our own health, wealth and quality of life. To ensure that we have the chance of
halting biodiversity loss by 2020 (as we have already missed the 2016 target set by the NI
Government), action needs to be taken now. This includes:
Key asks of the Executive:
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The adoption of the target to halt biodiversity loss by 2020 by Government in
Northern Ireland and a commitment by all departments to meet challenging
biodiversity targets
Development of policies and funding streams to secure the restoration and
creation of priority habitats, such as blanket bog and lowland wet grassland
Provision of adequate resources to secure the delivery of biodiversity targets
Ensure new polices do not damage existing biodiversity, e.g. avoidance of
planting crops for renewable energy on areas of high biodiversity value
Protecting nature at sea
Marine – Northern Ireland’s marine environment is truly unique. Our local seas are home to a
rich, diverse and globally important wealth of wildlife whilst also providing unique and vital
services such as food, renewable energy, tourism and recreation. But like many marine
ecosystems worldwide, our seas are vulnerable to human activities and a changing climate.
Bringing in a network of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is one way to promote a more
stable future for our local marine ecosystem, a network which, if effective, could be the most
economically valuable of all waters around these islands, estimated at approx. £164,000 per
km2 – much more than English waters (£100,000) and almost three times as much as Scottish
waters (£57,000)[2.
Key asks of Executive:
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An ‘Ecologically Coherent’ functional network of Marine Protected Areas, each with
effective management plans, for Northern Ireland's seas
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An effective Marine Plan for Northern Ireland which will provide the framework for
achieving a balanced, diverse and sustainable future for Northern Ireland’s seas.
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Barnard, S., Burdon, D., Strong, J. & Atkins, J. (2014) The ecological coherence and economic & social benefits of
the Northern Ireland MPA network. Report to the Northern Ireland Marine Task Force (YBB238-F-2014). Institute of
Estuarine and Coastal Studies (IECS), University of Hull, Hull, UK, HU6 7RX.
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Outcomes
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With an Ecologically Coherent Network, Northern Ireland’s seas have the
potential to be the most valuable waters in the UK.
A functional network of MPAs and an effective Marine Plan will ensure NI
meets ‘Good Environmental Status’ which it is obligated to do under the EU
Marine Strategy Framework Directive by 2020.
A richer, healthier and sustainable marine environment is beneficial for all.
Protecting nature on land
Our wildlife is not evenly distributed throughout Northern Ireland, with naturally occurring
patterns having been modified by human use down through the centuries. Today our wildlife is
being restricted and confined to ever smaller ‘high value’ pockets. To ensure survival of these
special species and habitats, these sites must be protected from destruction or degradation.
Having an ‘ecologically coherent’ network of terrestrial ASSIs (Areas of Special Scientific
Interest) in or approaching favourable condition, not only has an intrinsic wildlife conservation
value, but also provides essential ecosystem services (food, fuel, fibre etc), often to the benefit
of the public purse. For example, an intact area of blanket bog not only provides important
habitat for a range of priority species, it also stores carbon and helps filter water. Designation is
only part of the process in protecting our most special places and wildlife. To be effective,
condition monitoring/reporting and enforcement are all crucial.
Key asks of the Executive:
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All qualifying sites declared as Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs)
including underpinning of remaining SPAs (Special Protection Areas) by 2021
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All ASSIs in or approaching favourable condition by 2021
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Sufficient resources are made available to complete designation, monitor and
report on ASSI condition, and to enforce upon damaging activities.
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Resist all threats to the EU Birds and Habitats Directives (on land and sea) and
instead work to ensure the implementation of the existing legislation, which is an
essential tool in the fight against biodiversity loss.
Outcomes
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Protecting our most ‘nature valuable’ habitats can have many benefits for society,
including carbon storage – to help in the fight against climate change, the
provision of clean water, flood protection and by leaving a legacy of habitats and
species in better condition for future generations.
Protected and maintained sites for nature can help grow our tourist potential. In
addition they can provide green spaces for local communities, benefiting public
health and wellbeing.
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Health and Well-being
The links between our natural environment and public health have long been recognised and
proven. The World Health Organisation estimates that depression and depression related illness
will become the greatest source of ill-health by 20203. The importance of quality and accessible
green space in both urban and rural areas in helping to improve our physical and mental wellbeing should not be underestimated.
The RSPB wants to help contribute to a healthier and more environmentally aware society.
While we are not experts when it comes to health issues, we do understand that mental ill
health is on the increase and requires significant investment from the Health Service.
RSPB reserves can provide a fantastic resource to help to make a contribution towards good
mental health by providing people and communities with connections to nature.
A more joined up approach between the new Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural
Affairs and Department of Health in tackling mental and physical health would be a positive
step.
Key Asks of Executive:
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The establishment of an interdepartmental working group to explore the links
between well-being and the role nature can play, with Departments working
towards a more proactive approach in managing physical and mental health,
using our natural environment and biodiversity as a key resource.
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Work with the RSPB, and others, to deliver pilot projects with healthcare
professionals. E.g. A GP referral programme where patients can be prescribed
nature related activities to tackle mental and/or physical health.
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To engage with local councils to promote the importance of creating and
maintaining accessible quality green spaces to improve well-being and the
promotion of nature related activities and initiatives.
Outcomes
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A healthier and more environmentally aware society.
Reduction in the prescribing of mental health related drugs therefore helping to
ease pressures on the departmental budget in the longer term.
GP referral hubs use nature reserves as a resource.
Better understanding of links between the natural environmental and health.
Valuable sites protected for both biodiversity and public health.
Bird, Dr William – ‘Natural Health’ 2007
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Education
Education is the fundamental building block upon which we inspire future generations to learn
about the natural world and in turn inspire them to become the environmental champions of
today – and tomorrow. In 2013, only 25% of 8 to 12 year olds in Northern Ireland achieved what
the RSPB believes is an acceptable level of connection with nature. Children are missing out on
experiences in the natural environment – at the same time evidence suggests that they are
more prone to obesity, mental health problems and poor social skills. More frequent
experiences in nature will help address many of these issues.
In this era of ‘screen time’ entertainment, we need to find innovative ways to connect young
people with nature - by providing educators with the tools and confidence to lead on curriculumlinked outdoor activities, thereby helping to bridge the nature deficit, and also providing inspiring
and innovative initiatives and incentives for children, families and informal educators to
encourage them to reconnect children with nature.
Key Ask of Executive:
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To help encourage a greater connection to nature for our children. We are asking
the Executive to embed outdoor learning in the natural environment into the NI
Curriculum and school inspections, and support this requirement through Initial
Teacher Training and continuing professional development.
Outcomes
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Our children will become better connected with nature and develop responsibility
and care for the natural world around them. They will understand the true value of
the world around them and “could make an important contribution to pupils’ future
economic wellbeing and preparing them for the next stage of their lives” (Ofsted
2008)
Increased Physical Activity: Obesity has become a major problem in the
‘developed world,’ particularly amongst children. Out of classroom learning in
nature will help to combat physical inactivity.
Better Mental Health: Playing in a natural environment can improve children’s
mental development. Some studies have shown that the behavioural symptoms of
children with attention deficit disorder (ADHD) are reduced when children play in a
natural environment. (‘Natural Health’, Bird, Dr William 2007)
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Sustainable Agriculture and Land use
Nature on farmland is in trouble. Of the 1000+ farmland species for which we have trends, 60%
have decreased and 34% have decreased strongly4 and since 1980, 300 million farmland birds
have been lost5 across the EU. Agriculture has shaped much of the landscape of rural Northern
Ireland, occupying almost 75% of the total land area. The agriculture sector employs 3.5% of
the total NI workforce, well above the UK average of 1.2%. Volatile pricing on the international
market has meant that farmers and the agri-food sector have been struggling in recent years.
Agricultural intensification has resulted in unintended consequences for the environment such
as declines in wildlife, problems with water quality and a reduction of soil quality, all of which
form the productive base of agriculture. Agriculture, however, can also be the solution to some
of these problems through instruments such as the Environmental Farming Schemes (EFS) and
European funded environment projects that work with farmers.
Land is a finite resource, under strain from ever-increasing demands. How we manage land
impacts on culture, biodiversity, water quality and flooding among other things. A broad coalition
of organisations has begun debating the potential of a Land Strategy for NI to help solve some
of these pressures. The potential for a Land Strategy also received wide support from across
the political spectrum.
Key Asks of Executive:
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Funding for the Environmental Farming Scheme is protected until 2020 and must
include advisory support for farmers to contribute to halting biodiversity decline
Use the CAP Health Check in 2017 to direct funds into the Rural Development
Budget for the Environmental Farming Scheme
The new department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and
stakeholders should develop a vision for farming, food and the environment, that
recognises the delivery of public money for public goods
Commit to resourcing a Land Strategy to ensure we get the best from our
precious land resource
Outcomes
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Public goods such as water quality, habitats for wildlife and helping society adapt
to climate change, show increases through monitoring - and farmers are
adequately rewarded for their contribution.
An independent advisory body is delivering advice to farmers on how to implement
EFS at local and landscape scale
By 2020 NI will have a recognised system of agriculture that is good for people
and nature
A Land Strategy will help ensure the sustainable use of our land resource
Burns F, Eaton MA, Gregory RD, et al. (2013) State of Nature report. The State of Nature Partnership.
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http://www.birdlife.org/europe-and-central-asia/news/300-million-farmland-birds-lost-1980-how-many-more-mustwe-lose
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Towards a low carbon economy
Climate change is one of the greatest long-term threats to nature. Changes in temperature,
ocean acidity and food availability are already affecting wildlife and habitats in Northern Ireland.
If we continue under a business-as-usual scenario, in which global temperatures rise by
approximately 4ºC, up to one in six species are threatened with extinction around the world.6
This reduces to around one in twenty species if temperatures are limited to 2ºC, or less, if kept
well below 2ºC as has been agreed by world governments at the UNFCCC COP21 in Paris. A
Northern Ireland specific Climate Change Act will be an important tool to help the country
transition to a low carbon economy. To reduce emissions sustainably, we must decarbonise
Northern Ireland’s energy system in a way that is compatible with nature. Using land well is
also vital to reducing emissions, for example by conserving and restoring wetlands, especially
peatlands, and cutting emissions from agriculture – actions which almost always help nature
too.
Key Asks of the Executive:
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Deliver a Climate Change Act that legislates for targets and policies to guide and
ensure a smooth transition to a low carbon economy.
Set up a task force to develop a roadmap for decarbonising Northern Ireland’s
energy supply in harmony with nature, taking into account the levels of renewable
technologies that can be achieved without leading to harmful impacts on wildlife
and habitats
Use strategic spatial planning to identify suitable sites for renewable energy
development with low ecological sensitivity, in order to ensure that these valuable
sites are used most efficiently
To ensure our natural environment is not impacted upon negatively by renewable
energies, improve the ecological evidence base by investing in surveys and
remote-tracking of sensitive species, especially in the marine environment, and by
facilitating data-sharing and standardisation of data collected through pre- and
post-construction monitoring
Designate energy efficiency as a National Infrastructure Priority7 and implement
ambitious policies to reduce energy demand, in order to reduce emissions and
avoid unnecessary ecological impacts of new energy infrastructure
Outcomes
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Northern Ireland’s energy is decarbonised and targets and mitigation efforts
are in line with those needed to avoid dangerous climate change
Renewable energy is delivered in harmony with nature.
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Urban, Mark C. (2015) ‘Accelerating extinction risk from climate change’ Science 348 (6234): 571-573.
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The Scottish Government designated energy efficiency as a National Infrastructure Priority in June 2015
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Environmental Governance
RSPB NI wants to see the Executive working in a joined up manner in order to solve many of
the problems facing our natural environment. To date, cross departmental working on these
issues has been limited, to the detriment of good environmental outcomes with knock on effects
to the local economy. RSPB NI believes that an independent Environmental Protection Agency
is, in principle, the best model to deliver high quality and effective environmental outcomes –
although it is not the only mechanism to improve the fortunes for our natural environment.
The reduction in the number of government departments will take place in the aftermath of the
May 2016 Assembly Election. The creation of a new Department of Agriculture Environment and
Rural Affairs (DAERA) will present both challenges and opportunities. RSPB NI believes that
environment policy should be made in the best interests of nature and not as an adjunct to
agriculture policy. If we are to solve many of the issues of species and habitat loss, it will require
the new department to take hard decisions, underpinned by the principles of sustainable
development. A coalition of environmental NGOs has commissioned consultants to look at the
current structures of environmental governance in Northern Ireland and to make
recommendations for improvement. These will be available from March 2016 onwards.
Consideration should also be given to the creation of an Environmental Audit Committee
(Standing Committee) to hold government policy to account in respect of environmental issues
and targets. The Environmental Audit Committee at Westminster has been able to successfully
look across departments and agencies and track progress in key environmental areas.
Key Asks of the Executive:
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Implement the recommendations on improving environmental governance by
Ecocentric environmental consultants, including the recommendation that the
DAERA Board should have a fixed number of Board members from an
environmental background (50%).
Creation of an Environmental Audit Committee (Standing Committee).
A Statutory Duty to assess the performance of the new Department of Agriculture
Environment and Rural Affairs after one year, against its targets.
Formal training should be provided by the Assembly to incoming MLAs,
particularly to those sitting on the Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs
Committee to help increase familiarity and expertise on a range of environmental
issues.
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Outcomes
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Creating a better system of environmental governance could significantly improve
environmental outcomes. Investment now in a more efficient model could lead to
savings for government, particularly the potential for costly EU infraction
proceedings.
A more open and transparent approach to governance would lead to greater public
confidence and participation
MLAs make informed decisions on the 9best outcomes for the natural environment