On the back of another very successful Environment Week, which once again demonstrated the importance society places upon our precious habitats, Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) believes that, with the current Assembly mandate coming to an end, it is time for the Executive to work collectively to consolidate the progress achieved during this mandate and deliver the action required to meet Northern Ireland’s environmental obligations and commitments.

As a charity that champions a valued, resilient and healthy environment, NIEL has welcomed that over the course of this Assembly mandate, DAERA has progressed a range of important environmental priorities through constructive engagement with stakeholders. However, with approximately 200 days left of this Assembly mandate, we remain concerned that many important areas of environmental legislation and policy are still awaiting Executive approval. We urge our political leaders from across all parties to accelerate action for nature’s recovery, clean up our rivers, lakes and coast, and put in place the foundations for better environmental governance.

Progressing the Nutrients Actions Programme, Nature Recovery Strategy, commitments to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, a tree planting action plan, establishing an independent Environmental Protection Agency and full implementation of the Climate Act would provide important foundations for the wellbeing of future generations. These are challenges that require collaboration, investment and leadership across sectors. By working together now we can support farming and rural communities while protecting and restoring the environment on which we all depend.