A new report from Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) has revealed that Northern Ireland is very unlikely to meet a target to protect 30% of its land and sea for nature by 2030.  

Known as 30by30, the target is part of a landmark international agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and has been committed to by the NI Executive through the Programme for Government, Environmental Improvement Plan, and Nature Recovery Strategy. 

The report finds that while the Executive has committed to achieving the target, Northern Ireland is falling dangerously behind its UK counterparts in making progress. It notes that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has yet to publish a framework setting out how progress will be calculated and what areas will count towards the target, or an action plan for how it will be delivered. 

While the report notes that calculating exact percentages is difficult due to limitations in available data and the absence of an agreed assessment framework, the authors estimate that as little as 0.38% of land and freshwater and 2.2% of marine areas may currently be contributing towards the target.  

The report argues that a clear framework, action plan, and improved monitoring are urgently needed if Northern Ireland is to achieve 30by30. It also calls on DAERA and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to rapidly convene a representative stakeholder group from the environmental, farming, and other sectors to advance the delivery of 30by30. 

 

The report highlights: 

• Northern Ireland currently lacks a published 30by30 framework and implementation plan 

• Existing protected areas alone will likely be insufficient to meet the target 

• The delivery of 30by30 could provide significant benefits for biodiversity, climate resilience, water quality, and public wellbeing 

• Fewer than four years remain to achieve the commitment 

The report recommends that DAERA and NIEA: 

• Convene a formal stakeholder forum bringing together environmental organisations, farmers, landowners, researchers, and other key parties to support delivery of 30by30 

• Publish a co-designed 30by30 Framework document setting out clear criteria for areas that count towards the target and how they will be measured 

• Publish a co-designed 30by30 Action Plan with SMART targets to ensure delivery 

 

Max Bryant, Chief Executive of NIEL, said: 

“Time is running out for the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver on its commitment to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. There is considerable concern within the environmental sector that the 30by30 target will not be met unless efforts are scaled up and advanced at pace. Making progress towards the target remains possible, but only if the Executive act decisively. Protecting and restoring nature is essential if we are to tackle biodiversity loss in Northern Ireland and beyond. What we need now is a credible plan and clear action.” 

 

Christopher McAteer, Environmental Strategy & Advocacy Manager at NIEL and lead author of the report, said: 

“While Northern Ireland is home to many beautiful landscapes and stunning scenery, below the surface nature is suffering. We live in one of the most nature-depleted parts of the world with 12% of assessed species threated with extinction across the island of Ireland as a whole. It is difficult to calculate progress towards 30by30, but our provisional estimates are that only 0.38% of land and freshwater and 2.2% of marine areas are contributing towards the target. What is crystal clear is that we need the entire Executive to get behind urgent action to keep to their commitments for biodiversity.“

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