DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has launched Northern Ireland’s first Peatland Strategy setting out a pathway for peatland conservation and restoration over the next 15 years.
The strategy runs to 2040 and has been developed to reflect the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. Five strategic objectives and 26 actions are set out in the strategy, to help to deliver conservation, restoration and management of peatland to support greater carbon storage and improve biodiversity and water quality.
During a visit to the Belfast Hills, where peatland restoration efforts are underway at Divis Mountain, Minister Muir unveiled the strategy. He said: “I am delighted that we have now published our first Peatland Strategy, which should mark a turning point for how these precious habitats are protected, restored and managed. We must embrace the power of peatlands as a nature-based solution to tackle the nature and climate crisis and improve water quality. Peatlands, which cover approximately 12% of Northern Ireland, are our rainforest equivalent and have enormous potential to store and sequester carbon. However, there is now widespread recognition that well managed peatlands enhance water quality, help reduce flood risk, combat climate change and provide vital habitat for threatened species such as the hen harrier, curlew and golden plover.
“It is essential that our peatlands and the ecosystem services that they provide are acknowledged and appreciated for the value and benefits they bring to people, nature and climate. Repairing our damaged peatlands offers real return on investment and creates good green jobs. Environmental groups in Northern Ireland have already been leading the way delivering pioneering peatland restoration projects. We must build on this capacity and know-how to scale up peatland restoration across Northern Ireland.”
There is currently £7.8million allocated for peatland restoration through the Environment Fund and Shared Island Fund to 2028. This funding, secured via Environment Fund, Shared Island Funding and Peaceplus, will provide for circa 1000ha of restoration and 5000 to 6000ha with restoration plans. In addition, Peaceplus funding of approximately €40million is currently awarded for nature projects in Northern Ireland to 2028, which includes a major peatland restoration element of around 12500ha over that time period.
The strategy includes a consultation on restricting sales of peat and peat products, a wildfire strategy, and the creation of a register of peatlands to help identify those sites most immediately in need of support.
