Nature needs your help – use your voice
DAERA is developing a new Nature Recovery Strategy for Northern Ireland, and this is your chance to help shape it.
This Strategy will guide how nature is protected and restored for the next decade and beyond — including our rivers, lakes, seas, wildlife, landscapes, and the natural systems we all rely on every day.
Your voice matters
Whether you are a walker, angler, swimmer, farmer, business owner, parent, student, or simply someone who cares about the future of this place, your views can strengthen the Strategy and ensure it delivers real, lasting change.
You don’t need to be an expert. Even short responses make a difference.
Take action now to protect Northern Ireland’s nature for our health, communities, economy, and future generations.
How to respond
We’ve provided eight key talking points you can use, but your response will have the most impact if you make it personal.
The consultation closes 15 April 2026 at 11:59 pm.
STEP ONE: CHOOSE ONE OPTION ONLY
Respond by email (quickest & easiest): Biodiversity.policy@daera-ni.gov.uk
OR
Respond online: Submit your response online
STEP TWO: Contact your elected representatives (crucial!)
Also copying your response to your MLA is one of the most powerful ways to make nature recovery a political priority. Decisions will only change if leaders hear from their constituents that protecting and restoring nature matters. Find your representatives and contact them today
Don’t wait — the more people speak up, the harder it is for them to ignore the urgent need for a strong, ambitious Nature Recovery Strategy.
Why this Nature Recovery Strategy matters
Northern Ireland’s nature is in serious trouble:
- Lough Neagh is experiencing ecological collapse
- Most rivers and lakes are failing basic health standards
- Wildlife is disappearing
- Habitats on land and at sea are under pressure
This affects our health, economy, communities, and future.
Nature provides essential benefits we rely on every day:
- Clean water
- Flood protection
- Carbon storage
- Food production
- Pollination
- Recreation and wellbeing
When nature declines, these benefits are lost — and the cost of fixing the damage falls on society.
We need a Strategy that is strong enough to turn things around.
Our key recommendations
1. Legal targets for nature recovery
Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK and Ireland without laws to restore nature. Without clear legal commitments, progress will be too slow and too uncertain.
2. The actions in the Strategy need to be reorganised and made clearer
Some actions in the Strategy are disconnected or repeated. They should be grouped under clearer objectives, so people can see what the Strategy is trying to achieve and how the pieces fit together. This will also help identify what is missing, for example, some key habitats.
3. The Strategy must look further ahead
Nature recovery takes decades. The Strategy should plan to 2042, not stop at 2032, and should include regular review points so progress can be checked and improved.
4. Existing plans need to be properly joined up
Northern Ireland already has many environmental plans, but they are not brought together in one place. The Strategy should act as an umbrella that links and strengthens current plans and fills the gaps. Some major pressures, like nutrient pollution, land use change and pressure on natural resources, are not properly included in the current draft and must be addressed.
5. Actions must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time‑bound)
Too many actions are vague or unclear. The Strategy needs clear commitments that say exactly what will be done and by when. It also needs proper indicators, so progress can be measured.
6. Long‑term funding is essential
Nature recovery cannot happen without stable, long-term investment. The Strategy needs a fully costed delivery plan. Without this, it will not be achievable.
7. Nature recovery must be a whole government priority
Nature affects health, the economy, farming, tourism, climate and communities. It cannot be left to one department. All parts of government need to work together, and the value of nature, including the services it provides, must be recognised and communicated clearly.
8. Strong governance and independent oversight are needed
A Nature Recovery Forum with an independent chair should be set up to monitor progress, check delivery, and advise on improvements. This will help ensure accountability and build public trust.