Latest news with #NatureRestorationPlan
Irish Examiner
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Nature is worryingly absent from the National Development Plan review
Albert Einstein once said, look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. But even somebody with the cerebral capacity of Einstein would struggle to understand and get their head around the latest National Development Plan. This is a plan which purports to chart the progress of the country over the coming years, but which bizarrely fails to allocate any finance to nature in the middle of, what our current Taoiseach had referred to as, a biodiversity crisis. Low on detail, high on promises was how the Irish Examiner's Mick Clifford Podcast accurately described the NDP. Unfortunately when it comes to nature, it was worse – no detail and not even a promise. The gutting of nature from the Infrastructure, Climate & Nature Fund (ICNF) to finance transport, energy and water infrastructure projects in the National Development Plan is very alarming, deeply disappointing and flies in the face of the Government's previous guarantees on nature restoration. The decision is even more concerning given that the Programme for Government committed that the Infrastructure, Climate & Nature Fund will 'ensure ongoing protection for our environment for future generations', while also committing to the development of Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan which requires ambitious nature restoration at land and at sea under the EU's flagship Nature Restoration Law. However, the National Development Plan announced by the Government this week has allocated nothing to nature, instead taking €3.15 billion from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund for transport, energy and water infrastructure. It appears that the Government is saying one thing but doing the opposite on nature restoration. It has decided to gut Nature from the Infrastructure, Climate & Nature Fund, instead using the budget to fund investment in transport, energy and water infrastructure. The Environmental Pillar has repeatedly criticised the absence of ringfencing for nature within the ICN fund, criticism that has been fully vindicated this week by the Government's shortsightedness. There is now a genuine concern that nature restoration funding is losing out to infrastructure projects that prioritise economic growth over measures to address the biodiversity emergency. It seems like a cynical sleight of hand to use ICN funding for a project that has been talked about for decades in various different forms and which pre-dates the fund. The Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund's purpose is to support State expenditure: where there is a significant deterioration in the economic or fiscal position of the State, and in the years 2026 to 2030, on designated environmental projects. But, while everyone acknowledges that we are living in uncertain times economically, the Government is not proposing to invoke the 'economic deterioration' provision, designed 'to provide for countercyclical capital expenditure in the event of an economic or fiscal downturn' (NTMA), so all the allocated spending for 2026 to 2030 must therefore be for 'designated environmental projects'. Under Section 20 of the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024, such projects must contribute to the achievement of various national and EU environmental regulations such as on water quality, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, the Birds and Habitats Directives, the National Biodiversity Action Plan and the Wildlife Act. However, the proposed allocation of the €3.15 billion that can be spent before 2030, laid out by Government in the NDP, contains no allocation for nature and looks much more like what the fund would be spent on if the 'economic deterioration' condition was being invoked to ensure 'countercyclical capital expenditure' in infrastructure. This is not an argument against funding for Metrolink. Ireland needs greater investment in public transport – whether it is Metrolink in Dublin, light rail in other major cities, expanded bus routes and active transport infrastructure. But in this case, there is over €100 billion of other money allocated to infrastructure by 2030 under the NDP so that provision clearly does not apply. This is not to mention the billions of euros in Apple back-taxes which Jack Chambers in a budget statement last October said provided the country with one-off revenue that has the capacity to be transformational and address the known challenges that we face in housing, energy, water and transport infrastructure. An artist's impression of the MetroLink rail project's Tara Street entrance. The Government has decided to gut Nature from the Infrastructure, Climate & Nature Fund, instead using the budget to fund investment in transport, energy and water infrastructure. File picture And then, there's the €305 million from the sale of the final AIB shares. It is all the more disappointing therefore that the dedicated Climate and Nature Fund is being diverted from its nature focus to further boost infrastructure spending which is not short of other funding. The lack of any funding for nature in the financial allocations for the NDP is even more shocking and worrying given that the State is currently engaging in an extensive consultation process involving farmers, fishers and environmentalists to inform the development of a national Nature Restoration Plan. The financing of that plan remains a key concern for all stakeholders. Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan has to be underpinned by significant investment. The Government has repeatedly told farmers that any nature restoration under the Nature Restoration Law would be funded and voluntary and that the main burden of restoration would take place on public lands. They have clearly been misleading farmers and Irish society as there is no indication that the Government intends to allocate new and additional funding towards nature restoration. And there is no sign that the Government is willing to take the kind of action that is needed to utilise Coillte and Bord Na Mona lands to the extent that is needed to achieve Ireland's legally binding targets. The Environmental Pillar is calling for the ringfencing of a substantial proportion of the Climate and Nature Fund for spending on nature. And we are in the fortunate position of knowing how much and where to invest that money. Unlike the vague and abstract NDP, a detailed financial needs assessment for biodiversity is available. Ireland needs greater investment in public transport – whether it is Metrolink in Dublin, light rail in other major cities, expanded bus routes and active transport infrastructure. File photo: Sasko Lazarov / The National Parks and Wildlife Service tasked UCD with carrying out a Biodiversity Financial Needs Assessment on how much would be required to reach the targets of the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 and international obligations including the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. This was delivered in 2021 and updated in 2023 to take account of the draft Nature Restoration Law. The study estimated the expenditure required for nature restoration in Ireland at €463.5m per annum, according to the report Funding Ireland's Biodiversity: A Financial Needs Assessment for Biodiversity in Ireland. And last year, Natural Capital Ireland was commissioned by the Irish Environmental Network to deliver a report on high-level recommendations for funding nature restoration in Ireland. This project brought together a diverse group of subject matter experts from academia, business, environmental NGOs, farming, government departments, and semi-state bodies to workshop high-level recommendations for funding nature restoration. These would be good places for the Government to start if it's serious about nature restoration. Nature is conspicuous by its absence in the National Development Plan. Given that we are at a crucial time in relation to the biodiversity crisis in Ireland, it is inexcusable that no funding was earmarked for nature restoration. Biodiversity supports and underpins our society, whether it is food production or clean air or a stable climate. It is imperative that nature is adequately funded. Ciarán Brennan is communications officer at the Irish Environmental Network
Agriland
31-07-2025
- General
- Agriland
Public encouraged to engage with development of Nature Restoration Plan
The public is being encouraged to engage with the development of Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan. The plan will set out national restoration needs and measures under the Nature Restoration Law and is due to be submitted to the EU Commission by September 1, 2026. Following the adoption of the law in Europe in August 2024, all member states must produce their own plan to show how they will achieve the targets set out in the regulation. Minister of State with responsibility for biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan said it is "vital that people get a chance to participate in the conversation on nature restoration in Ireland". "Events will be taking place across the country over the coming months and I'm appealing to all communities and stakeholders to get involved, learn more about what restoring nature means for them and have their say on how they want it to be done," Minister O'Sullivan said. A new website, has been launched by the minister, aiming to act as a portal for public engagement with the development of the plan. It will provide updates on the work of the Independent Advisory Committee, established and tasked with making recommendations to the minister on what should be included in the national plan. It will also publish information on public-facing 'community conversation' events. Nature Restoration Plan "Implementing the Nature Restoration Law is a huge opportunity for Ireland – including for people who earn a living from the land and the sea," Minister O'Sullivan added. "I'm looking forward to hearing the ideas and innovations that come out of the community conversations and stakeholder forums." The Nature Restoration Regulation is the first continent-wide, comprehensive law of its kind, and sets binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems. The regulation combines an overarching restoration objective for the long-term recovery of nature in the EU's land and sea areas with binding restoration targets for specific habitats and species. These measures should cover at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030, and ultimately all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has been appointed by the government to coordinate the development of Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan.
Agriland
11-06-2025
- General
- Agriland
‘Bigger package' needed for landowners to conserve nature
Agri-environmental schemes should be expanded to provide a 'bigger package' to landowners to prioritise conserving nature, according to Dr. Rebecca Jeffrey of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Dr. Jeffrey spoke at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Water Conference in Co. Galway today (Wednesday, June 11) about the ongoing process to develop a Nature Restoration Plan for Ireland. Addressing a concern raised at the event that land has been devalued in areas as a result of designations for protecting habitats – hen harriers for example – Dr. Jeffrey said that there will be 'socioeconomic value analysis done when we're setting targets' as part of the plan. 'But, I would like to think we are working to change the value of the natural capital. 'We're increasing the value of natural heritage so that you will have a value from the natural capital of land. Farmers will be paid for the natural capital that they are holding on their land, Dr. Jeffrey said.' She told the event that Ireland has been to the 'forefront' in Europe in developing results-based schemes, whereby farmers are 'paid for the ecological and natural heritage of their land'. 'It's turning that value from the traditional livestock values to natural capital values so that you can be paid for delivering carbon, delivering hen harrier habitats, delivering a clean river. That should be recognised, that's really key,' she added. There are still 'issues and blockages' to work through in relation to agri-environmental schemes, and Dr. Jeffrey said that these schemes need to be lengthened, and merged with woodland schemes. 'There has to be a bigger package for landowners, to make it worth their while to conserve nature rather than anything else,' she added. Nature Restoration Regulation The Nature Restoration Regulation came into force in August 2024. This regulation is the first continent-wide, comprehensive law of its kind, and sets binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has been appointed by the government to coordinate the development of a national Nature Restoration Plan arising from the regulation, to be submitted to the EU Commission by September 1, 2026. Dr. Jeffrey said that this plan will set out restoration targets up to 2030 and measures required to achieve them; mapping indicating areas where measures will be established; and monitoirng regimes required to determine the effectiveness of the restoration measures. Significant pressures The two-day EPA event is host to a range of speakers sharing knowledge on protecting and improving water quality in Ireland. Addressing the event, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O'Sullivan, said that agriculture has been identified as one of the most significant pressures affecting water quality. Addressing this will 'bring benefits to the quality of our waters, biodiversity and to climate change adaptation', Minister O'Sullivan said. 'The agricultural sector will also benefit by becoming more resilient. 'The approach to addressing agricultural pressures is to balance enhanced inspection and enforcement alongside the implementation of additional targeted support measures, education and knowledge,' the minister said. The 'cornerstone measure' for addressing the pressure on water quality for agriculture remains the Nitrates Action Programme. Additional measures as part of the interim review of the fifth Nitrates Action Plan were introduced in February. Officials from Minister O'Sullivan's department are currently preparing the sixth nitrates programme, which will need to be in place from January 2026. The minister said: 'There is a lot of focus on the retention of Ireland's nitrates derogation and the newly-formed Cabinet Committee on Water Quality is specifically focused on this, 'This is underpinned by an unprecedented level of cooperation across government, state agencies and the agricultural sector in general. 'It is government policy to make an application to retain the derogation, and I know that doesn't get widespread support. But if we're to make it work, cooperation is key.'
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Marine Protected Areas, Miombo woodland and more (Week 109)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for April 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Consider the following statements about Nature Restoration Law: 1. It is the first continent-wide, comprehensive law of its kind released by Europe. 2. It sets non-binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems. 3. It is part of the EU's European Green Deal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only Explanation — European Union countries gave final approval to a major and long-awaited plan to better protect nature in the 27-nation bloc. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The Nature Restoration Plan, which aims to restore ecosystems, species, and habitats in the EU, was finally adopted at a meeting of environment ministers in Luxembourg after receiving support from a qualified majority of 15 of the 27 member states and 65% of the EU population. — The Nature Restoration Law is the first law of its sort to apply to the entire continent. It is an important component of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which establishes binding targets for restoring damaged ecosystems, particularly those with the greatest potential to collect and store carbon, as well as preventing and mitigating the effects of natural disasters. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — The Nature Restoration Plan is part of the EU's European Green Deal, which aims to establish the world's most ambitious climate and biodiversity targets while also positioning the bloc as the global point of reference on all climate concerns. Hence, statement 3 is correct. — The plan requires member states to reach restoration targets for various habitats and species, with the goal of covering at least 20 per cent of the region's land and sea regions by 2030. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. (Other Source: Consider the following pairs with reference to Marine Protected Areas and their region: 1. Dugong Conservation Reserve – Tamil Nadu 2. Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary – Kerala 3. Gahirmatha – Andhra Pradesh 4. Haliday Island – Maharashtra How many of the pairs given above are correct? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs Explanation — A marine protected area (MPA) is essentially a zone in the ocean where human activities are more rigorously regulated than the surrounding waterways, akin to land-based parks. — Local, state, territorial, native, regional, or national authorities have designated these areas as special protection zones for natural or historic marine resources. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. (Source: Salal and Baglihar Dams were in the news. These dams are both constructed on: (a) Jhelum (b) Chenab (c) Sutlej (d) Beas Explanation — The Chenab River nearly dried up in Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor sector near the Line of Control when the sluice gates of two big dams, Salal and Baglihar, were closed. — According to the IWT, the Chenab is one of three 'Western Rivers' that Pakistan controls, along with the Indus and Jhelum. — However, India has restricted access to the waters of the three Western Rivers for residential, non-consumptive, agricultural, and hydroelectric power generation purposes. — India is permitted to construct run-of-river facilities on the three Western Rivers in order to create hydroelectric power. A run-of-the-river plant generates electricity from the natural flow of water. Salal and Baglihar on the Chenab are run-of-the-river projects. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the slender loris, consider the following statements: 1. They are nocturnal mammals. 2. They act as a biological predator to pests of agricultural crops. 3. It is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — Slender lorises are small nocturnal mammals and are arboreal in nature, as they spend most of their life on trees. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — They are commonly found in the tropical scrub and deciduous forests as well as the dense hedgerow plantations bordering farmlands of Southern India. — These species are listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — They act as a biological predator to pests of agricultural crops and benefit farmers. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — The sanctuary would play an important role in conservation of slender loris and yet another milestone in conservation efforts. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Miombo woodland is a 1. Dryland forest ecosystem 2. It comprises tropical and subtropical grasslands, bushlands, and savannahs. 3. found in Northern Africa Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 2 only Explanation — The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) have signed two agreements to conduct initiatives aimed at safeguarding the miombo forest and enabling trade along Mozambique's border with Zimbabwe. — The Miombo biome comprises tropical and subtropical grasslands, bushlands, and savannahs. — Miombo woodland is a huge African dryland forest ecosystem spanning almost 2.7 million square kilometres in southern Africa, encompassing Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. ( Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 108) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 109) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 109) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 109) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 108) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 108) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
