[BACKGROUND IMAGE] https://aaf1a18515da0e792f78-c27fdabe952dfc357fe25ebf5c8897ee.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/13/plfu---ls--heather2---andy-hay+mobile.jpg?v=1747408058000 https://aaf1a18515da0e792f78-c27fdabe952dfc357fe25ebf5c8897ee.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/13/heather2---andy-hay+desktop.jpg?v=1747408057000 Photo: Andy Hay

Tell your MLA:

Show your support for Nature 

Nature in Northern Ireland is in crisis. We are one of the most nature depleted places on the planet with 12% of species threatened with extinction on the island of Ireland as a whole, and the majority of targets in the previous Biodiversity Strategy for Northern Ireland were not achieved.  

We are asking supporters to contact their local MLA to back two key changes: legally binding Nature Targets and the creation of an independent Environmental Protection Agency for Northern Ireland. 

RSPB NI is supporting efforts to introduce a new law, the Environment and Nature Restoration Bill. This would require the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to set clear, measurable and legally binding targets for nature recovery. A recent LucidTalk poll found strong public concern about the state of nature in Northern Ireland and 83% of respondents agreed that nature is in decline and supported introducing legal targets to restore it. 

Legally binding Nature Targets would: 

  • Restore declining species 
  • Improve the state of protected sites 
  • Tackle water and air pollution 
  • Ensure transparent reporting and accountability 

Unlike other parts of the UK and Ireland, Northern Ireland still does not have an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For more than 20 years, successive governments have failed to deliver this essential environmental oversight. We also do not have legally binding Nature Targets to drive the recovery of wildlife and habitats. This must change. 

An independent EPA would provide strong, transparent environmental governance and accountability including delivery of Nature Targets. From the annual blue-green algae crisis in Lough Neagh to Europe’s largest illegal waste dump at Mobuoy, the need for independent environmental regulation is clear, not just for nature, but for our health, wellbeing and economy. 

The recent LucidTalk poll found broad support for stronger environmental governance, with 70% agreeing that establishing an independent Environmental Protection Agency should be a priority for the Northern Ireland Executive. 

We are asking you to contact your local MLA to show your support for both an independent Environmental Protection Agency and legally binding Nature Targets. 

Nature underpins our communities, our health, our economy and our future. We cannot afford further decline.

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