Conserving Biodiversity

• What is Biodiversity

  The Biodiversity Unit in NIEA is responsible for implementing the policies designed to protect Northern Ireland's Biodiversity. By working with landowners, groups with a vested interest, conservation organisations, delivery groups and other government agencies, they produce both Species and Habitat Action Plans and oversee the work of the Local Biodiversity Officers.

• HabitatsSpecies

  The conservation, protection and enhancement of habitats at risk in Northern Ireland generally, because of either rarity or a high rate of decline, is a key role of the NIEA Biodiversity Unit. An important part of species conservation is the identification, naming, and classification of living things according to apparent common characteristics. We use this survey information to draft and oversee the implementation of Habitat and Species Action Plans related to those under current or possible threat in Northern Ireland including those species and habitats being threatened by invasive aliens.

• Research

  Research is the scientific backbone and the foundation for the work of all the units within Natural Heritage, whether this research is carried out by our own staff, academic institutions or by other means. The information gathered through research is used on a daily basis by all our staff to, for example, inform the delivery of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy or make decisions on the impact of development on nature conservation. Also it assists in formally protecting or designating sites. Importantly it informs future environmental policy and monitors changes in the natural environment

• Implementation

  The NIEA Biodiversity Unit oversees measures taken to conserve, protect and enhance our local biodiversity. This includes supporting other stakeholders and landowners both practically and through grant aid to carry out the requirements of the Species and Habitat Action Plans. One of the large scale contracts they are lead partners in, along with National Parks and Wildlife Service, is the Invasive Species Ireland project.