Natural Heritage Overview and Strategic Context

Northern Ireland is a region of dramatic landscape contrasts and subtle transitions. The inherent diversity of the underlying rocks, landforms and soils has been augmented by centuries of settlement and land management, resulting in rich, varied and unique landscape patterns and features within the region. Our natural and cultural landscapes are an essential aspect of our sense of place and belonging and are part of our national and community identity. The diversity of Northern Ireland's habitats, species, landscapes and earth science features (i.e. natural heritage) is an important and highly valued asset of our society. Our natural heritage provides a wide range of opportunities for enjoyment, recreation and sustainable economic activity. The conservation, enhancement and restoration of the abundance, quality, diversity, and distinctiveness of the region's natural heritage are also fundamental to the overall health and well-being of our society. The Regional Development Strategy 2035 (RDS) provides regional guidance to conserve, protect and where possible enhance our natural environment. It recognises that effective care of the environment provides very real benefits in terms of improving health and well-being, promoting economic development and addressing social problems which result from a poor quality environment. Sustaining and enhancing biodiversity is fundamental to furthering sustainable development. The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy and EU Biodiversity Strategy seek to halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystems services by 2020. Furthermore, the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 places a statutory duty on every public body to further the conservation of biodiversity. However, all of us share the collective responsibility to preserve and improve the natural environment and halt the loss of biodiversity for the benefit of future generations.