The 2023 State of Nature Report places Northern Ireland among the most nature-depleted regions globally.
A long-term recovery framework now outlines a scientific approach to halt biodiversity loss and restore damaged ecosystems.
Nature provides essential services including food production, clean water supplies, and air quality for local communities.
Hundreds of designated locations across the region support rare flora and fauna within Areas of Special Scientific Interest.
These protected zones cover approximately 10% of terrestrial land and 38% of coastal waters.
Designations include Special Areas of Conservation, Ramsar wetland sites, Special Protection Areas, and Marine Conservation Zones.
The strategy identifies invasive species, climate change, inappropriate development, land-use shifts, intensive farming, and pollution as major threats.
Legal designation processes exist to ensure better management and protection for specific species and habitats.
Effective action on all identified pressures is required to allow natural systems to thrive.
Only one of 49 priority habitat types currently holds favourable status conditions.
Ancient woodlands, blanket bogs, and species-rich grasslands represent examples of these critical habitats.
The Office for Environmental Protection has reported insufficient site designations alongside deteriorating conditions in existing locations.
Approximately 40% of plants and animals within protected areas fail to meet the standard for favourable condition.
Addressing these challenges will require significant financial investment from government sources.