Embracing the Power of Peatlands in Northern Ireland's Climate Crisis Response

Strategic Insights -

Anew strategy, approved by the Stormont Executive, has been unveiled to tackle the nature and climate crisis in Northern Ireland by embracing the potential of peatlands. Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir described the region's peatlands, covering around 12% of the area, as having "enormous potential" to store and sequester carbon, improve biodiversity, and enhance water quality. The Peatland Strategy sets out five strategic objectives and 26 actions over the next 15 years to conserve, restore, and manage peatlands, with a focus on delivering carbon storage, biodiversity, and water quality improvement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Peatland Strategy in Northern Ireland aims to conserve, restore, and manage peatlands over the next 15 years to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change.
  • The strategy sets out five strategic objectives and 26 actions to deliver conservation, restoration, and management of peatland.
  • Peatlands in Northern Ireland cover approximately 12% of the region and have "enormous potential" to store and sequester carbon.
  • Well-managed peatlands enhance water quality, reduce flood risk, combat climate change, and provide vital habitat for threatened species.
  • £7.8 million has been allocated for peatland restoration through the Environment Fund and Shared Island Fund to 2028.
  • Peaceplus funding of approximately 40 million euro (£34.6 million) is awarded for nature projects in Northern Ireland to 2028, including a major peatland restoration element of around 12,500 hectares.

Statistics:

  • 12% of Northern Ireland's land area is covered by peatlands.
  • £7.8 million has been allocated for peatland restoration through the Environment Fund and Shared Island Fund to 2028.
  • 40 million euro (£34.6 million) in Peaceplus funding is awarded for nature projects in Northern Ireland to 2028, with a major peatland restoration element of around 12,500 hectares.
  • 15 years: the duration of the Peatland Strategy.

Sources:

  • BYRENEWS: "Power of peatlands to be harnessed in new climate strategy"
  • Alamy/PA: Image of Northern Ireland's peatlands