Proposals to safeguard the gene pool

By Angela Nugent

Recently, the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG) published its proposed strategy to safeguard the variety of living things (the biodiversity or the gene pool) in the area.

This strategy contains 70 proposals, many of which have implications for agriculture, forestry and the rural world. The NIBG has invited comments on its consultation document. When these are considered recommendations will be submitted to government.

The wellbeing of the natural world matters to the quality of our lives and that of future generations. Nevertheless, we are depleting natural resources at a serious rate. Ireland is losing its biodiversity, partly because of the loss of wild areas and the species these supported.

Fifty species have become extinct over the last 150 years. Think of the golden eagle, the bittern and the marsh harrier and this is only in the bird world.

Now even the Irish hare is in trouble. With these birds, mammals, snails, lichens etc go a gene pool often with untapped potential.

The NIBG pointed out "The current loss of biodiversity is largely the result of human activity and represents a serious threat to human development".

It added "We should seek to tread very lightly on our countryside since we cannot predict with certainty the consequences of our actions: this is the precautionary principle".

Perhaps the greatest challenge in this whole debate is awareness raising. An appreciation of the impact of our actions and demands on the natural world should engender a sense of responsibility.

Legal requirements

There is both domestic and European Commission legislation governing biodiversity. The domestic legislation includes the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.

These relate to such designations as Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs), equivalent to the Natural Heritage Areas of the Republic, Areas of Outstanding Beauty, Nature Reserves etc.

EC Council Directives target a network of protected sites throughout Europe. This network, know as Natura 2000, is enabled by the Birds and Habitats Directives. These directives govern Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).

All departments of government will, in time, take biodiversity policies on board. However, the Department of the Environment and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) will play pivotal roles. Farmers will be to the forefront of any policy on biodiversity.

As managers of over 80 per cent of the land area of NI they have a major influence over the future of wild populations of plants and animals.

An all Ireland perspective is needed on biodiversity. Birds do not recognise borders, some SPAs are shared as are some waterways. Hence, a need for NI and the Republic to adopt common approaches and to co-operate on relevant issues.

There are some good examples of co-operation but room for more.

Proposals relating to farming

It is recognised that farmland biodiversity depends on the existence of farming systems that prove both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

The NIBG suggests three main biodiversity objectives for farming. These are the conservation of remaining semi-natural habitats, the maintenance of farming practices that benefit biodiversity and the demise of detrimental ones.

Various measures, eg the assessment of all agricultural policies for their impact on biodiversity, are advocated.

This leads to the 70 proposals made and to many with implications for farmers and landowners. Number one relates to biodiversity impact assessments of all policies, strategies and programmes for farming and related activities.

Direct payments would be conditional on the achievement of recognised environmental standards. The monitoring and enforcement of the environmental conditions attached to livestock subsidies are sought.

Nutrient management planning is advocated as a requirement for all high- risk intensive farms. The new agri-environmental programme for 2000 to 2006 should be tailored to biodiversity objectives and used to promote low input systems.

A review of DANI's countryside management policies is advocated - this is already underway.

Proposals 6 and 9 strike a cord. Six seeks additional funding for agri-environmental schemes. Nine advocates an appropriate and adequately funded advisory service for farmers. This would include environmental training, farm conservation plans and working demonstrations.

Designated sites

There is a range of proposals relating to the various habitats and species designations. These include the completion of habitat and species surveys and the designation of qualifying sites as quickly as resources will allow.

Conservation objectives are sought for all ASSIs, SPAs and SACs. Landowners with designated sites may be interested in the proposal for the introduction of positive management schemes for ASSIs.

The freshwater use and management proposals also impact on agriculture. They include a comprehensive river conservation strategy, an eutrophication control strategy, catchment management plans and stronger anti-pollution legislation.

The proposals relating to the planning regulations and development plans have implications for some landowners.

Farming a front runner in biodiversity stakes

The mild wet climate, our westerly location, a diverse geology and the processes at work eg the ice age, farming and human activities etc, have, over time, combined to determine our current level of biodiversity.

Maintaining this is very dependent on retaining, protecting and enhancing the range of habitats. In Northern Ireland grass and arable land account for 67 per cent of the land area, most of this is improved (from an agricultural perspective). Heatland and bog covers eight per cent, wetlands seven per cent and woodland seven per cent.

The NIBG has listed the factors impacting on biodiversity under various heads including agriculture, forestry and tourism and recreation.

Increased specialisation and intensification of improved grasslands and arable crops, agricultural improvements and overgrazing, the loss and degradation of small-scale habitats and landscape features, drainage, and abandonment are cited.