Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004
26 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the implementation of the national biodiversity action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22633/04]
View answerThe National Biodiversity Plan 2002-2006 was adopted by Government and published in April 2002.
The plan was prepared in response to Ireland's obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity, to which Ireland acceded in 1996. This convention, which has been ratified by 188 contracting parties, provides the framework within which nature conservation and other issues relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity are be addressed on a worldwide basis.
The national biodiversity plan pays special attention to the need for integrating of the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity into all relevant sectors. It covers three levels at which biodiversity may be addressed, namely, ecosystem diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity. The plan sets out some 91 strategies and actions under various themes, and focuses on identifying specific measures and implementation mechanisms.
The plan contains a commitment to carry out a full interim review of progress in its implementation. Work on this review is advanced and it is intended to publish a report on it by early 2005.
