Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
324. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the establishment of a youth biodiversity forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40978/23]
View answerFollowing the declaration by the Dáil of a Biodiversity Emergency in 2019 and in recognition of the vital role that biodiversity plays in the continued health of our society, economy, species and planet, the Programme for Government included a commitment to hold a Citizen's Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. The Assembly presented its’ report in April 2023 and agreed 159 recommendations, including the recommendation that the state take into account the recommendations from the Children and Young People’s Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, and continue to engage with young people on the environment.
The recommendations of the Citizen's Assembly on Biodiversity Loss are currently being deliberated by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Climate Change. The Committee will, in turn, bring its conclusions to the Houses for debate. The Government will provide in the Houses of the Oireachtas a response to each recommendation of the Assembly and, if accepting some or all of the recommendations, will indicate the timeframe it envisages for implementing those recommendations.
Without prejudging the whole-of-government response and recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee, and in alignment with Target 22 of the Global Biodiversity Framework to ensure inclusive representation and participation in decision making, the draft 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan proposes an action for the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department to support the establishment of a Youth Biodiversity Forum through an appropriate channel. We all have a role to play in the protection and restoration of nature and a collective response is needed to reverse the decline in biodiversity.
