Holly Cairns
Ceist:720. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he is taking to promote rewilding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26543/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 May 2021
Ceisteanna (720)
Freagraí scríofa
This Department has played a key role in relation to restoring and conserving biodiversity rich ecosystems. Biodiversity in agriculture is a key focus and we will encourage and support all projects/initiatives that promote this in harmony with agriculture and food production.
Some of these objectives have been achieved through the Life programmes (co-ordinated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in conjunction with the Department) – which provide funding for the support of Environment, Nature Conservation and Climate Action projects throughout the EU.
The Life Wild Atlantic nature programme aims to protect and restore Ireland’s blanket bog natura network along the Atlantic seaboard and enhance the ecosystem services they provide including carbon storage and biodiversity.
Similarly, the European Innovation partnerships (EIPs) which are funded by this Department include schemes like the Hen Harrier project, which encourages farmers to augment the habitat value of their designated land. Another project under EIP is the North Connemara Locally-Led Agri-environmental Scheme which aims to develop sustainable and innovative management practices to restore, preserve and strengthen the biodiversity of this Natura 2000 area. The learning from these EIPs will be core to ensuring farmers are rewarded for their role and can continue to manage these resource rich areas.