National Biodiversity Plan

Under the Convention on Biological Diversity which Ireland ratified in 1996, countries undertake to draw up Biodiversity Plans outlining their policies to protect biodiversity.

Ireland’s first National Biodiversity Plan was published in 2002 .  

The Biodiversity Plan spells out a range of measures, involving significant costs and the time-scale within which they might be implemented.  

The Plan covers the three levels - ecosystem diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity. It sets out strategies and actions under various themes and focuses on identifying specific measures. Key sectors which impact on biodiversity are also examined.

Overall Goal

The overall objective is to secure the conservation, including where possible the enhancement and sustainability of biological diversity in Ireland and worldwide.

Objectives
  • Conserve habitat diversity, including all sites of special biodiversity importance,
  • Conserve species diversity,
  • Conserve genetic diversity, both wild and domesticated,
  • Contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity,
  • Advance other obligations of the CBD in the EU, regionally and internationally.

Principles

The conservation of biological diversity is essential for sustainable development, and for maintaining the quality of human life. Each form of biological diversity is unique, and of value in its own right.

All sectors and actors are responsible for advancing the conservation of biologicaldiversity in their respective areas. The ‘polluter pays principle’ and the ‘precautionary principle’ is supported.

An Interim Review of the National Biodiversity Plan was published in 2005 outlining the level of progress made in implementing the 91 actions of the National Biodiversity Plan and identifing the areas where further efforts are required. A second Plan is currently being developed (2008).