Environment Minister celebrates the protection of our natural environment

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today attended a conference celebrating the essential role of biodiversity officers in protecting and promoting our natural environment.

In his keynote address to the Biodiversity Conference in Newtownabbey, the Minister said: "Biodiversity is quite simply the variety of life on earth and is essential for sustaining the natural living systems that provide us with food, fuel, health, wealth and other vital services and resources.

"We are part of this system and we need to focus on the challenge of safeguarding our natural environment, both at a global and local level.

"The United Nations has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity. As part of its programme to celebrate this, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is showcasing the important role of Biodiversity Officers in improving biodiversity in their local areas and the positive impact this has on local communities. It is essential that we encourage everyone to get involved in helping to secure our precious environment, both now and in the future."

At the conference, representatives from Local Councils and other organisations across Northern Ireland which employ a biodiversity officer, and have produced a local biodiversity action plan, discussed their contribution to promoting and protecting our natural environment.

Local biodiversity action plans guide the conservation, enhancement and protection of biodiversity in local areas, helping to safeguard native habitats and species.

This conference is one of a series of events being organised by NIEA to mark the International Year of Biodiversity.

For more information on forthcoming events, visit the NIEA website www.ni-environment.gov.uk/events or http://www.biodiversityni.com

Notes to editors

1. Biodiversity is defined as the variety of life on earth. It is essential for sustaining the natural living systems that provide us with food, fuel, health, wealth and other vital services and resources.
2. NIEA provides grant aid to Local Councils and other organisations towards employing a biodiversity officer.
3. To date, 12 local councils have published a Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
4. Photographs will be available on request. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.