Assembly debates wildlife and natural environment bill

New legislation designed to protect, conserve and enhance Northern Ireland’s biodiversity is on track to become law in the Spring of 2010.

The Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill will have its Second Stage debate in the Assembly this afternoon.

Speaking before the debate, Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: “The Bill is an important step in achieving our target of halting biodiversity loss. I also plan to give protection to a greater range of plants, animals and birds, and to enhance our ability to protect Areas of Special Scientific Interest.”

The Minister highlighted that a key element of the Bill was to cut out wildlife crime. He said: “Wildlife crime must not be tolerated. I propose to give enforcement authorities new powers and introduce sanctions against perpetrators of wildlife crime, including custodial sentences for the most serious and persistent offenders.”

Other aspects of the Bill related to a commitment on all Departments to embrace nature conservation when carrying out their daily tasks. The Minister explained: “The Bill will give focus to the important role that government and the public sector can take in furthering the conservation of biodiversity when undertaking their functions. This is in all our interests and is an important step forward.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill and an Explanatory and Financial Memorandum are available on the Northern Ireland Assembly website
2. After a successful second stage debate, The Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill will be referred to the Environment Committee who will carry out an investigation into the detail of the Bill and report back to the Assembly.
3. The Bill will also abolish the existing game licensing and game dealers licensing systems.
4. All media enquiries contact DOE Press Office, tel: 02890 540 003 or out of office hours call the EIS Duty Press Officer on 07699 715440 and your call will be returned