Mourne Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)

The Mourne Heritage Trust has just completed the developement of an Action Plan for the conservation of biodiversity across the Mourne AONB.  This document was formally launched on 19th January 2007 at the Silent Valley Conference Centre (see news items for more details.)

The ‘Main document’ summarises the wealth of biodiversity in Mourne, the threats faced by it and the actions that the Mourne Heritage Trust proposes to implement to help conserve and enhance the habitats and species within the Mourne AONB.

The CLICK HERE to download the shortened version of the Mourne Biodiversity Action Plan.

The Mourne BAP incorporates the main document and 19 HAP (Habitat Action Plan) and SAP (Species Action Plan) documents.  These HAPs and SAPs are detailed reviews of the known status of both locally and nationally important species and habitats with information on the detailed actions required to ensure their conservation.  These plans demonstrate how the Mourne Biodiversity Action Plan amalgamates both National (NI) and local (Mourne) priorities. 

The threats to world biodiversity resulted in 178 counties, including the UK and Ireland, signing the biodiversity convention in 1992 committing them to develop national strategies for its conservation.

To begin fulfilling this commitment, the UK Biodiversity action plan was published in 1994 and addresses national and global issues. The Northern Ireland Biodiversity group was appointed in 1995 to develop proposals for Northern Ireland.

What are the proposals?
These proposals for a Northern Ireland Biodiversity strategy are intended to inform policy and promote action on biodiversity conservation in Northern Ireland by:

• Identifying the main features of biodiversity in Northern Ireland
• Identifying the main issues affecting biodiversity, including institutional, political and legal issues.  Proposing measures to support the conservation of biodiversity for the period 1999-2014. 

The strategy describes the major biodiversity assets of Northern Ireland.

Through this audit 20 habitats and 213 species or group of species are identified as priorities for conservation action in Northern Ireland.

The strategy identifies 14 main issues affecting biodiversity in Northern Ireland, which are addressed in 70 proposals. It is proposed that government should take the lead in their implementations, however they are not directed solely at government level. There is a wider responsibility on society as a whole and an important part for many of its different component sectors to play.

http://www.ehsni.gov.uk/natural/biodiversity/issues.shtml

Following the 1992 Earth Summit, the UK Government initiated the production of a national Biodiversity Action Plans and recommended the preparation of local plans. The purpose of the Mourne Local Biodiversity Action Plan ( LBAP) is to implement the national plan at a local level.

The Mourne LBAP aims to:
Maintain and enhance the biodiversity of Mourne A.O.N.B. through the preparation and implementation of individual action plans, covering a range of selected habitats and species, which reflect both national and local priorities.

The Mourne Biodiversity Strategy will be based largely on the targets set out in the N.I, Biodiversity Strategy. It will set out action that is needed within the local area to achieve these targets and identify possible partners.

The Mourne Biodiversity Action Partnership

The Mourne Biodiversity Action Plan has been produced by a partnership consisting of organisations concerned with the conservation of the area's wildlife. It contains a series of action plans covering the nationally threatened or declining species and habitats in the area, as well as species and habitats of local concern.

http://www.ehsni.gov.uk/natural/biodiversity/issues.shtml

Each action plan includes projects aimed at safeguarding that particular habitat or species within the area. If these projects are to succeed, they will require a number of individuals and organisations to work together in partnership - including landowners, government agencies, wildlife conservation groups, local authorities and industry.

Please log on to our Interactive Forum with any questions you might have regarding Mourne BAP and Click here to log on with your questions.

Mourne Biodiversity Action Plan - Current Status

Plan name "Mourne Biodiversity Action Plan"
Plan Coverage Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Region Northern Ireland

Partners Involved
Ulster museum – CEDaR
Mourne Farmer Liaison Group
Water Service
DoE NI Environment and Heritage Service
Planning Service
Department of Agriculture and Regional Development
Department of Culture Arts and Leisure – Fisheries resources and management
The National Trust
Business, industry and finance (to include R.O.M.AL. & E.D.R.C.N.)
Banbridge District Council
Down District Council
Newry and Mourne District Council
Forest Service
Fisheries Conservancy Board
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Ulster Wildlife Trust
Other land managers
Educational establishments / Outdoor Education Centres
(others to be included)

Funding Source                                                                                 Environment & Heritage Service
Water Service
Down District Council
Banbridge District Council

Partnership building - Established a steering group
Leaflet produced - 9/6/04
Partnership building - Established a wider forum - 19/6/04
Information collation/audit - on-going
Practical conservation project - on-going