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NGOs CALL FOR UNEP INTERVENTION TO ENSURE PROPER CONSULTATION IN THE
DRAFTING OF IRELAND'S NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY PLAN

For release 13 February 2001

Press conference to be held 1:00pm Buswells Hotel, Feb. 14th 2001

In 1996 Ireland ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a
convention agreed at the Rio summit in 1992 to protect the earth's rapidly
dwindling biological diversity.

The same year the Department of Arts, Heritage, the Gaeltacht and the
Islands (DAHGI) made a call for submissions on the National Biodiversity
Plan in order to ensure "the greatest possible participation in the
development of the Plan" (pg. 107 National Report Ireland 1998, DAHGI). 50
submissions were received. These submissions were to be 'incorporated as
appropriate into the second draft of the Plan" (pg 107 Nat. Report Ireland
1998).

From 1996- 2000 the DAHGI undertook no further consultation nor did they
make contact with the Irish NGOs . They have refused to provide a copy of
the second draft to comment on despite repeated requests. A meeting was
finally held on Friday the 26th of January 2001 with the NGO
representatives. At this meeting we were not allowed a copy of the draft
to comment on. Instead the Plan was read aloud to us by the official
responsible for the drafting. The refusal of a copy was made on the basis
that the Plan had not been cleared inter-departmentally as of yet. However
at this meeting we were also informed that the DAHGI was under orders to
have the Plan finalised for publication within three months. There is to
be no further "consultation" with the NGOs on this matter.

THE IRISH WILDLIFE TRUST
The Plan will unquestionably fail to conserve our biodiversity because
where there is no consultation in the drafting of such a document, there is
no ownership. Our National Biodiversity Plan will be like a forgotten
child, huddled in a corner, ignored by all, while our natural heritage
incurs daily loss. Co-operation would lead to stronger nature conservation
policy in Ireland and better relations all round, it is imperative that the
DAHGI engage in real and meaningful dialogue with the NGOs to ensure the
future of our natural heritage.

THE IRISH PEATLAND CONSERVATION COUNCIL
The IPCC are concerned that on the issue of bog and fen surveying, there
should be specific targets set in the plan which will make it possible to
establish whether it is to be effective at protecting our peatland
biodiversity in the future.

COASTWATCH
Coastwatch sees mounting evidence that biodiversity in the coastal zone is
now more threatened than any time in the last 100 years. Massive damage is
being done by filling in and draining wetlands which are our natural flood
control and are vital for the survival of thousands of coastal and marine
species. The implications for biodiversity are simply disastrous.

BIRDWATCH IRELAND
BirdWatch are concerned about the absence of a completed NBP and its
implications for Irish birds. In the past few years the Corn Bunting has
become extinct as a breeding species in Ireland and a number of other
birds, including Grey Partridge, Barn Owl, Yellowhammer, Corncrake and
Lapwing, are in serious decline. The loss of these species represents a
real and tangible loss of biodiversity to the Irish countryside. These, and
other species, are declining for a variety of reasons including loss of
habitat, changes in farming practices, inadequate protection of hedgerows
and conversion of native habitats to farmland or forestry.

AN TAISCE
How we live, work and play affects biodiversity. An Taisce believes that a
plan to secure the conservation of our native biodiversity is more urgent
than ever before because the impact we have on biodiversity is greater than
ever before. Conservation NGOs must be able to fully support the National
Biodiversity Plan, so that we can actively promote its recommendations.
Proper and meaningful roundtable discussions between stakeholders and
government are required to achieve this objective.

The Irish NGOs feel that this situation is wholly untenable and that the
DAHGI are providing mere lip service to the consultation.

We call on DAHGI to circulate the draft plan without further delay and
undertake proper consultation with us. We would like to take up UNEP
WCMC's (United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring
Centre) offer to facilitate a proper round of consultation in Ireland. As
stakeholders in a process that affects the future of our natural heritage
we claim the right of participation.

ENDS

For further details contact
Lorraine Dufficey
The Irish Wildlife Trust (01) 676 8588

Peter Foss
Irish Peatland Conservation Council 01-8722397

Paul Galvin
Birdwatch Ireland 01-2808237

Karen Dubsky
Coastwatch 01-2802191

Shirley Clarkin
An Taisce 01 4541786
___________________________________________

Irish Peatland Conservation Council
119 Capel Street
Dublin 1
Ireland

Tel: +353-1-8722384
Fax: +353-1-8722397

e-mail: bogs@ipcc.ie
web: http://www.ipcc.ie

IPCC - Action for Bogs & Wildlife - Ag caomhnu na bportach

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