Northern Ireland launches first Blue Carbon Action Plan to combat climate change and biodiversity loss

Pictured with Minister Muir at Mount Stewart in Co Down as he launched Northern Ireland’s first Blue Carbon Action Plan are (L-R)  Robert Walsh, Northern Ireland Marine Task Force, Erin McKeown, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Nick Baker-Horne, Ulster Wildlife, Cllr Allison Bennington, Northern Ireland Local Government Association, Tim Mackie, DAERA, Jade Berman, National Trust and Matt Service, The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute.

Northern Ireland has taken a significant step towards addressing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss with the launch of its inaugural Blue Carbon Action Plan, unveiled by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir at Mount Stewart on the shores of Strangford Lough.

The comprehensive plan, comprising 22 action points, aims to protect and enhance the region’s blue carbon habitats, which play a critical role in capturing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting diverse ecosystems.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Muir underscored the urgency of the initiative, stating:

“We need to take immediate action to tackle the double crisis of climate change and biodiversity loss. We must protect our blue carbon habitats to maximise their ability to capture greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate the effects of climate change, and enhance biodiversity.”

Blue carbon habitats, such as saltmarshes, seagrass meadows, kelp forests, and mussel beds, are natural powerhouses in the fight against climate change.

These ecosystems absorb and store carbon dioxide, helping to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases. Beyond their carbon sequestration capabilities, they provide vital ecosystem services.

Saltmarshes, for instance, act as natural barriers against coastal flooding, while kelp forests help mitigate the impact of storms on vulnerable coastlines. Additionally, these habitats support a rich array of plant and animal life, bolstering biodiversity in Northern Ireland’s inshore waters.

The launch event at Strangford Lough highlighted the region’s wealth of blue carbon ecosystems. The lough is home to saltmarshes and seagrass beds in its northern reaches, kelp forests in the deeper waters of the Narrows, and native shellfish beds scattered throughout.

“Here on the shores of Strangford Lough, we are never too far from a diverse range of blue carbon habitats,” Minister Muir noted, emphasising the proximity and importance of these natural assets.

The Blue Carbon Action Plan, developed through extensive collaboration with stakeholders, marks a collaborative effort to safeguard these critical environments.

Minister Muir expressed gratitude to the partners involved, saying, “My Department developed this plan through working closely with a wide range of stakeholders, and I am extremely grateful for the time they invested in this process.”

He stressed the importance of continued partnerships as the plan moves into its implementation phase, describing the co-delivery of the action plan as essential to managing Northern Ireland’s environment in a way that addresses both climate change and biodiversity challenges.

The 22 action points outlined in the plan provide a roadmap for protecting and restoring blue carbon habitats while promoting nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change. These solutions leverage the natural capacity of ecosystems to absorb carbon dioxide, offering a sustainable complement to technological interventions.

The plan, which covers the period from 2025 to 2030, is now available to the public on the DAERA website.

Environmental groups and local stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a vital step towards a more sustainable future for Northern Ireland. The plan’s focus on both climate mitigation and biodiversity enhancement aligns with broader UK and international efforts to combat environmental degradation.

As Northern Ireland embarks on this ambitious journey, the Blue Carbon Action Plan represents a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change. By harnessing the power of its coastal ecosystems, the region aims to protect its natural heritage while contributing to global efforts to build a more resilient and biodiverse planet.

For more information, the full Blue Carbon Action Plan can be accessed here.