The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its first biannual update of its Biodiversity Action Plan. This Biodiversity Action Plan sets out the EPA’s progress in the implementation of its role in protecting biodiversity and covers a range of activities in the following areas:
* Monitoring;
* Research;
* Assessment and Reporting;
* Environmental Regulation;
* Climate Change;
* Communications.
The plan demonstrates the on-going commitment of the EPA to protect Ireland’s biodiversity and underlines the substantial support role undertaken by the EPA in this area.
Micheal O Cinneide, EPA director, Office of Environmental Assessment, comments: “This Plan highlights the wide range of significant actions which will be undertaken by the EPA in relation to the protection of biodiversity. The EPA has significant new roles under the Environmental Liability Directive in relation to the liabilities of operators causing damage or risk of damage to protected species and habitats, and the identification of appropriate remediation. In implementing its functions relating to the licensing and regulation of various activities, the EPA will continue to ensure that biodiversity is protected.”
The EPA’s first Biodiversity Action Plan was produced in 2009, to fulfil a commitment undertaken as part of its strategy, 2020 Vision – Protecting and Improving Ireland’s Environment. The plan was produced by a Biodiversity Team comprising representatives from all of the EPA Offices and will be updated biannually.