The Local Biodiversity
Action Plan (LBAP) for Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Larne Council areas, which
will form the new Mid and East Antrim District Council area was launched today and
marks what will be a key landmark for biodiversity conservation in the region.
The plan was presented by the Mayors of the three Council Boroughs and is
considered an important step in furthering conservation of the rich
biodiversity heritage that exists in the area. The document sets out how the
biodiversity resource within the region can be protected and enhanced for the
benefit of all and for future generations.
The formation of a
biodiversity plan has now increased importance, given the fact that the new Councils
are taking on significant new responsibilities that impact on biodiversity
including planning, urban regeneration and community development. Their role
has recently been formalised in the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland)
2011, which introduced a statutory duty for public bodies to further the
conservation of biodiversity.
Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Larne Borough
Councils, which are merging to form a new Local Authority covering Mid and East
Antrim, are committed to the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and the
wider environment. This commitment is underpinned by the development of this
Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), and the document will raise awareness of
special flora and fauna, provide a framework for local action and encourage
wider involvement and partnership working.
Stressing the importance of partnerships
Alderman Charles Johnston, Mayor of Carrickfergus, said : “This Local
Biodiversity Action Plan covering Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne Council
areas will enable all lead partners - including council, government and
non-government agencies and community groups - to continue to work together to
deliver biodiversity benefits throughout the future Mid and East Antrim area.’
Councillor Martin
Wilson, Mayor of Larne Borough Council said : “We are delighted to launch this
document as it sets out a framework to undertake practical conservation work, and
to raise awareness of the wealth of wildlife and special places that exist in
this region’.
Councillor
Audrey Wales, Mayor of Ballymena, said the plan would stimulate increased
involvement: “The new LBAP will provide an opportunity for organisations and
communities to get involved in practical wildlife conservation. There are a huge number of people within the
area that are already doing great work on behalf of Biodiversity and through
the strategy we hope to support even more projects on the ground and inspire
more people to become involved in the future.”
Commenting
on the new plan Councillor Billy Ashe stated “it is hoped that Mid and East
Council will get an opportunity to formally adopt this new plan which can form
a solid platform on which to take forward this important work”.
This production of
the LBAP was supported by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
