A NEW environmental strategy for Northern Ireland does not adequately address the climate crisis, a group of green organisations and activists has said.
Announced by DUP environment minister Edwin Poots during the UN climate summit in Glasgow, it closed for consultation yesterday.
However, it has been branded 'unambitious'.
In an open letter to the first and deputy first ministers, the groups called on the executive to bring forward legally-binding targets and make the strategy more specific.
Coordinated by the RSPB Northern Ireland, the letter was signed by more than 30 organisations and individuals including Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland, the National Trust and Ulster Wildlife.
It pointed out that of the strategy's 225 actions and targets, "76% (172) have no timeframe, and 78% (177) are either partly or completely unmeasurable".
"To be effective the strategy must have clear long-term vision; specific actions to deliver this vision; credible and measurable milestones; and robust governance to oversee implementation," it read.
The groups called for "an expert team" to be set up within the the Department of Agriculture "to drive ambition and action across the executive, and develop and carry out robust and transparent monitoring, review, and any necessary revisions".
"The executive should recognise the positive socio-economic and public health potential of nature’s recovery including the restoration of habitats, creation of jobs, quality of outdoor space, and mitigation and adaptation to climate change," it read.
"The strategy must be associated with incentives to support sustainable approaches to planning, energy, transport, farming (Nature Friendly Farming), and commercial fishing."
Joanne Sherwood, RSPB NI Director, said the strategy "will not adequately address the nature and climate emergency we are facing locally".
"Northern Ireland has been ranked the 12th worst out of 240 countries for biodiversity loss," she said.
"It is essential that our politicians and government act now, matching the severity of the issue with action.
"The majority of commitments outlined in the strategy are not time-bound or binding, with some of the targets falling short of actions currently required by law. This is simply not good enough."
