FIVE people from Northern Ireland have taken part in the first ever UK-wide citizens’ assembly for nature.
The representatives from the north were involved in the People’s Plan for Nature to agree a shared vision on how to renew and protect nature.
Publishing their plan on Thursday, members of the 100-panel assembly have produced a number of recommendations, calling for a fundamental change in how nature is valued, including making sure it is included in all levels of decision-making.
It says there must be "no more harm to nature" and demands stronger legislation and clear targets.
The People’s Plan for Nature aims to "turn the tide by challenging governments, businesses, charities, communities, and individuals with a public demand for immediate and sweeping change".
It wants to see all commercial and policy decisions taking potential impacts on nature into account as well as an overhaul of current farming subsidy systems to prioritise sustainable and nature-friendly farming.
Professor Nathalie Seddon, one of the assembly’s academic leads, said: “The People’s Plan for Nature is a roadmap to help us get from where we are now, living in a highly degraded nature-depleted country, to where we need to be, empowered and living as part of flourishing landscapes, seascapes and cities, healthier, happier and re-connected with nature".
