Freshwater and Wetlands Biodiversity Delivery Group

In 2005, the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) completed a suite of wetland habitat action plans. These plans detail a range of targets and actions for government departments and agencies with the aim of protecting the biodiversity throughout our wetlands.

The main objectives of the wetlands habitat action plans are:

·To maintain the extent of existing habitats and populations of species.

·To enhance the ecological condition of existing habitats and species populations to achieve favourable condition.

·To increase the area of each type of habitat through restoration where applicable.

To co-ordinate work more effectively and ensure that objectives of the wetland action plans are progressed successfully, the EHS has established a Freshwater and Wetlands Biodiversity Delivery Group

The remit of the Group is to:

·Agree a definition of favourable condition

·Monitor and report on habitats and species in the context of Biodiversity Action Plans and relevant policies.

·Provide advice on the co-ordination of activity on wetland habitats and species, including: development of best practice; advice on relevant Biodiversity Action Plans; provide guidance for landowners and other stakeholders; liaison with freshwater and wetlands groups in the Republic of Ireland, the UK and further a field and facilitate interpretation and education.

·Provide advice and commission research as required.

·Provide technical advice on and engage in the delivery of the coastal and marine biodiversity Implementation Plan Framwork.