Originally published August 6 2005
Nature conservation is taking a key role in Ireland
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Ireland has asked its citizens to help with a proposal to help their environment in an effort to reach new environmental standards
Groups and individuals across Northern Ireland were today being encouraged to play their part in a major review of the way the province's environment is protected.
The independent study, announced yesterday by Direct Rule minister Lord Rooker, is due to get under way later this year.
It could lead to environmental protection powers being passed from the Department of the Environment to a watchdog operating independently from central Government.
A coalition of leading environmental groups has been campaigning for an agency to be set up along these lines.
The proposed reform would bring Northern Ireland more into line with environmental protection arrangements elsewhere in the UK and in the Republic.
Friends of the Earth, which is part of the pressure group coalition, is calling for widespread public participation in the review.
"It is a watershed for Northern Ireland's environment and our one chance to create an effective system of environmental protection for Northern Ireland," she said.
"This review will determine how our environment will be protected for the future and we squander the opportunity at our peril."
Diane Forbes, of the National Trust, commented: "We are delighted that Government has recognised that there is a need to address this issue.
"Our environment in Northern Ireland, be it our built or natural heritage, the quality of our water or the management of waste, affects each and everyone of us.
"The environment also plays a critical part in our economy as tourism in Northern Ireland is sold on our clean and green image, so this also makes good business sense."
The DoE aims to have the independent review team in place by October.
The planned timetable for its work involves an interim report being issued next April and the full report completed for September 2006.
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