          |
News |
Invest in nature now or it will be too lateLast modified: 06 November 2009
The RSPB has warned today that massive cuts in public spending on the natural environment could spell disaster for wildlife in Northern Ireland. The RSPB was responding to a major new review of the Northern Ireland Government’s Biodiversity Strategy by the independent Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG). The Group has found that although there are many plans written to save wildlife, a lack of funding means most are failing to reverse declines or protect threatened species. “There is a European commitment to halt biodiversity loss by 2010. Although the Northern Ireland Government has delayed this target until 2016, the NIBG’s analysis shows that only a redoubling of efforts will stop the rot”, said Dr James Robinson, Director of the RSPB in Northern Ireland. The NIBG and RSPB point to inadequate government funding for nature as a dangerous on-going threat. The conservation charity says its recent conservation work to save the lapwing and curlew in Fermanagh, reintroduce the magnificent red kite to Co Down, and create breathtaking nature reserves on Rathlin Island and at Portmore Lough in Antrim couldn’t happen in the future without financial support from the Northern Ireland Assembly and its Ministries. “Governments across the world are spending billions to dig us out of the current financial crisis, yet slashing the money spent protecting our environment and stopping the loss of our wildlife,” said Dr Robinson. “We are effectively borrowing from future generations to pay for the problems of today. We need political leadership that helps the economy and the environment.” The RSPB believes that current financial problems must be tackled, but there is a need to convince political leaders in Northern Ireland and beyond that taxpayers’ money can provide a better future for the planet, as well as addressing our current economic situation. The focus must be on becoming more efficient, cutting wasteful expenditure but still investing in nature. The RSPB is calling for action from the Northern Ireland public to show their support. Dr Robinson added,“ We want people to sign our ‘Letter to the Future’. We will use all the signatures we collect to urge politicians in Northern Ireland to consider the health of our natural environment, for the sake of future generations, when they are making decisions about where to invest money and where to make cuts.” The public can sign up to the RSPB’s call for a better future for wildlife and people at www.rspb.org.uk/lettertothefuture. |
Back to basics |
Curlew feeding in grassy field - Steve Round
Red admiral on Michaelmas daisy - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)