Frequently Asked Questions

What is Biodiversity?

At its simplest, biodiversity is all living things on the planet.
It covers all

  • animal life, from micro-organisms to mammals,
  • plant life, from ferns to flowering plants,
  • habitats, from back gardens to tropical rainforests,
  • genetic variations within species.

Why is Biodiversity Important?

Biodiversity is important for many reasons.

  • Biodiversity is fundamental to the livelihood of those involved in agriculture and forestry.
  • Biodiversity provides us with a wide variety of nutrient-rich crops and foodstuffs, vital to our health, particularly in developing countries.
  • Biodiversity and the natural ecosystems help to keep our water and air clean. Artificial air and water purification treatments to replace what biodiversity does naturally would cost in the region of $3 trillion, more than the global GNP.
  • Biodiversity contributes to health: for example many drugs and chemicals come from plants and other natural sources.
  • Biodiversity can bring economic benefits. An area renowned for its healthy environment and biodiversity can be a tourist attraction, bringing in visitors and trade.
  • Biodiversity and a balanced environment can help to alleviate flooding problems, particularly in urbanised areas.
  • Biodiversity acts as an indicator of a healthy environment, and informs us whether or not biological systems are functioning correctly. For example, butterflies are sensitive to small but significant changes in climatic conditions or habitats, and their presence or absence can be indicative of underlying problems.

What are the Main Threats to Biodiversity?

Biodiversity, both globally and locally, is currently under threat. These threats include:

  • Climate Change: This can alter the distribution of a species. Some species may not be able to adapt quickly enough to changing temperatures and weather patterns.
  • Habitat Loss: This can be on a vast scale, such as the ongoing destruction of rainforests, which impacts on thousands of creatures; or on a smaller scale such as inappropriate development. Even paving over a small front garden can remove the feeding potential for birds and invertebrates.
  • Invasive non-natives: The accidental or deliberate introduction of non-native species to an area can, and often does, have disastrous results. Our native red squirrel is being out-competed by the American grey squirrel, and our river banks are being over-run by Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed to the detriment of native plants.
  • Inappropriate Agricultural Practices and Management: This may also impact negatively on biodiversity.
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And threats to biodiversity can ultimately threaten us. Life consists of a delicately balanced and complex web in which every organism is dependent on one or more different organisms for survival. Breaking any of the links (by, for example, introducing a non-native species to an area or causing the extinction of a species) can have far-reaching consequences. And as humans are included in this web, we are also at risk.

What is So Special about Northern Ireland's Biodiversity?

Sometimes, we are so concerned about global biodiversity issues (and we are right to be concerned about them) that we overlook our local biodiversity, often taking it for granted.

Northern Ireland has a wide range of habitats and species, some of which are of special note. Coastal regions such as Lough Foyle and Strangford Lough are of international importance for waterfowl and waders, while our upland areas and bogs are known for their plantlife and dragonflies.
For detailed information on our priority habitats visit
http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/biodiversity/habitats-2.htm
and on our priority species visit
http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/biodiversity/sap_uk.htm

But even the common species that we see around us in our gardens and parks, in our towns and cities, and in our countryside - play their part in improving our quality of life. They brighten up our day and help create a sense of well being. (see also Biodiversity and Health)

Many of our councils employ Biodiversity Officers and have developed Local Biodiversity Action Plans to help protect and promote our local biodiversity. Other private and voluntary sector organisations have also developed Biodiversity Action Plans.

Few of us will ever travel to see a rainforest or the polar regions, but we can become involved in helping the biodiversity that we see in Northern Ireland. So whether you are an architect concerned about nesting swifts in buildings or an enthusiastic member of the public wanting to do your bit for biodiversity, there are opportunities to get involved.

Contact your local Biodiversity Officer for more information.

What are the Current Biodiversity Issues in Northern Ireland?

The main issues facing Northern Ireland's varied biodiversity today include the following:

  • We are one of the least wooded countries in Europe, with only 6% tree cover. This means that species which rely on woodland habitats are vulnerable. Many trees have been planted in recent years but this momentum needs to continue. Planting and managing woodland is a long term project.
  • Our coastal areas are coming under increasing pressure from development of holiday homes and overuse by humans, along with the associated problems of litter and pollution. There is room for development and recreation but there has to be a balance between use and protecting the very assets that draw people in the first place.
  • Our peat bogs are suffering from over grazing, over harvesting of turf for fuel, and the unsustainable use of peat in gardening products. 
  • Increasing demand for housing brings increasing demands on land which in turn means fewer areas for wildlife.
  • Invasive species such as the zebra mussel, Japanese Knotweed and the New Zealand flatworm are damaging our native fauna and flora. Unchecked, these and other invasive species will have a severe negative impact on local ecosystems.

Are there any Good News Biodiversity Stories?

Thankfully, although there are genuine concerns for local biodiversity, all is not doom and gloom. There are initiatives throughout the province that are helping wildlife.

  • Some local councils, trusts, voluntary bodies and private sector organisations have developed Local Biodiversity Action Plans to protect, enhance and promote biodiversity. These are having a positive effect, particularly with awareness raising events and projects on the ground.  For further information visit http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/natural/biodiversity/LBAPs.shtml
  • The Invasive Species Ireland Project is a joint venture between Northern Ireland Environment Agency and National Parks and Wildlife Service to implement the recommendations of the Invasive Species Ireland Report, published in 2004. For further information visit http://www.invasivespeciesireland.com/ and http://www.habitas.org.uk/invasive/index.html
  • More and more people are becoming involved in biodiversity through events, volunteering, recording and practical conservation work. You can find out more about what is happening in your area by clicking on to the map on the home page.
  • Northern Ireland's wild bird population is estimated to have increased by 17% in the last 10 years. That's according to the NI Environmental Statistics report published in January 2009 (which follows on from the State of the Environment report published in 2008).  The report also highlights that the number of Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCIs) has risen from 133 in 2000 to 889 in 2007. For further information visit http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/index/about-niea/state_of_the_environment/niesr.htm