Ireland - Overview

Remark:

Please note that this country profile has been prepared by the Secretariat on the basis of information provided in the NBSAP and national reports, but has not been reviewed by the Party concerned.

Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

Ireland’s climate is mild and its geology is exceptionally diverse. The extended coastline and large expanse of territorial waters have contributed to its extraordinary maritime and marine diversity, while it's "saucer-like" topography (with most of the montane areas concentrated near the coast, rather than along a central spine) created circumstances for the development of extensive and diverse freshwater wetlands... More »

National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Major features of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

The main objectives relate to the sustainable use and the conservation of habitat, species, and genetic diversity. The NBSAP comprises four principles, which, respectively, state that: the conservation of biodiversity is essential for sustainable development and for maintaining the quality of human life; each form of biodiversity is unique and of value in its own right; all sectors and actors are responsible for advancing the conservation of biodiversity in their respective areas; and the “polluter pays principle” and the “precautionary principle” will be supported... More »

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

Ireland is bound by the terms of national strategies, such as Ireland’s National Strategy for Plant Conservation, and international legislation, like the EU Habitats, Birds and Water Framework Directives. The country intends to conserve 10% of each plans’ habitats in an efficient manner. Red Data Books currently exist for vertebrates, vascular plants and stoneworts... More »

Initiatives in Protected Areas

Ireland has designated 11% of its national territory as part of the Natura 2000 network. Among others activities related to this issue, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has set a number of targets in relation to their natural heritage. Significant resources have been expended in particular for the completion of the Natura 2000 sites... More »

Initiatives for Article 8(j)

In this regard, the Third National Report mentions that Ireland supports capacity building for the promotion of community based biodiversity protection and conservation in fragile catchment and river basin ecosystems in East Africa through best practices in land management. (3rd National Report)

National Contacts

Full details of national contacts »

Convention on Biological Diversity

Dr. Ciaran O'Keeffe	CBD Primary NFP, CHM NFP, Protected Areas NFP
Mr. Mark Bohan	CBD Primary NFP, CHM NFP, SBSTTA NFP, ICNP ABS NFP (ONLY), Protected Areas NFP
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht	ABS Competent National Authorities
Dr. Matthew Jebb	GTI NFP, GSPC NFP

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Dr. John O'Neill	Cartagena Protocol Primary NFP
Dr. Tom McLoughlin	BCH NFP