DAERA Minister outlines his vision for a ‘nature positive society’

Date published: 20 May 2026

During an address to the Northern Ireland Environment Forum, organised by Agenda NI, Minister Muir laid out his vision for a nature positive society that was “fair, resilient and prosperous,” delivered through a just transition.

The Minister told attendees: “That vision is at the heart of my work as Minister and our priorities are clear: championing Climate Action that grasps opportunities for communities and our environment; improving water quality at Lough Neagh and elsewhere; facilitating nature recovery that halts and reverses the trend on biodiversity loss; ensuring that we all share the benefits of a circular economy; strengthening environmental governance and embedding sustainability.”

In a broad ranging address Minister Muir outlined the progress that had been made under the Environmental Improvement Plan and, in recognising that there was more work to do, he reaffirmed his strong support for an Independent Environmental Protection Agency.

Noting the publication today of the Climate Change Committee’s ‘Well-Adapted UK’ Report, Minister Muir described climate change as “the defining challenge of our generation,” as evidenced by increased flash flooding, wildfires, other extreme weather events and pressures on farming, food systems and infrastructure which will continue to worsen. He also described how DAERA was taking ambitious action across land use, waste, forestry, fisheries and agriculture.

Minister Muir noted progress was being made in Northern Ireland, with the public consultation on the first Climate Action Plan, work beginning on a second action plan and the Third Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme also outlining actions to strengthen resilience and utilise nature-based solutions. 

Arguing the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis were “two sides of the same coin,” Minister Muir said he was determined to reverse the trend on nature decline through the draft Nature Recovery Strategy.

On the issue of water quality, the Minister highlighted that action was being taken to reduce nutrient pollution and improve river basin management and emphasised the importance of sectors working together to restore and protect Lough Neagh.

The Minister stressed the importance of a “One Health approach” in policy that recognised the “clear links between the quality of our environment and public health”.

He observed: “Lough Neagh provides 40% of our drinking water, demonstrating how improving water quality is not just about protecting ecosystems. Clean air, clean water and access to nature are fundamental to public wellbeing. Environmental protection is an investment in long-term health and resilience. Through our policies on air, water, chemicals, land and nature, DAERA contributes directly to preventative health outcomes, working closely with health, infrastructure and local government partners, as well as our rural communities.”

On agriculture, The Minister stated: “With farmers managing over one million hectares of land, they have a vital role to play in nature recovery and have been for many generations the custodians of our land. Through the Sustainable Agriculture Programme, we are supporting farmers to aid nature recovery and farm resilience.”

Citing the economic opportunities presented by the circular economy and a greater collaboration between businesses and local communities, the Minister added: “The solutions to many of our problems also present massive opportunities if we only grasp them – from climate action to nature recovery to a circular economy.

“It is all interlinked and all of us have a part to play. Through sustained collaboration, focused on a just transition, we can all feel the benefits that a nature positive society will bring.”