Public asked to contribute to nature restoration in local areas

Members of the public are being invited to become part of a national dialogue and air their views on the restoration of nature in their local area.

The outcomes of these dialogues will then be shared with the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration, which has been tasked with making recommendations to the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, on the development of Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan.

The initiative will see ten events held across the country in September and October, led by an independent team of expert facilitators using participatory engagement techniques.

Attendees will be invited to envision the kind of natural environment they want for the future, explore what the Nature Restoration Law means for their region and share perspectives on how it could be delivered.

“I’m delighted that the public will have the opportunity to contribute to the national dialogue on nature restoration through this independently-led process.

“I have no doubt that communities are way ahead of us all in their thinking and there are undoubtedly lots of brilliant ideas just waiting to be unearthed to help restore our wildlife and they habitats they depend on. I’m committed to ensuring that Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan works for people as well as nature, so it’s essential that the recommendations I receive from the Independent Advisory Committee are grounded in real world experience. I’d like to encourage everyone to get involved and have their say," said Minister O’Sullivan.

Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Chair of the Independent Advisory Committee, said that local people and communities know their lands and seas best.

"They know what works and what does not, and we want to hear from them to ensure our recommendations are as positive and impactful as possible," Dr Ní Shúilleabháin said.

Full details of all ten events are on RestoreNature.ie/get-involved.