Ó An Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitúil agus Oidhreachta
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During yesterday’s UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, the Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, spoke about marine protection, Ireland’s cooperation with small island developing states and addressed representatives from across the globe.
He reaffirmed Ireland's commitment to overcoming triple ocean challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution at the conference, telling delegates:
“Ireland’s seas are rich in biodiversity, hosting deep-water coral gardens and carbonate mounds, and diverse coastal habitats, from exposed rocky shores to sheltered sandy bays and undersea meadows. It is home to over 20 species of whales and dolphins.
"As a small island nation we are committed to protecting the ocean that we all share, we believe that by working together we can address the pressures we put on the ocean and build a better ocean future for people and for nature.
"As Ireland moves towards our goal of 30% Marine Protected Area coverage by 2030, we recognise that there are challenges and opportunities. Biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution require a transition towards enhanced ocean protection.”
The 2020 Programme for Government included a commitment to expand Ireland’s network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to 10% of its maritime area as soon as is practical, aiming for 30% coverage by 2030. These commitments are in line with the first (2011-2020) and second (2021-2030) EU Biodiversity Strategies and the OSPAR North-East Atlantic Environment Strategy 2030.
An MPA Expert Advisory Group was convened by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien, in Autumn 2019. The group submitted a detailed report to the Minister and the Minster of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform in October 2020. The report made over 60 recommendations on how to expand Ireland’s MPA network including a need for dedicated new primary legislation to provide for MPAs.
Work is currently underway to prepare a General Scheme of an MPA Bill. The General Scheme will provide for the identification, designation, regulation, management, enforcement and review of MPAS aiming to ensure that they form a coherent, connected, representative and climate resilient network.
It will provide for administrative and governance structures required for implementation, including provisions relating to public participation. The proposed legislation will accommodate and reinforce existing legislation as appropriate including the Birds and Habitats Directives, the Maritime Area Planning Act and Common Fisheries Policy regulations.
Minister Noonan is representing Ireland at the UN Ocean Conference, which opened in Lisbon earlier this week with a call for a new chapter of ocean action driven by science, technology and innovation.
Solutions for a sustainably managed ocean involving green technology and innovative uses of marine resources are being discussed at the conference.
Earlier this week, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney announced almost €10 million in funding to help address ocean challenges faced by developing countries including Small Island Developing States.
10,000 people including heads of Government and State together with leaders from the private sector, the scientific community and non-governmental organisations will gather at the Conference to chart a new pathway that would ensure the protection and conservation of the ocean and its resources. Amongst the outputs of the conference, countries will agree on an action plan that calls for a collective global response to addressing the ocean’s degradation, including reducing marine plastic pollution and expanding marine protected areas.