AQW 20024/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 07/06/2021
Answered On Date: 18/06/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the consideration he has given to implementing a landscape strategy for Northern Ireland.

Answer:

'Shared Horizons' (2003) remains my Department’s Statement of Policy on Protected Landscapes, regarding the protection and sustainable use of Northern Ireland's finest landscapes. My Department is also obligated by the European Landscape Convention which was signed and ratified by the UK government in relation to the protection, management and planning of our landscapes.

I have previously stated that an Environment Strategy for Northern Ireland will be a key part of my Department’s commitment to the continued protection and improvement of the environment and this Strategy may include proposals that would assist with the management of our landscapes.