Ecosystems Terms of Reference

TERMS OF REFERENCE

General

To advise on policy issues relating to the functioning of ecosystems and the structure and distribution of habitats and species in designated areas and the wider countryside, which have significance for nature conservation in Northern Ireland and to consult and inform the full Council as appropriate on these matters.

Specific

• Keep Council regularly informed of EHS and EPG activities in regard to the implementation of EU and domestic Government policy on the protection and management of Northern Ireland's freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, habitats and species. Of specific concern will be developments in Northern Ireland under the Birds Directive, the Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive
• Ealuvate mechanisms for delivering effective policy and practice in the above areas and seek to encourage a unified approach to ecosystem management and countryside issues within Government.
• Regularly evaluate the development of policy and practice in water catchment and landscape scale ecological management in Northern Ireland and advise EHS and EPG accordingly.
• Regularly evaluate the management of local, national and European designated areas in Northern Ireland and advise EHS and EPG accordingly. Specifically address the EHS Review of its ASSI Programme and future statutory designations.
• Consider management and protection in the broader context of the landscape scale distribution of habitats and species outside designated sites, for example in ecological corridors and fragmentary habitats.
• Identify and review the implications for the protection and management of ecosystems, habitats and species arising from all forms of land use.
• Identify and evaluate the shortfall in resources, ecological training and research facilities for the effective management, monitoring and maintenance of existing designated sites and establishing new sites and seek to petition Government for adequate funding.