The strategy, which has been approved by the Executive, runs to 2040 and has been developed to reflect and respond to the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change.
It sets out five strategic objectives and 26 actions that will help to deliver conservation, restoration and management of peatland to support greater carbon storage and improve biodiversity and water quality.
Minister Muir launched the strategy during a visit to the Belfast Hills where, alongside key stakeholders he saw the work that has been progressing to restore peatland at Divis Mountain.
Minister Muir said: “I am delighted that we have now published our first Peatland Strategy, which should mark a turning point for how these precious habitats are protected, restored and managed. We must embrace the power of peatlands as a nature-based solution to tackle the nature and climate crisis and improve water quality.
“Peatlands, which cover approximately 12% of Northern Ireland, are our rainforest equivalent and have enormous potential to store and sequester carbon. However, there is now widespread recognition that well managed peatlands enhance water quality, help reduce flood risk, combat climate change and provide vital habitat for threatened species such as the hen harrier, curlew and golden plover.
“It is essential that our peatlands and the ecosystem services that they provide are acknowledged and appreciated for the value and benefits they bring to people, nature and climate.
“Repairing our damaged peatlands offers real return on investment and creates good green jobs. Environmental groups in Northern Ireland have already been leading the way delivering pioneering peatland restoration projects. We must build on this capacity and know-how to scale up peatland restoration across Northern Ireland. It is encouraging that substantial investment in peatland restoration has recently been secured through the Environment Fund, Shared Island and Peace Plus.”
Funding for the Peatland Strategy has been secured via the Environment Fund, Shared Island Funding and PEACEPLUS to 2028.
There is currently £7.8million allocated for peatland restoration through the Environment Fund and Shared Island Fund to 2028. This funding will provide for circa 1000ha of restoration and 5000 to 6000ha with restoration plans.
In addition, PEACEPLUS funding of approximately €40million is currently awarded for nature projects in Northern Ireland to 2028, which includes a major peatland restoration element of around 12500ha over that time period.
The strategy seeks to protect and restore all semi-natural peatlands in Northern Ireland to functioning ecosystems by 2040. It includes a consultation on restricting sales of peat and peat products, a wildfire strategy, and the creation of a register of peatlands to help identify those sites most immediately in need of support.
Huge congratulations from the IUCN UK Peatland Programme to all those involved in getting this important document published.