In 2022, our platform lead Lucy Gaffney was asked to present to Ireland’s Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss – the first such national citizens’ assembly anywhere in the world.

The Assembly’s final report to Government has now been launched with over 150 recommendations that have the potential to dramatically transform Ireland’s relationship with the natural environment.

The report was produced as a result of seven meetings of the assembly of 99 citizens, chaired by scientist and broadcaster Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, pictured above, who heard recommendations from experts in the field and visited areas of natural importance.

The report calls for sufficient funding and increased expenditure for enforcement and implementation of national legislation and EU biodiversity-related laws and directives. It recommends that nature be provided with protections within the constitution to allow it to continue to provide the necessities of life – food, clean water and air, providing a healthy environment for wellbeing into the future.

Other recommendations refer to actions in specific sectors such as agriculture; freshwater; marine and coastal environments; peatlands; forestry/woodlands/hedgerows; protected sites and species; invasive species; and urban and built environments. There is acknowledgement of the role of farmers as the custodians of the land and urges that the agriculture industry be supported in conserving and restoring biodiversity.

Read the report HERE.

Watch Lucy’s presentation on how businesses must transition to nature positive below.