Ireland Needs Up to €700M Annually for Nature Restoration and Farmer Support, Report States
A report by the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration states Ireland needs hundreds of millions annually, up to €700 million, to restore nature and support farmers. With 90% of protected habitats in poor condition, significant investment is crucial for environmental recovery and regulatory compliance.
Ireland must invest hundreds of millions of euros annually to restore its natural environment and provide support to farmers, fishers, and foresters for environmental protection, according to a report by the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration.
The report highlights that 90% of Ireland's protected habitats are in an unfavorable conservation condition, and the country ranks among the lowest globally for intact biodiversity. This underscores the significant effort required for nature restoration. The Independent Advisory Committee comprises farmers, fishers, academics, and environmentalists.
Currently, Ireland allocates the lowest proportion of its GDP among EU states to nature conservation. The committee's report indicates that up to €700 million per year is needed to implement European regulations. The committee presented three primary recommendations: adequately fund nature restoration initiatives, prioritize nature restoration on public lands, and provide robust support to farmers, fishers, and foresters.
The report emphasizes that these groups work most directly with nature, yet current financial incentives are insufficient to encourage them to undertake necessary environmental actions.