Member's statement: World Peatlands Day
Member's statement by Mr John Blair on .
- MLA
- Mr John Blair
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 2 June 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- World Peatlands Day
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5583904
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Today, I mark World Peatlands Day, which is celebrated every year on 2 June. It was established by the International Peatlands Society, and the day highlights the vital role that peatlands play in tackling the climate and nature emergencies. Peatlands are some of our most important natural assets. They lock away vast amounts of carbon, support unique wildlife and act as natural water filters, improving the quality of our lakes and rivers. When degraded, however, they release carbon, increase flood risk and undermine water quality. I am all too aware of those issues in my South Antrim constituency, particularly regarding ongoing flooding along the Sixmilewater river and the ecological crisis that we continue to face at Lough Neagh. However, when restored, peatlands become vital in our efforts to meet climate and biodiversity targets. That is why I welcome the priority given to protecting peatlands by my Alliance colleague the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, especially in the publication of the peatlands strategy and advancing its implementation. In addition, the recently published wildlife strategy aims to support various projects to restore peatlands that have been damaged through wildfires. Recently, an Alliance colleague and I visited Divis Mountain to see first-hand the excellent work undertaken there by the National Trust and Northern Ireland Environment Link. Rich in upland heath, blanket bog and species-rich grassland, the site is proving to be an excellent example of ecological restoration.
As part of its Divis — A View to the Future project, it has made great strides in peatland recovery, helping to re-wet degraded peat, slow water flow, reduce erosion and support carbon sequestration and the recovery of native species. The reduction in flood risk to the greater Belfast area is of particular note. Peatlands are crucial for us to achieve our climate change goals. We need to continue to support their protection and restoration by backing the Minister's efforts to enhance those sites, along with organisations that are at the forefront of peatland restoration.
331 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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