EAUC response to the Northern Ireland Nature Recovery Strategy consultation
EAUC has submitted a response to the Northern Ireland Nature Recovery Strategy consultation, welcoming the overall ambition to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. We support the five Strategic Objectives as a strong framework for action, but emphasise that successful delivery will depend on clear implementation pathways, sufficient resourcing and stronger alignment across policy areas.
Our response highlights the critical role of further and higher education institutions as delivery partners. Universities and colleges manage significant estates, undertake research and innovation, and engage large student and staff populations. We stress the need to embed education, skills and workforce development across the Strategy, including both future learners and the existing workforce, to ensure biodiversity literacy is present at all levels of implementation.
We also call for greater recognition of campuses as sites for nature recovery, community engagement and biodiversity monitoring, alongside stronger integration of existing sector initiatives such as Nature Positive Universities and EAUC’s biodiversity guidance. By aligning with and building on these established frameworks, the Strategy can accelerate delivery, scale good practice and ensure a more coordinated, whole-system approach to nature recovery across Northern Ireland.
| 23 April 2026 | |
| Nature Recovery Strategy response.pdf | |
| EAUC |
