Causeway Coast and Glens councillors have approved plans to develop a new Local Biodiversity Strategy and Plan (LBSAP) for the borough.

The development of a LBSAP for the years 2027-2032, which will ensure council fulfils its statutory duty under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (WANE) Act (NI) 2011, was approved by members of December’s Leisure and Development Committee.

An officers’ report noted the first Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), which was in place from 2013 to 2018, was jointly adopted by the four legacy councils of Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady and Moyle.

“A review of the 2013-2018 LBAP now proposes to develop a LBSAP for the borough which will consider the range of functions undertaken by council,” the report added.

Plans to develop a new council Biodiversity Strategy were approved by members.

placeholder image — Plans to develop a new council Biodiversity Strategy were approved by members.

“The new LBSAP will ensure council carries out its duty to conserve biodiversity effectively and will include targets and actions to ensure council achieves the necessary outcomes for successful delivery of its statutory duty.”

The report outlined a number of planned works to be undertaken, with a proposed finish date of February 2027, that includes an internal consultation with relevant heads of service, a draft LBSAP early next year, and also an extensive 12-week public consultation.

A council officer said the new LBSAP will “help council and its partners to conserve biodiversity and will set out future targets and actions for delivery”.

They concluded: “Officers are [also] establishing a public-facing biodiversity forum, with an inter-agency representation, that we can use to share the benefits of our function with the general public.”