Alliance Councillor calls for strategy to protect Mournes landscape | Newry Times
Local Alliance councillor, Patrick Brown, and John Blair MLA recently met with the Mourne Heritage Trust in Silent Valley to discuss the need for long-term plans that protect and enhance the Mournes, especially considering the recent wildfire and increased use by visitors.
Councillor Brown commented, “The Mournes are one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes, yet worryingly we do not have a strategy for their protection, as is the case in other jurisdictions.
“The fires that caused devasting scenes earlier this year both shocked and saddened those in the community and across Northern Ireland.
“Not only did they significantly threaten the biodiversity, but they also destroyed the scenic landscape.
“However, as I’ve highlighted before, these fires aren’t just the result of human error or willful ignorance.
“They are in no small part fuelled by inaction and failure to tackle climate change and respect our natural environment.”
Councillor Brown continued, “There is a direct relationship between the quality of Northern Ireland’s landscapes and the condition of the local economy.
“A long-term strategy for landscape management must be a top priority, not just for economic development and growth, but also for environmental value.
“It is also crucial that this is recognised by all parts and levels of government, whether or not they have an environmental remit.”
Councillor Brown added, “We must at both a central government and local level continue to push for these plans to be implemented, working closely alongside local stakeholders and groups, such as the Mourne Heritage Trust.
“I, along with Alliance colleagues, are committed to pressing the associated governance structures for long-term landscape management to ensure that our beautiful natural landscape is safeguarded and remains a prominent feature that can be enjoyed by those who live here and visitors to our district.”
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Posted by NewryTimes News
on Aug 16 2021. Filed under Community.
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