16 December 1999

 

ENVIRONMENT MINISTER WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR PEATLAND SITES

New Environment Minister, Mr Sam Foster, has welcomed the designation of Black Bog, Fairy Water Bogs and Slieve Beagh as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Commenting on the designations, Mr Foster said: "I am very pleased to report that these three peatland areas have been recognised as being of international importance. They serve to demonstrate that Northern Ireland is making a very significant contribution to the conservation of internationally important peatland habitats.

"Black Bog and Fairy Water Bogs, which are both located in Co Tyrone, represent two of the best examples of lowland raised bog in Northern Ireland, and they display the most important characteristic features of this habitat type.

"The Slieve Beagh Ramsar site is within a large expanse of peatland which extends into the counties of Tyrone and Fermanagh, and beyond the border of Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland. It is a particularly good example of blanket bog and the area is regularly used by internationally important species of moorland birds such as Grouse, Golden Plover and Hen Harrier."

The Minister concluded: "The new Ramsar designations represent a commitment by Government to ensure that by properly protecting these sites, both present and future generations can appreciate, enjoy and benefit from them."

 

Notes for Editors

1. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat was adapted at a meeting of countries concerned with wetland and waterfowl conservation which was held in Ramsar, Iran in 1971.
2. The objectives are to stem the progressive encroachment on, and loss of, wetlands, both now and in the future, and to encourage a policy of wise use of such areas.
3. A wetland is defined as being an area of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt and including areas of intertidal marine water.
4. The UK Government signed the Convention in 1973 and ratified it in 1976. In doing so, it accepted a commitment to promote both the conservation of particular sites and the wise use of wetlands within its territory.
5. Each country which becomes a Contracting Party to the Convention is required to designate wetlands in accordance with the criteria agreed by these parties for inclusion on a list of "Wetlands of International Importance".
6. Further information is available from Environment and Heritage Service, Commonwealth House, 35 Castle Street, Belfast, BT1 1GU (Telephone no: 028 9054 6583 or www.nics.gov.uk/ehs) or DOE Information Office 028 9054 0013.