Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has announced the launch of Biodiversity Duty Reporting Guidance for Public Bodies, a comprehensive guide to help public and state bodies fulfill their legal obligations to consider biodiversity in their operations. This new guidance is part of Ireland’s broader effort to combat the biodiversity crisis and integrate sustainability into public sector practices.
Key Measures for Biodiversity Integration
Developed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) with support from Business for Biodiversity Ireland, this guidance provides actionable steps for embedding biodiversity into various aspects of public sector operations. The areas covered include procurement, construction, landscape management, and organizational development. Public bodies are also provided with a framework to report on their progress annually, in line with the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023.
Strengthening Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan
Minister O’Sullivan emphasized that this initiative will enable public bodies to commit to biodiversity in a more structured and effective way. By following the guidance, these bodies will be able to integrate biodiversity considerations into their policies, programs, and daily activities. The first progress report on the implementation of Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) is expected in summer 2025, which will include updates on the steps taken by public bodies to meet their biodiversity obligations.
Minister O’Sullivan stated: “This guidance will help even more of our public bodies make a commitment to biodiversity… It will also support public and state bodies to report on their progress over the coming months as required by the legislation.”
Positive Impact Already in Motion
Several organizations, including ESB and Iarnród Éireann, are already leading by example, having integrated biodiversity into their operations. Geoffrey Hamilton, Biodiversity Lead at ESB, noted: “Biodiversity action is a core part of ESB’s ambition to make a difference for the planet, place, and people. We are working towards becoming nature-positive by 2030.”
Moving Forward
This guidance serves as a pivotal tool to help Ireland meet its biodiversity goals and engage public bodies in meaningful environmental action. As the government works toward a sustainable future, these steps are designed to make biodiversity a priority across all sectors of public life.
For more information, visit the NPWS official page.
