Biodiversity-Strategy-January-2023

7 Cllr Barry McElduff Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Our District is renowned for its unique and beautiful scenery, featuring wild, open landscapes of mountains, hills, lakes, rivers, caves, woodlands and bogs ‘ar fud na tíre’ (throughout the country). These are underpinned by healthy ecosystems, rich with wildlife. The biodiversity of the District showcases everything from rare bog plants to common garden birds, which is why we must act now at a global, regional and local level to tackle the threats facing our natural environment. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recognises its responsibilities towards biodiversity and has been working for many years with schools, communities and stakeholders, raising awareness and supporting projects that aim to increase protection for local biodiversity. The Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Biodiversity Strategy and associated Action Plan will build on existing partnerships. It will also seek to develop new partnerships and commit to more action for local biodiversity, setting out how we will follow best practice. In addition, it will deliver on legislative requirements and lead by example. The Council (FODC) is rightly proud of the natural heritage of our District and we hope our residents and visitors will work with us as we implement the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. This way, together we can protect, enhance and restore our local environment and biodiversity. Bígí linn. Join with us on this journey. 2.0 Forewords