Biodiversity-Strategy-January-2023

8 2.0 Forewords Alison McCullagh Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Fermanagh and Omagh District Council values the unique biodiversity of our District and endeavours to reflect a sustainable approach through our services, including homes, food and water for wildlife, support for pollinators and healthy soils, recreational benefits and improved health and wellbeing for our residents. A rich and diverse biodiversity is critical to ensure that our ecosystems remain healthy and are able to help us mitigate the impact of Climate Change, through carbon storage and adaptation. The Council’s first Climate Change and Sustainable Development Action Plan was launched in October 2021 and within it we recognise the vital role that protecting our environment plays for the future of planet and people. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Biodiversity Strategy has three overarching aims: 1. Protect, enhance and restore biodiversity on Council managed estate 2. Increase awareness and action for local biodiversity in the District 3. Work in partnership with others to deliver biodiversity action in the District. The implementation of our Biodiversity Strategy, and its associated Action Plan, will support the Council’s wider Climate Change commitments through a series of actions across key themes such as Pollinators, Trees and Woodland and Education and Outreach. We invite you to work with us to help protect and restore our local environment and its biodiversity for the benefit of current and future generations.