Beautiful countryside vital for environment and economy

Northern Ireland’s beautiful countryside is as vital for the country’s economy as it is for its environment.

Edwin Poots, Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister, said the tourism attracted to the country by its Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) makes them a crucial resource.

Poots made the claim as he opened the 11th Conference of the National Association of AONB.

“Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty not only bring enjoyment and enhance well-being for our own communities, but they are a valuable resource on which to base and grow tourism,” Poots said.

“Through partnerships with key stakeholders in managing these areas we can begin to realise the vision we want for our countryside and rural communities.”

The minister said Northern Ireland has a treasure trove of spectacular landscapes that have the potential to become National Parks.

Creating National Parks would help people to enjoy the landscape whilst conserving it for future generations, Poots said.

“The purpose is for people’s enjoyment of the countryside but also for the conservation and enhancement of that particular landscape.”

“I believe the right model for National Parks is one that embraces environmental community and economic concerns,” Poots added.

AONBs are areas deemed outstanding for their flora, fauna, cultural and historical associations, and scenery.

Northern Ireland currently has nine AONBs with two more proposed, but no National Parks.

AONBs have the same level of legal protection as National Parks, but do not have their own authorities for planning control.