DAERA Minister Andrew Muir presented his vision for a nature positive society during a speech to the Northern Ireland Environment Forum.

Muir stated that environmental protection represents an investment in long-term health, resilience and economic prosperity.

He listed key priorities including climate action, water quality improvements at Lough Neagh and elsewhere, nature recovery to halt biodiversity loss, and the development of a circular economy.

Muir reaffirmed his support for an Independent Environmental Protection Agency and referenced progress made under the Environmental Improvement Plan.

The Minister described climate change as the defining challenge of the generation and pointed to increased extreme weather events and pressures on farming and infrastructure.

He said DAERA is taking action across land use, waste, forestry, fisheries and agriculture while advancing the first Climate Action Plan and the Third Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme.

Muir highlighted efforts to reduce nutrient pollution and improve river basin management, noting that Lough Neagh supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water.

He also emphasised the role of farmers in nature recovery through the Sustainable Agriculture Programme and called for collaboration across sectors to deliver a just transition.