Northern Ireland Environment Agency facts for kids
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The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is a special group that works for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Think of it like a team within a bigger government department. Their main job is to look after and protect the amazing nature and environment of Northern Ireland. This means keeping our land, water, and wildlife safe and healthy.
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What is the NIEA?
The NIEA helps to protect Northern Ireland's natural world. They make sure that our beautiful landscapes, clean rivers, and diverse wildlife are kept safe for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future. This work is called conservation.
How the NIEA Started
The NIEA was once part of a different government department called the Department of the Environment (DOENI). Back then, it was known as the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) until July 1, 2008. At that time, it also looked after historic places and buildings.
On May 16, 2016, the old Department of the Environment closed down. The NIEA then became part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). At the same time, the job of looking after historic sites moved to a different group called the Department for Communities.
Protecting Special Places
The NIEA is in charge of many special protected areas across Northern Ireland. These places are set aside to keep nature safe. Some of these include:
- Eight Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: These are large areas of beautiful countryside.
- 47 National Nature Reserves: These are important places for wildlife and habitats.
- 43 Special Areas of Conservation: These are protected areas for rare or threatened plants and animals.
- 10 special protection areas: These are important for protecting wild birds.
As of 2020, about 630 people work for the NIEA, all helping to protect Northern Ireland's environment.
Similar Groups in the UK
Other parts of the United Kingdom have their own groups that do similar work to the NIEA:
- England: The Environment Agency and Natural England
- Scotland: NatureScot and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- Wales: Natural Resources Wales
Find Out More
- List of Northern Ireland ministers, government departments and executive agencies
- Conservation in the United Kingdom
- NetRegs
