DRAFT PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT FRAMEWORK 2016-21

Comments by Northern Ireland Environment Link 22nd July 2016 Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) is the networking and forum body for non-statutory organisations concerned with the environment of Northern Ireland. Its 70+ Full Members represent over 90,000 individuals, 262 subsidiary groups, have an annual turnover of £70 million and manage over 314,000 acres of land. Members are involved in environmental issues of all types and at all levels from the local community to the global environment. NIEL brings together a wide range of knowledge, experience and expertise which can be used to help develop policy, practice and implementation across a wide range of environmental fields. These comments are made on behalf of Members, but some members may be providing independent comments as well. If you would like to discuss these comments further we would be delighted to do so. Dr Stephen McCabe CGeog (Geomorph), FRGS Northern Ireland Environment Link 89 Loopland Drive Belfast, BT6 9DW P: 028 9045 5770 E: [email protected] W: www.nienvironmentlink.org Northern Ireland Environment Link is a Company limited by guarantee No NI034988 and a Charity registered with Inland Revenue No XR19598

NIEL PfG Framework response

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Key recommended amendments to the Draft Programme for Government Framework We recommend that Outcome 2 be re-worded to read, “We value and protect the environment, enhancing it for our children”. Measures must reflect the complexity of the Outcomes we are seeking to achieve – this may mean that more than one measure is necessary under particular indicators. This point is crucial – if we are measuring insufficiently, we will not know if we are truly ‘turning the curve’ toward the realisation of a particular Outcome. Under Indicator 29 (increase environmental sustainability), NIEL is strongly of the opinion that the measure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions is insufficient. The explanatory text under Outcome 2 (p.19) is laudable, but needs to be supported by an appropriate measure under Indicator 29. We note than many of the other measures proposed across the PfG Framework are Indices – composite datasets that provide a more rounded picture of progress than using one single variable. We suggest that this kind of approach is required for the measure under Indicator 29. Government already collects data related to biodiversity, land and habitat condition, water quality1 - this existing data should form the basis of an index for the health of the environment (an approach used by Scotland in their Natural Capital Asset Index2). We also recommend the current proposed measure under Indicator 29 (Greenhouse Gas Emissions) be included as an additional measure under Indictor 39 (‘Improve air quality’). Indicator 39 could then be amended to read ‘Improve air and atmospheric quality’. We would recommend that some of the existing proposed health indicators be conflated (for example, Indicators 2 and 3 propose to measure similar variables). NIEL would suggest conflation of these, and the inclusion of a new health indictor on increasing physical activity. We suggest that the concept of resilience is not visible enough in the current draft PfG Framework – the timeline of extreme weather and its impacts on Northern Ireland over the last decade demonstrate that we need to take resilience and adaptation to climate change seriously, and this should reflected at the highest policy level. In keeping with the tone of an Outcome-based approach, NIEL strongly recommends that an external monitoring panel be established, cross-sectorally, to input into development of appropriate indicators, assess and advise on progress on delivering the Programme for Government. 1

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/doe/ni-environmental-statistics-report2015_0.pdf 2 http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B814140.pdf

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Introductory comments Northern Ireland Environment Link welcomes the opportunity to engage with the Northern Ireland Executive on the Draft Programme for Government (PfG) Framework 2016-21. We commend the Executive for producing an outcomes-based PfG that seeks to set a positive vision for Northern Ireland as a place to live, visit, learn, work in, and enjoy. We applaud the intent behind the document, and also welcome the implication that Outcomes must be delivered cross-Departmentally, though we note the inherent challenge in overcoming traditional silo-ed approaches to a more integrated way of delivering for society. An outcomes-based PfG must therefore be reflected in a change in mind-set, toward outcomesorientated Departments working together for the public good. All but two of the Outcomes are framed in absolute terms. This potentially undermines the value of an Outcomes approach. The two which are worded as Outcomes should be, are 3 (which uses the word ‘more’) and 6 (which uses the words ‘more’ and ‘better’). We note that by the end of 2016, the Executive will develop more detailed plans. The environment, and the environment sector that NIEL represents, can help contribute significantly to the delivery of many of the Outcomes of the draft PfG (we outline how in this response), and we look forward to continued engagement with government to identify actions that will best change our direction of travel toward realisation of the 14 Outcomes, and ultimately the overall purpose of improved wellbeing for all in Northern Ireland. We also note that Brexit may change the content of the Programme for Government, and as a sector we would emphasise that standards of environmental protection should not fall as a result of Brexit. We would also stress that the NGO sector will be a key delivery partner for government in a potentially difficult time of constrained resources in the public sector. The environment is our health and wellbeing. It’s our economic foundation. It’s our food and water. It’s our heritage and history. It’s our children’s future. Crucially, it’s for everyone, equally, bringing a sense of community cohesion and shared enjoyment. NIEL is calling for creativity and energy to realise the potential that exists in Northern Ireland’s environment to enrich our society. The environment can deliver for health, through spaces and places that people want to be active in. It can deliver for the economy through tourism, cultural heritage, and a clean green image that attracts inward investment. It can deliver for education through encouraging engagement with the natural world and applied sciences. It can deliver for our future wellbeing and security. Most of all, our environment is something for people to enjoy - our land and landscape, our unique historic environment, rich freshwater network and our enviable coastline and marine habitat - and we believe that this is the best way to ensure its preservation. NIEL PfG Framework response

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We encourage the NI Executive to explore these ideas further through NIEL’s Priorities for the Environment 2016-213. Stemming from that document, our key asks for the PfG are: 

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A coherent network of protected sites for nature - on land and sea. We are asking that the NI Executive to adopt the target to halt biodiversity loss by 2020 and commit all departments to meet challenging biodiversity targets. Funding for the Environmental Farming Scheme should be protected until 2020, including advisory support for farmers to contribute towards halting biodiversity decline. Promote access to our natural and historic environment as part of the reform of healthcare. More specifically, we recommend that the NI Executive to work with environmental NGOs and healthcare professionals, to fund the delivery of pilot projects where patients can be prescribed nature related activities to tackle mental and/or physical health, including the use of ‘Green Prescriptions’. A Land Strategy for Northern Ireland which enables landowners, individuals and communities to make the best use of our land and landscapes. Develop a more rounded approach to economic prosperity through promotion of heritage as a mainstream economic driver, adoption of circular economy principles, and the establishment of a Natural Capital Asset Index for Northern Ireland (a composite dataset to monitor the health of our natural assets). A Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill for Northern Ireland, ensuring that planning for the future, including climate change, is given legislative footing Implementation of the Northern Ireland Long Term Water Strategy To help encourage a greater connection to nature for our children, we are asking the Executive to embed outdoor learning in the natural environment into the NI Curriculum, and support this requirement through Initial Teacher Training and continuing professional development. More information on this can be found in the Environment Sector’s ‘Response for Nature’4.

We suggest that these ‘asks’ can contribute to multiple outcomes, and have the following measures:

3 4

http://ww.nienvironmentlink.org/cmsfiles/NIEL-Policy-Manifesto-2016-21.pdf http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/responsefornature_northernireland_tcm9-407741.pdf

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Key NIEL ask

A coherent network of protected sites for nature - on land and sea.

Contributes to Measures proposed PfG Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 13, 14 Natural Capital Asset Index

Promote access to our natural and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, Number of users of natural and historic historic environment as part of the 12, 13, 14 environments reform of healthcare A Land Strategy for NI

1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 14

Develop a holistic approach to economic prosperity (using low carbon, circular economy and natural capital concepts) A Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill for NI Implementation of NI Long Term Water Strategy Embedding outdoor learning in the curriculum

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 13, Decreasing in GHG emissions 14 Natural Capital Asset Index

1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14 1, 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14 2, 4, 11, 13

Natural Capital Asset Index

Decrease in GHG emissions Natural Capital Asset Index Natural Capital Asset Index Number of users of natural and historic environments Natural Capital Asset Index

It will be crucial to choose measures that reflect the complexity of the 14 proposed Outcomes. If we are not measuring the right thing, it will be impossible to tell if we are progressing toward the Outcome. As such, indices that represent a rich spectrum of data will often be more appropriate in measuring progress toward a multifaceted Outcome than a single variable. We note that there will not be targets associated with each indicator. There will only be performance targets for the actions/projects/services etc. which are designed to impact on the Indicators (and thus the “curve”). While we understand that this is part of an Outcomes Based Accountability model, we would express concern that it potentially weakens the PfG and questions the notion of improving the accountability of Departments.

General Comments on the Draft Programme for Government Framework As said above, we commend the NI Executive for the intent behind an Outcomes-based PfG. This is what many in the Community and Voluntary Sector have been recommending for some years, and it is heartening to see the NI Government move in this direction. NIEL PfG Framework response

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“Improving wellbeing for all” is a worthy overall Purpose of the Programme for Government. However, we suggest that this statement should stop here, without adding “by tackling disadvantage and driving economic growth”. Improving wellbeing will be about much more than these two elements of the bigger picture. It is the realisation of the 14 Outcomes that should bring about the Purpose of the PfG, and the Outcomes are rather pre-empted if the purpose is tied explicitly to tackling disadvantage and driving economic growth. As part of an Outcomes-based PFG, we welcome the Executive commitment to work with others in genuine partnership. There will a need for engagement with communities in every stage of governance and delivery. Successful government strives to create opportunities for all members of society to make meaningful contributions to decision-making, and seeks to broaden the range of people who have access to these opportunities. This has particular resonance in environmental matters. We would like to see an enriching of the ‘policy ecosystem’ in Northern Ireland, having a wide involvement from those who can help to shape and inform policy, and even to reimagine the problems facing society and the ways in which we might seek to address them. There are a rich variety of ideas in the ‘public square’ in NI, and we encourage that the NI Executive invite continued interaction to tap into the creativity and energy that exists within Northern Ireland for the public good. We again stress that in the delivery of all Outcomes, it will be vital to measure the things that matter. Measuring the wrong thing can lead to perverse and unintended outcomes. Open data, and transparent government is essential in this. If proposed measures are shown to be unsuitable, we would expect a willingness in government to adjust to more relevant measures (as per an Outcomes Based Accountability model). The challenges that Northern Ireland faces from environmental pressures are increasing. We suggest that the concept of resilience is not visible enough in the current draft PfG Framework – the timeline of extreme weather and its impacts on Northern Ireland over the last decade demonstrate that we need to take resilience and adaptation to climate change seriously, and this should reflected at the highest policy level.

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Programme for Government Outcomes The environment, and the environment sector, can help to deliver the proposed Outcomes of the Programme for Government. We emphasise that the environment should not be seen as a burden, but as something that, if managed and looked after in the right ways, can deliver for society across many of the proposed Outcomes. Below, we outline ways in which this can happen, or can be improved, and suggest other potential measures that would provide a clearer picture of progress.

Outcome 1: We prosper through a strong, competitive, regionally balanced economy This aligns with NIEL’s desire to see a more holistic approach to economic prosperity through promotion of heritage as a mainstream economic driver, adoption of circular economy principles, and the establishment of a Natural Capital Asset Index (essentially, a composite measure of the wealth that nature gives us) for Northern Ireland. The environment and the economy can deliver prosperity for society, hand-in-hand. We support focus on an economy that works for communities, and that is entirely compatible with principles of genuine sustainability (something that goes far beyond traditionally perceived ‘environmental sustainability’). In the context of this PfG Framework, the economy exists to enhance the wellbeing of the people of Northern Ireland, and not only for the private benefit of few. Complementary to the circular economy is the growing concept of Natural Capital. Northern Ireland’s available natural resources represent what we have ‘in the bank’, in terms of nature and what the environment delivers for society. We need to protect that long-term investment, ensuring that society ‘lives off the interest’ rather than eating in to, and depleting, our irreplaceable ‘Natural Capital’. We also believe that the move towards a low carbon economy is fundamental if we are to build a more resilient economy. Climate change is one of the greatest long-term threats to society. Therefore, we are calling for the Executive to deliver a Northern Ireland Climate Change Act that legislates for targets and policies to guide and ensure a smooth transition to a low carbon economy. We recommend actions that build Northern Ireland’s clean green image as an attractor for inward investment, recognising the economic and tourism potential inherent in our natural and historic environment. NIEL would also emphasise that a vibrant, innovative, economy is not always about new development. Economies can flourish through, for example, building NIEL PfG Framework response

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on the heritage legacy of an area, or through positively (and sensitively) exploiting natural and cultural heritage assets. There is significant evidence emerging that greenspace and healthy environments act as an attractor of inward investment to an area, going beyond tourism to the development of other businesses. For example, Falkirk Council’s highly regarded Greenspace Strategy has economic development as a central goal 5. Economic development and place-making is crucial to this strategy, and progress is being made and recognised in this area (detailed in the table below). Table: excerpt taken from ‘Falkirk Greenspace: a strategy for our green network’: Greenspace outcome

Strategy

The improvement in the environmental quality of our urban areas makes Falkirk Council an attractive place for doing business and the destination of choice.

National outcome

Indicator measure

Data source

We live in well-designed sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need.

Total area of urban vacant and derelict land.

Scottish Vacant and

We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe. We realise our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people.

Area of greenspace/urban greening projects created on vacant and derelict land.

Derelict Land Register.

Survey

Falkirk Council Single Outcome Agreement report.

The % of parents who rate their neighbourhood as a good place to live. Total annual visitor expenditure in the area. No. of trainees placed in work based training by the Council

Research has shown that economic growth is strongest in places with a rich historic environment6. Without historic fabric, places lose their distinctiveness and hence their competitive advantage. We do ourselves no favours by ignoring potential economic and social value inherent in our natural and historic environment – we need creativity and

5

See the Falkirk Greenspace Strategy here https://www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/environment/environmentalpolicy/green-network/docs/Falkirk%20Greenspace%20%20A%20Strategy%20for%20our%20Green%20Network.pdf?v=201408251105, and its success shown here http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/sustainability-climate-change/sustainable-scotlandnetwork/news/falkirk-council-win-top-prizes-in-green-apple-awards/ 6 https://www.hlf.org.uk/investing-success-heritage-and-uk-tourism-economy

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investment to unlock that potential, and the environment sector is open to working with government to do just that.

Outcome 2: We live and work sustainably – protecting the environment NIEL recommends the rewording of this Outcome to read, “We value and protect the environment, enhancing it for our children”. We commend the NI Executive for the philosophy underpinning Outcome 2, recognising that our economy, health and prosperity are ultimately dependent on our natural environment. This must be embedded across public policy Northern Ireland as a principle of prosperity. As stated already, Northern Ireland’s available natural resources represent what we have ‘in the bank’, in terms of nature and what the environment delivers for society. We need to protect that long-term investment, ensuring that society ‘lives off the interest’ rather than eating in to, and depleting, our irreplaceable ‘Natural Capital’. We therefore encourage the NI Executive to pursue the development of a Natural Capital Asset Index for Northern Ireland, in recognition that our prosperity is inextricably linked to the health of our Natural Capital. We recommend that this Natural Capital Asset Index be a Measure that informs progress toward Outcome 2 (and linked to Indicator 29). Such an Index would be a composite dataset – much of which is already being collected in Northern Ireland (by Government, or commissioned by Government and carried out by the NGO sector). We must build on the good data that is already being collected – significant government investment has gone into environmental data collection, and we recommend that government respect that investment by using the data as a composite Measure. We would like to see a comparable approach to the rest of the UK (which we already feed into) and the RoI7. The explanatory text under Outcome 2 states: “Protecting and enhancing this stock of Natural Capital, which includes our air, land, water, soil and biodiversity and geological resources is fundamental to a healthy and resilient society”. This is an excellent statement, but it is the health of these things (air, land, water, soil, biodiversity) that must be measured (contributing to a composite Natural Capital Asset Index) to show if we are moving toward the realisation of Outcome 2. The ‘Lead Measure’ under indicator 29 has been proposed as Greenhouse Gas Emissions. NIEL is satisfied with this as an important measure, though it could be included under 7

See biodiversity monitoring in UK http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4233 and RoI http://indicators.biodiversityireland.ie/index.php

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another indicator (as proposed above on page 2). However, if we are to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, we need to put in place a framework which de-incentivises the use of fossil fuels, and promotes the use of alternative energy sources. NI requires a strategic approach to future energy supply, seizing the opportunity to make greater use of our own renewable energy resources and moving away from our dependence upon increasingly costly fossil fuel energy. In working towards Outcome 2, we seek the resourcing and full implementation of ‘Valuing Nature’, the NI Executive’s existing Biodiversity Strategy for Northern Ireland, and also seek the Executive’s support in delivering the Environment Sector’s ‘Response for Nature’, which includes seeing:        

Decision-makers who recognise that restoring nature is a key solution to some of our most pressing social, economic and environmental problems Fully implemented and developed nature legislation The delivery of a network of special places for nature Improved management of the wider landscape to make room for people and nature Strong institutions for nature (particularly in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) An improved connection between children and nature The provision of incentives that work for nature People to work together for nature

We welcome the commitment of the NI Executive to work with business, local government, and third sector organisations in the delivery of Outcome 2. Our agricultural sector will be key towards the delivery of a more sustainable natural environment, and the environmental sector is committed to working constructively with the agriculture scetor. Nature on our farmland is in trouble. Agricultural intensification has resulted in unintended consequences for the environment such as declines in wildlife, problems with water quality and a reduction in soil quality, all of which form the productive base of agriculture. Funding for the Environmental Farming Scheme should be protected until 2020 and must include advisory support for farmers to contribute to halting biodiversity decline. Over 50% of Northern Ireland’s biodiversity is found within our seas8. Therefore, steps to ensure the health and resilience of Northern Ireland’s marine habitats and species are a key part of delivering Outcome 2. We call on the NI Executive to fully implement the Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 to ensure our marine environment is healthy, productive and 8

Northern Ireland State of the Seas Report (2011) https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/state-seas-report

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resilient now and in the future. This requires the production of a Marine Plan for Northern Ireland based on the ecosystems approach and the creation of a well-managed network of marine protected areas. Together, these actions will contribute towards the protection and restoration of our marine environment.

Outcome 3: We have a more equal society NIEL would suggest that the wording of this Outcome be modified, as follows: We accept that inequalities are unjust and tackle them to create a more equal society. Sustainability is about much more than what is traditionally seen as ‘the environment’. If any society is to be genuinely sustainable, it will also be an equal society (see, for example, the UN’s Sustainability Goals9). Sustainability and equality are thus inextricably linked. Equality is a key strand of the Wellbeing of Future Generation Act in Wales – this is seen by many as a world-leading piece of legislation that sets a firm direction toward sustainability. “Wales faces a number of challenges now and in the future, such as climate change, poverty, health inequalities and jobs and growth. To tackle these we need to work together. To give our children and grandchildren a good quality of life we need to think about how the decisions we make now will impact them. This law will make sure that our public sector does this”10. The same challenges face Northern Ireland (including growing inequality that seems systemic in nature), and we recommend that the NI Executive is bold in planning for meeting these complex challenges through introducing a Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill.

Outcome 4: We enjoy long, healthy, active lives NIEL believes that the realisation of this Outcome is essential to a sustainable society, and aligns with the NIEL ask of promoting access to our natural and historic environment as part of the reform of healthcare. The National Health Service is under severe pressure, with budget stress growing year-on-year. We need to find other ways to address the health 9

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/?menu=1300 http://thewaleswewant.co.uk/about/well-being-future-generations-wales-act-2015. A video explaining the legislation is here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFeOYlxJbmw#action=share 10

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problems of the population. There is a rapidly growing body of research that recognises the links between a healthy environment and healthy people. This is already recognised in the NI Executive’s Strategy, Making Life Better, which frames the environment as a key determinant of health and wellbeing: “health is affected more by economic, social and environmental factors than by anything else”11. The environment is an untapped resource that can significantly contribute to health outcomes and in turn provide considerable financial savings to government, relieving pressure on public services (for example, the natural environment provides opportunities for physical activity contributing to the weekly levels recommended by the Chief Medical Officers and the World Health Organization to maintain good health and reduce the prevalence of a range of conditions including diabetes, heart disease and cancer). There is compelling evidence that regular and sustained contact with nature can:      

Maintain good health Aid recovery from illness Alleviate stress and improve mental wellbeing Enhance social interaction and support community cohesion Improve quality of life for older people Improve children’s health and wellbeing.

In recognition of this, NIEL would like to see:    

 

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Promotion of the understanding of how a healthy environment is essential to human health and wellbeing Better use, management of, and access to, our natural and historic environment for wider community wellbeing Enhanced collaboration between health and environment sectors, to explore preventative health-care models that make economic savings Development opportunities for delivering health and wellbeing outcomes through environmental action; for example, the introduction of innovative approaches such as ‘Green Prescriptions’ Full implementation of the NI Outdoor Recreation Action Plan Realisation of the multiple benefits of Green and Blue Infrastructure Networks (for example, Connswater Community Greenway and Comber Greenway) across Northern Ireland.

https://www.nicpld.org/courses/hospVoc/assets/PHealth/DHSSPSNIMakingLifeBetter2013-2023.pdf

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The ‘Green Prescription’ is a concept originally developed in New Zealand12 in the late 1990’s and now also used in the UK and Ireland. It is a practical example of how the natural environment can contribute to health and wellbeing. It draws parallels to the usual prescriptions given to patients for medication from health care practitioners, but emphasises the importance of physical activity (ideally in a natural setting because of the added value) to improve their condition. Recent pilot studies in Donegal produced promising findings of lower levels of blood pressure, increased weight loss and reduced use of medication13. Ongoing research by the School of Medicine at the University of Exeter also reports positive results and notes that quality of environment also has an impact on health and wellbeing outcomes14. NIEL would recommend inclusion of a further Measure that would demonstrate a commitment to this type of preventative approach to the health of the population. We suggest that the measure be an increase in physical activity in the population, or especially, an increase in the number of users of the natural and historic environment because of the added health value that these venues and settings have for physical and mental health issues. We are also mindful that this measure recognises that people from lower socioeconomic groups tend to have poorer access to the natural and historic environment and recommend that a programme to improve access to and use of these spaces is instigated by the appropriate Department. NIEL would be happy to provide further suggestions on how these approaches could be designed.

Outcome 5: We are an innovative, creative society, where people can fulfil their potential NIEL welcomes the intent to foster innovation in our society, as an important way of addressing the problems that face us. The concept of ‘shifting paradigms’ suggests that innovation usually happens at the edges or boundaries of disciplines, rather than at their centre. Innovation and creativity will be fostered by the cross-pollination of ideas as new groups of professionals and communities come into contact with one another. Environmental challenges and solutions provide just such a fertile ground for innovation.

12

http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-wellness/physical-activity/green-prescriptions An evaluation of the Green Prescription programme in Co. Donegal: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/corporate/evaluationgreenprescription.pdf 14 http://nhsforest.org/sites/default/files/Dose_of_Nature_evidence_report_0.pdf 13

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Partnership (between government, businesses, communities, NGOs, universities) is crucial to unlocking innovation - we will make progress if we work smartly and efficiently together. The role of special places - and focusing of resources therein - in stimulating innovation has been widely recognised, notably in relation to, for example, science parks, and research and development hubs. However, outstanding natural places can also be used as centres of best practice and rural innovation hubs15. NIEL notes that the PfG does not reference the very important contribution of volunteers across society as a whole and within the environment section in particular. The benefits of volunteering are wide ranging. In addition to increasing capacity, the involvement of volunteers from all backgrounds enriches the sector, for example bringing in additional expertise and improving diversity. The Department for Communities Voluntary and Community Unit already gather annual statistics that could be used to monitor participation in volunteering to inform the PfG.

Outcome 6: We have more people working in better jobs NIEL suggests that this Outcome could be combined with Outcome 1. Under Outcome 1, we have already emphasised areas of synergy between the environment and the economy, and we believe that attractiveness of place is a relevant indictor for inward investment and job creation. Innovation in the face of the environmental challenges can create jobs in Northern Ireland – for example, in renewable energy production and expertise, in design and retrofitting of buildings that resilient in the face of climate extremes. There is also significant growth potential in heritage-related jobs – this was overwhelmingly recognised in NIEA’s Study of the Economic Value of Northern Ireland’s Historic Environment16. This potential has not been realised since the publication of that report, and NIEL recommends that the economic potential of both the natural and built environment is explored and supported, following the success of Scotland’s example as a nation that has coupled their environment and heritage with jobs and prosperity.

15

See, for example, http://www.nationalparksengland.org.uk/home/policy/rural-growth-through-sustainabledevelopment 16 http://www.nienvironmentlink.org/cmsfiles/policyhub/files/documentation/Built/study_of_the_economic_value_of_ni_historic_environment_may_2012.pdf

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Outcome 7: We have a safe community where we respect the law, and each other No single sector or group holds the answer to complex social issues. However, safe communities are partly a result of investing in local environmental quality. Enhancing the environment, in terms of public space, has been shown to have a positive impact on, for example, social cohesion and inclusion, with an associated reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour. When designed and maintained well, shared public spaces can bring communities together, provide meeting places, and foster the kind of social community building that can so easily get lost in our urban areas. Well-designed spaces and places shape the culture of an area and help to inform the identity of local communities. Green shared space is recognised as a key factor in developing a sense of community17 - it provides us with venues for neighbourliness and social cohesion. Access to open and green spaces gives us a valuable chance to socialise with neighbours and others with whom we would not otherwise come into contact. Well-designed and maintained shared green space in urban areas is known to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, contributing to the establishment of stable societies18. We recommend that green infrastructure be promoted as a key mechanism for achieving multiple policy objectives across a wide range of Departments – but not least because of its potential for bringing communities together and overcoming social problems.

Outcome 8: We care for others and we help those in need NIEL endorses this Outcome, and specifically recommends that the issue of community resilience be addressed in Northern Ireland. We would like to see communities empowered to be resilient when faced with challenges – for example, extreme weather and flooding19. Raising capacity of communities to be their own ‘first point of contact’ is an effective way of

17

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110118095356/http:/www.cabe.org.uk/files/manifesto-forbetter-public-spaces.pdf 18 19

http://www.csd.org.uk/uploadedfiles/files/value_of_green_space_report.pdf https://www.jrf.org.uk/report/community-resilience-climate-change

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building community confidence and cohesion, and an efficient first response by way of dealing with crises.

Outcome 9: We are a shared society that respects diversity The historic environment and education can play an important role in shared space and building a united community that respects diversity20. The ‘heritage perspective’ can often change attitudes to the present day – when we gain an historic appreciation of how society functioned (well or otherwise) it can have a positive impact on how we view the society in which we live now. We have a very rich heritage environment in Northern Ireland – one that, looking beyond previous decades of trouble, can provide a sense of shared heritage (both natural and historic/cultural). Moving beyond traditional sectarian divides, we emphasise that the environment is for everyone, equally – and can be used as a venue, or vehicle, for addressing respect for diversity. Shared green and cultural spaces can also promote social cohesion by being used as venues for social events – food and music festivals have seen great success in places such as Botanic Gardens (Belfast), Ebrington Square (Derry-Londonderry), Oxford Island, Crawfordsburn Country Park, and many more.

Outcome 10: We are a confident, welcoming, outward-looking society Confidence can often come from feeling secure in our own identity. NIEL would suggest that this Outcome aligns closely with Outcomes 7 and 9, with the potential for enhancing local environmental quality and the use of the natural and historic environment as a venue or vehicle to address social issues contributing to the delivery of Outcome 10. In addition, the role of our environment in projecting a positive image to external audiences should be considered, for example the potential for National Parks in Northern Ireland as flagships for our clean, green landscapes and warm rural welcome.

20

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/content/imported-docs/p-t/putting-historic-environment-to-work.pdf

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Outcome 11: We have high quality public services NIEL recommends a slight modification to the wording of this outcome, as follows: ‘We have high quality and resilient public services’. As such, we would like to see Government organisations with a Resilience Strategy and Action Plan in place to safeguard the quality of public services. The explanatory text within the PfG under Outcome 11 should reference the importance of the role of the Executive in ensuring that public services can continue to be provided during the physical, social and economic ‘shocks’ that we have seen regularly in the 21st century – with models suggesting an increase in the intensity and frequency of these ‘shocks’ (as well as long term ‘fatigue’). By embedding planning to deal with such incidents into our approach NI will become more able to respond to future adverse events (as well as cumulative stresses), and deliver essential public services in both good times and bad, to all parts of the community. Resilience is another key element of the Wales Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, highlighted above under Outcome 3. In working towards Outcome 11, we would urge recognition and promotion of the vital public services and goods that are provided by the environment – for free (for example, flood attenuation, carbon sequestration and storage, water purification/filtering, soil development). If we do not safeguard the provision of these public ‘ecosystem services’, then we will need to replace them by engineered solutions at the expense of the public purse. Water and sewerage infrastructure is a key public service that can be overlooked because it is largely ‘invisible’ in daily life. However, our network of rivers and lakes on which this infrastructure relies, provides society with numerous benefits including:        

Landscape and aesthetic value Drinking water Water for bathing/sanitation Water for food production Water purification and waste removal Nutrient cycling Recreation Flood control and climate regulation

We currently fail to manage our freshwater environment in a way that reflects its true value. The freshwater environment is a complex system that cannot be managed in a piecemeal NIEL PfG Framework response

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fashion. NIEL therefore supports the Long Term Water Strategy for NI (led by Department for Infrastructure, but with Cross-Departmental input), which maps out the sustainable management of our water environment to 2039 in order to bring together a coordinated delivery of the European Commission’s 2012 Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources (reflecting the Water Framework, Urban Waste Water Treatment, Bathing Water, Floods, and Drinking Water Directives). The Long Term Water Strategy is an exemplar of Government Departments already working beyond silos to deliver for the public good – we are asking that the Long Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland is fully resourced and implemented.

Outcome 12: We have created a place where people want to live and work, to visit and invest As demonstrated above, under Outcome 1, the environment can act as an attractor of inward investment, going beyond traditional tourism economies, to businesses investing because of ‘place’. Well-designed, useable urban and rural spaces that consider health implications and incorporate sustainable environmental features allow people to make the most of their working day and leisure time. When a space is supportive to people a sense of belonging develops and the concept of Placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of every community. We support actions that strengthen the connection between people and the places they share21. In working toward Outcome 12, we would like to see the NI Executive support actions that build capacity within communities to allow people to express a sense of pride in their neighbourhood, through practical actions, including removing litter and graffiti. For example, the economic impact of litter is huge – both in terms of the cost of street cleansing (£40 million per year), and also the loss of potential inward investment. There are other hidden costs attached to this - for example, studies have shown that high levels of street litter correlate with increased rates of depression and other mental health problems – the result is an estimated £15million drained from NHS finances. The NI Executive should also provide leadership to facilitate more advanced actions to support people to improve the quality of their environment such as accelerating community 21

http://www.pps.org/reference/what_is_placemaking/

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assess transfer procedures across Departments to schemes to improve biodiversity, maintain green space and address physical dilapidation. NIEL is a consortium member in the Space and Place programme22, a £15million Big Lottery funded capital programme, which aims to connect people and communities by making use of difficult, underused or neglected spaces. There is scope to share learning from successful projects across Northern Ireland to inform policy and support communities. In the context of local environmental quality, it is important that enforcement is applied equitably across all eleven councils, ensuring that local environments are enhanced (especially in terms of pollution relating to air, noise, litter, and dog-fouling). Consideration should be given to developing a ‘Place Standard’ for Northern Ireland, similar the Scottish Government model, that can be used by a range of stakeholders including communities to facilitate inclusive conversations that assess the quality of particular place, while identifying issues that need to be addressed23.

Outcome 13: We connect people and opportunities through our infrastructure Infrastructure is essential to the facilitation of the kind of progress we want to see, and much of what is outlined in the PfG. We welcome the NI Executive’s commitment to work with the environmental sector to achieving the aims set out. Infrastructure does not always mean hard engineering (though we support appropriate hard engineering solutions). Green and Blue infrastructure will be equally important, and in some cases more important, for delivering sustainable solutions for Northern Ireland – for recreation and active travel, for flood alleviation and sustainable drainage. As emphasised under previous Outcomes, resilience is crucial to our infrastructure – we must design and adapt for the environmental, social and economic ‘shocks’ that are increasingly likely in the coming century (as well as to cumulative stresses or ‘fatigue’). Connected infrastructure is about the best ways for the population to move around. Public transport and active travel infrastructure is crucial to delivering sustainable solutions for connected infrastructure across Northern Ireland. The below table suggests ways forward for sustainable transport in Northern Ireland.

22 23

http://www.spaceandplaceni.com/ http://www.placestandard.scot/#/home

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Strategic Planning and Costings

Active Transport

Public Transport

Short term; practical; inexpensive 2010

Medium term

Develop new costing and policy programmes designed to deliver sustainable transport for long term Devise new cost/benefit analysis based on carbon reduction and plan to halt fossil fuel use for transport by 2030 Interventions are required across all sectors and populations, however there is a real need to prioritise measures at disadvantaged areas first Reduce speed limits across road network and ensure enforcement (reducing carbon as well as improving safety) Government should take a lead in promoting public and active transport for its employees Ensure transport policies are subject to Health and Environmental Impact Assessments Ensure the Regional Development Strategy facilitates the necessary infrastructure to maximise a sustainable transport system Link up all cycle ways to provide connected web around Belfast PR campaign to promote the links between sustainable travel and other sectors, including environment, health and social. Active travel can impact on travel patterns, access to services, exercise and social connectedness Reduce pavement parking through proper enforcement Increase active transport safety through driver and cyclist education Promote Safe Routes to School and safer streets for children Continuous bus priority lanes and signalling in all major towns and cities 100% of time Continuing upgrading the fleet to make public transport affordable, regular and reliable Enforcement measures to ensure compliance and clear flow Expanded ‘Park & Ride’ and ‘Park &

Support research and development of alternative and new technologies which incorporate climate change, safety and health as key drivers Develop a rating system and taxation schemes that encourage active and public transport and discourage (incrementally more so) use of private cars, and those less efficient proportionately more so

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Long term; ideal; visionary – 2030 No fossil fuels used for transport The infrastructure should be in place so all journeys can be made by active and/or public transport

Expand active transport network to make it the focus and priority of all transport, not cars Majority of journeys to school not by private car Link up all cycle ways to provide a connected web around Belfast

Most journeys < 5 km by active transport Infrastructure fully in place to allow this

Public transport vehicles of a variety of sizes extend accessibility beyond major cities (rural post buses, large taxis on scheduled runs, etc.) Public transport to be seen as the preferred method of travel.

Public transport available for all journeys over 5 km ‘Nodes’ linked by fast, frequent, accessible and affordable public transport All public transport fuelled by sustainable

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Planning/ Settlement pattern

Avoiding Travel

Share’ systems, improving the service to make them preferable to driving for all long journeys All new developments must include public transport, active transport facilities and their promotion

Promotion of teleconferencing, working from home, local goods and services

renewable energy

Plans in place to change settlement patterns and design all new developments around minimising transport needs Reorganisation of public sector to allow more people to work near their homes Local food production, goods and services locally available

Settlements designed around sustainable transport; local services, etc Technical solutions avoid need for most business travel

Outcome 14: We give our children and young people the best start in life NIEL supports this outcome given that there is accepted evidence that investment in children and young people (and in pre-birth care and Early Years particularly) delivers positive physical and mental wellbeing outcomes that continue through life, as well as supporting better educational outcomes which underpin the aspirations of the wider Programme for Government24. We need to not only to give our children the best start in life – but their children, and the generations that follow. Intergenerational equity is thus an important concept in giving our children the best start possible. For this to be achieved, planning for the future is essential. We again recommend that NI explore the potential for a Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill, as seen in Wales. The aim of such a Bill would be to plan for a Northern Ireland that is prosperous, resilient, healthier, more equal, cohesive and globally responsible. Achieving this would give our children the best start in life – by ensuring that we do compromise the prosperity of future generation through our current ambitions and actions. NIEL also emphasises the added value of environment and heritage in formal and informal education, in giving children the best start possible. UK and international research has demonstrated that outdoor and environmental education has multiple benefits for children, sometimes in surprising ways. Environmental education has been shown to: 24

https://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/projects/fair-society-healthy-lives-the-marmot-review/fair-societyhealthy-lives-executive-summary.pdf

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    

Improve academic performance across the curriculum including numeracy, literacy and STEM activities Encourage children to transfer and apply skills learned in the classroom, and lets them gain skills to tackle future environmental issues facing Northern Ireland Increase equality of opportunity for children from all backgrounds Improve discipline in the classroom Bring inherent health and wellbeing benefits to children.

In working toward the achievement of Outcome 14, NIEL recommends the continued development of the Eco-Schools programme, recognising schools as beacons of sustainability within their communities. We would also like to see joint working between DAERA and the Department of Education in terms of realising the potential of the environment to the education system in Northern Ireland, with the aspiration of an ‘Environmental Education Strategy’ that promotes an expectation of outdoor learning and fieldwork. To help encourage a greater connection to nature for our children, we are asking the Executive to embed outdoor learning in the natural environment into the NI Curriculum and support this requirement through Teacher Training and continuing professional development.

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