11. Thriving Wetlands
The ecological and water-conserving function of wetlands in the landscape must be maintained and valuable wetlands preserved for the future.
The outcome within a generation for this environmental quality objective should include the following:
- There will be wetlands of various kinds all over the country with preserved biodiversity and cultural heritage assets.
- Threatened species will be able to spread to new sites within their natural ranges, ensuring long-term viable populations.
- Alien species and genetically modified organisms that could threaten biodiversity will not be introduced.
- Peat extraction will not be carried on at sites of high nature conservation or cultural heritage value or in such a way as to have significant adverse effects on biodiversity.
- As far as possible, wetlands will be protected against drainage, peat extraction, road construction and other development.
- The recreational value of wetlands will be protected.
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The Environmental Objectives Council’s assessment is that the objective Thriving Wetlands can be achieved by 2020 if further action is taken. No clear trend in the state of the environment can be seen.
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The interim targets flesh out the environmental quality objectives by describing the situation in a given year.