Minister O’Sullivan opens the first Leaders’ Forum on Nature Restoration

The first meeting of the Leaders’ Forum on Nature Restoration took place on Tuesday, March 25, bringing together senior decision-makers from national representative organisations, business, academia and government to shape the vision for the national Nature Restoration Plan. 

Over 80 representatives attended the event, reflecting a wide range of interests, from marine environments to farming and pollinator populations.

Following the enactment of the Nature Restoration Law across the EU in July 2024, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) was appointed to co-ordinate the development of the Plan, and engage with a wide range of stakeholders. 

An Independent Advisory Group, chaired by Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, was appointed at the end of 2024 to engage all parties and advise the Minister on the content of the Plan.

Addressing the Leaders’ Forum, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan T.D said: “We are facing urgent challenges, from biodiversity loss to climate change, and nature restoration has never been more critical.

"This event is the first step in an extensive consultation process to co-create a National Nature Restoration Plan that is ambitious, achievable and inclusive, delivering benefits for nature, our communities and our quality of life. 

"To succeed, we need an all of society, response including environmental, scientific, academic, farming, forestry, fisheries stakeholders across both public and private sectors.

"I look forward to actively participating in these important conversations, hearing the valuable insights and ideas that emerge.” 

This high-level, cross-sectoral dialogue was the first in a series of meetings designed to drive a coordinated, strategic approach to nature restoration and ensure long-term environmental and economic resilience. The Forum convened key stakeholders to discuss the overarching trajectory of the national restoration plan, develop a vision, and address the challenges of restoring ecosystems at scale.

The discussions underscored the urgent need for integrated policies, investment in nature-based solutions, and the alignment of restoration efforts with broader climate and biodiversity goals.

Dr Ní Shúilleabháin said: "This first meeting of the Leaders' Forum will provide a strong vision for Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan, as outlined by key stakeholders from across the country. In coming up with this plan, it is vital that agricultural, environmental, scientific and industry viewpoints are incorporated so that we have a coherent, ambitious and implementable plan that delivers benefits for biodiversity, society and the economy.” 

In addition to the Leaders’ Forum, a Community Conversation Programme will take place later in the year. This initiative will be a locally led, participatory engagement process designed to inform and hear the views of local groups and individuals across the country. The programme will provide communities with an opportunity to contribute directly to the national restoration agenda, ensuring that local knowledge, priorities, and concerns shape the policies and actions that will restore and protect nature.

The Leaders’ Forum on Nature Restoration will convene again in late summer, with future discussions focusing on key thematic areas such as financing restoration, integrating nature into economic planning, and leveraging technological innovations for ecosystem recovery.

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service said: “If this Plan is to be successful, then it needs to be undertaken in partnership. It must reflect different perspectives and experiences, many of which were heard today. I would like to thank all of those who attended this first event for their rich engagement and discussions, all of which will inform the Independent Advisory Committee.”