An Evidence Synthesis: Drivers of biodiversity loss in Northern Ireland
Creators: name: Emmerson, Mark
name: Slevin, Amanda
name: Ellis, Gerraint
Publisher: name: figshare
Year: 2024
Subjects: classificationCode: 410401
subject: Conservation and biodiversity
classificationCode: 410402
subject: Environmental assessment and monitoring
classificationCode: 410405
subject: Environmental rehabilitation and restoration
classificationCode: 410406
subject: Natural resource management
classificationCode: 410407
subject: Wildlife and habitat management

description: This report represents a comprehensive review of the key drivers impacting biodiversity loss across Northern Ireland. The work was conducted to underpin a review of the drivers impacting biodiversity in Northern Ireland undertaken by the Office of Environmental Protection (OEP). The primary objective is to provide clarity on the direct and indirect drivers of change affecting biodiversity and to inform the OEP’s statutory response to the NI Environmental Improvement Plan (once published). To categorise the direct drivers of biodiversity change, this review adopts the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) framework which includes land and sea use change, direct exploitation of natural resources, pollution, climate change, and invasive alien species.  A systematic review of the published scientific literature was undertaken for the drivers of biodiversity change in Northern Ireland. This was complemented with expert knowledge of work and policies across the province. A critical evaluation of the evidence base reveals significant limitations in documenting and understanding the breadth of the drivers of biodiversity loss in Northern Ireland. Whilst some drivers, such as land use change and invasive species are well documented, the overall body of evidence is fragmented, with significant gaps in long-term data and region-specific research. Many studies are focused on short-term impacts or are based on broader UK or global datasets, potentially overlooking nuanced ecological dynamics of Northern Ireland. Additionally, there are only a limited number of integrated studies that explore the combined interactive effects of different drivers, for example the combined effects of climate change, pollution and habitat loss.  The analysis shows that land use change driven by agricultural intensification and urban development remains the most significant driver of biodiversity loss in Northern Ireland. Much of the available evidence shows that habitat loss and fragmentation have led to the decline of species richness, notably in farmland birds and for priority habitats. Agri-environment schemes have shown some benefits to biodiversity but are insufficient to mitigate widespread biodiversity declines. Pollution, particularly from diffuse agricultural sources contributes significantly to eutrophication and is a well-documented driver of biodiversity change in Northern Ireland’s freshwater ecosystems. Nutrient loading has caused species homogenisation and a reduction in sensitive species, whilst efforts to reduce nutrient input have had limited success in reversing ecological degradation. There is extremely limited evidence of the wider effects of direct pollution impacts in the literature for Northern Ireland. Invasive species also pose a significant threat to biodiversity, with numerous studies documenting the detrimental impacts of species such as zebra mussels and Pacific oysters on native ecosystems. These invasive species outcompete native flora and fauna, altering community composition and ecosystem functioning. The absence of long-term data on the success of eradication and mitigation strategies is an important gap in the literature.  Climate change is only beginning to exert measurable effects on Northern Ireland’s biodiversity, most notably in marine ecosystems, where warming sea surface temperatures are shifting species distributions. Although evidence is limited and still emerging, these trends suggest that Northern Ireland’s biodiversity will increasingly face threats from rising temperatures, changes in precipitation and shifting climate patterns. Direct exploitation of natural resources, such as fishing, forestry and aquaculture has caused significant long-term damage to ecosystems, with recovery often slow despite management interventions such as Marine Protected Areas. The evidence here highlights the need for more targeted restoration efforts.  The report identifies several gaps in the current evidence base, notably the lack of long-term studies, particularly in terrestrial and freshwater systems, and the need for a more integrated approach to understanding the interactions between the different drivers of biodiversity loss. To address these issues there is a need for strengthened policy measures, informed by comprehensive, region-specific research, targeting the complex and interlinked drivers of biodiversity loss in Northern Ireland. It is essential that future research efforts aimed at the restoration of biodiversity are undertaken, not only to maintain the vital ecosystem services it provides to agriculture, but also the services it provides to the human population of Northern Ireland as a whole.