To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, pursuant to AQW 5710/17-22, for an exact date on which we can expect the updated Biodiversity Strategy for Northern Ireland.

In my previous response, I highlighted that a first draft of the Biodiversity Strategy was anticipated to be complete by late 2021.

This timescale is dependant on a number of factors, including agreement of new post 2020 international targets; the level of detail and support from other Departments and a wide range of organisations in developing strategic objectives. Also, the range and timing of other initiatives which will have a bearing on the strategy and the internal resources available for developing the document.

Once a draft is developed, it will require formal consultation with all stakeholders; detailed scrutiny including the AERA Committee and, as the strategy is cross cutting, Executive agreement.

Given the above, it may be the beginning of 2022 before we will be in a position to publish a final Biodiversity Strategy for the period up to 2030. Therefore, unfortunately, it is not possible to provide you with an exact date for finalising a new strategy at this time.