Environment Minister Edwin Poots has welcomed news that more than half of our bathing waters are officially excellent – but he warned bathers and sun seekers not to use it as an excuse to flock to our beaches and flout Covid-19 measures.

Testing and contact tracing will play a central role in unlocking the Coronavirus lockdown in Northern Ireland, Health Minister Robin Swann has emphasised.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds today announced plans to allow hotels and other tourist accommodation to re-open from 20 July.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has today launched a consultation document seeking the views of the public on how we support and fund Further Education at CAFRE.

The Valuing Nature Programme has worked with business over the last 2 years, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, to develop a Natural Assets Research and Innovation Agenda in Support of Business and Policy. This has involved:

Based on this work, the Valuing Nature Programme has submitted a Case to NERC, within the context of the NERC  Call for Ideas for potential Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF) programmes, for an investment of £100m+ in a new  Natural Assets Research & Innovation Platform and Agenda in Support of UK Business & Policy.

The idea is now under consideration by NERC, who may work it up to a potential bid to the SPF and/or consider other possible funding modes.

At this stage, we are seeking further support from the business community (and other organisations) through the following pledge form. Please sign this pledge form and help us by promoting signature by relevant business and other contacts in your network. You can view the list of signatories here.

Thank you.

Guy Duke, Business Champion
Peter Young, Chair Business Interest Group