Have Your Say on Northern Ireland’s Environment: Open DAERA Consultations You Can Respond To Now
Public consultations are an important way for government to hear directly from people like us – citizens, community groups, businesses, farmers, faith communities and civil society, about policies that affect our environment, health and future. A consultation invites our views on plans or evidence before decisions are finalised. Governments use the responses to shape better policies that are fairer, more effective and more accountable.
As citizens, we share responsibility for the environment we live in and pass on to future generations. Participating in consultations ensures that diverse voices — not just experts or lobbyists — help shape policies that affect water quality, nature, waste management and how we use our resources. When ordinary people engage, policy becomes richer, more grounded in lived experience and more just.
This is at the heart of what Join the Dots Together stands for: connecting people and communities across sectors and beliefs to promote the common good. Environmental protection, sustainability, and care for creation are shared priorities across social, cultural, and faith communities. Engaging in public consultations is one practical way we live out that shared responsibility and foster civic unity.
Open DAERA Consultations — Listed by Closing Date
1) Draft Nature Recovery Strategy
Closes: 18 March 2026, 11:59 pm
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/draft-nature-recovery-strategy
Northern Ireland is developing a Nature Recovery Strategy to halt and reverse the decline in biodiversity. This draft strategy sets out how the region intends to meet national and international goals for conservation and sustainable use of nature up to 2032. The consultation invites your views on the proposals and priorities for protecting habitats, species and the natural environment.
Why it matters: Healthy ecosystems support clean air and water, flood protection, food production and wellbeing for people and communities.
2) Rethinking Our Resources: Northern Ireland Resources and Waste Management Strategy
Closes: 8 April 2026, 11:59 pm
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/rethinking-our-resources-northern-ireland-resources-and-waste-management-strategy
DAERA is seeking views on its draft resources and waste management strategy, aimed at moving Northern Ireland away from a take-make-dispose model towards a more circular economy that prioritises reducing waste, reusing materials and recycling. The strategy outlines targets and actions to reduce environmental harm while supporting economic and social wellbeing.
Why it matters: Better resource use and waste reduction help tackle pollution, support local economies and contribute to climate and environmental goals.
3) Significant Water Management Issues
Closes: 18 June 2026, 11:59 pm
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/significant-water-management-issues
This consultation asks whether DAERA has correctly identified the most significant pressures on Northern Ireland’s water environment, including rivers, lakes, groundwater and coastal waters. It forms part of preparations for the next River Basin Management Plan (2028–2033) and will influence future priorities for improving water quality.
Why it matters: Clean and healthy water is essential for public health, wildlife, farming, recreation and the wider economy.
How to Take Part
All three consultations are open to everyone — individuals, community groups, schools, businesses, faith communities and organisations. You can respond online via DAERA’s consultation portal, with full details available at:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations
Responses are reviewed and used to improve policies before they are finalised. This is a meaningful opportunity to influence decisions that shape our shared future.
At Join the Dots Together, we believe lasting solutions to environmental and social challenges come through participation, dialogue and shared responsibility. Protecting nature, safeguarding water and managing resources wisely are not issues for experts alone — they are matters of justice, stewardship and care for our common home.
Taking part in public consultations is one simple but powerful way to join the dots between people, policy and the planet.
Have your say. Your voice matters.
All consultations available here: https://www.northernireland.gov.uk/consultations