Northern Ireland has committed to ambitious biodiversity recovery goals through multiple policy frameworks, including the Environmental Improvement Plan's vision to 'halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by 2030' and the draft Nature Recovery Strategy's mission for thriving and resilient nature by 2050. However, Northern Ireland currently lacks a comprehensive species abundance indicator to measure progress toward these commitments.
This analysis evaluates methodological options for developing species abundance indicators in Northern Ireland, drawing on international experience, stakeholder requirements, and implementation constraints to provide evidence-based recommendations for biodiversity monitoring framework development.
Disclaimer: This research was undertaken by a British Ecological Society PhD Fellow during a placement with the OEP. The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the position of the OEP. Some findings informed the OEP’s report 'Progress in improving the natural environment in Northern Ireland 2024/2025'.