At the 'Our Nature with Aggregates' event held in Stormont on International Day for Biodiversity (22 May 08), Arlene Foster, Minister for the Environment, launched a Biodiversity and Geodiversity Strategy for Northern Ireland's Quarrying and Aggregates Industry.

It was fitting that on International Day for Biodiversity the industry celebrated their commitment to the conservation and enhancement of our rich Biodiversity and Geodiversity. QPANI has taken the lead role by being the first industry sector in Northern Ireland to produce a strategy to champion this important issue.

Launching the strategy The Minister said:

"Today, I am pleased to say, I find myself launching a biodiversity and geodiversity strategy produced by a major Northern Ireland industry employing over 5000 people and worth £730 million annually to the local economy. This is a first for business and for biodiversity and I warmly congratulate the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland in taking this initiative, which my department is happy to support"

The event, hosted by MLA's David Ford, Tommy Gallagher and Jim Wells was attended by quarry industry representatives, nature conservation bodies, academics, government officials and MLAs.

Also speaking at the event were Dr Michael Meharg, Assistant Director of EHS and Dr Bob Brown, Chairman of the NI Biodiversity Group who congratulated the Association on producing the Strategy and look forward to its delivery in the coming years.

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