The Special EU Programmes Body has announced that a new cross border environmental project, that will protect endangered species and restore natural habitats, is to receive €8.1m worth of funding under the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will lead the new project called ‘Collaborative Action for the Natura Network’ (CANN). The Council will head a consortium of leading government departments, local authorities, research institutions, community groups and charities from across the region, including Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT).

Welcoming the funding Councillor Aileen Morton, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council said:

“This is really good news. The prestigious CANN project will deliver welcome peatland habitat improvements and help protect endangered species. It will bring £800,000 of investment to Argyll and Bute, helping to boost the local economy and create job opportunities. We were happy to support ACT during the bid process and look forward to working with all the project partners to deliver lasting environmental protection.”

Making the announcement Gina McIntyre CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), which manages the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, said:

“This project brings together a wide range of partners with an impressive depth of experience in the field of environmental protection. By working in collaboration with each other they will be able to make a real and lasting difference on both sides of the border.”

The five year project will help to improve the condition of protected habitats and priority species found within Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and Western Scotland.

The protection of these habitats and species will allow the region to meet targets set under the EU’s Birds and Habitats Directives along with realising the benefits from the many ecosystem services (e.g. carbon storage, alleviating flooding and visual and cultural landscapes) provided by these areas.

Councillor Sir Jamie Mcgrigor, ACT Trustee, added: “Many congratulations to those who have worked so hard to bring funding for this extremely valuable long term project.  The value of peat as a carbon sink is enormous and this project preserves local biodiversity for the benefit of local people and the planet.” 

In total, CANN will produce seven species action plans and 25 conservation action plans improving the conservation status of 3,150 hectares of land designated as being a ‘Special Area of Conservation’.

The project will also deliver a series of education and outreach programmes to help increase awareness of local communities to potential value of natural habitats and endangered species.

Match-funding for the project has been provided by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in Ireland along with Scottish Natural Heritage.