International Airport Recognised For Commitment To Biodiversity

Belfast International Airport has been recognised for its commitment to biodiversity having been awarded silver level in the Business & Biodiversity Charter, an external assessment of an organisation's commitment to improve biodiversity conservation in Northern Ireland.

With around 70% of its airport platforms composed of natural environments, preserving biodiversity is one of VINCI Airports' priorities. The Business & Biodiversity Charter is an initiative of responsible business network Business in the Community in partnership with Northern Ireland wildlife charity Ulster Wildlife.

The Charter helps businesses implement biodiversity initiatives and provides external recognition of measures already in place to ensure that plants, animals, bugs, bacteria, habitats and humans can thrive and work effectively and in balance.

Kevin Napier from Belfast International Airport commented on the accolade: "We are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to biodiversity. This Charter provides an important framework for organisations to implement initiatives and assess their overall impact on biodiversity.

"We have been working hard over the last three years to transform the land into an area filled with natural beauty to boost biodiversity called 'Millenium Wood', situated close to our car parks. In that time, we have introduced several projects to give back to the environment. "Millenium Wood has been reinvigorated by coppicing Ash trees, which improves the overall health of the woodland area, allowing other plants to flourish. Part of this phase also involved planting over 200 native tree species such as hazel, rowan, alder and native bulbs and wildflowers. Additionally, we are continually evaluating the quality of soil to prevent soil erosion as part of our overall biodiversity strategy.

"We have created a space where wildlife and plants can flourish, even our employees have experienced the health and wellbeing benefits by getting involved in initiatives including a recent butterfly count bringing staff who would not normally work alongside each other together. As a responsible business, we will continue to work alongside partners such as Belfast Hills Partnership and Antrim & Newtownabbey Council to ensure everything we do is meaningful and impactful."

Kieran Harding, Managing Director, Business in the Community NI added: "We are delighted to present Belfast International Airport with Silver level achievement in the Business & Biodiversity Charter.

"Enhancing biodiversity is fundamental for ensuring a sustainable future for all and ensuring long-term business survival. Many businesses and their suppliers rely on stable, healthy ecosystems for their production processes and to treat and dissipate waste, so it is imperative that companies take action to ensure our natural environment is protected."