DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA has announced the creation of a new NI Government Mournes Strategic Group to provide leadership and coordination across departments and partner organisations operating in the Mournes.

Chaired by Minister Muir, the Group will bring together key government departments, agencies, councils and delivery partners to deliver a joined-up approach to the sustainable management of the Mournes landscape.

Announcing the initiative, Minister Muir said: "The Mournes is an incredibly special place which is used and treasured by people right across Northern Ireland. However, the area is facing increasing and complex pressures which must be effectively addressed if we are to protect the natural beauty of the area, whilst ensuring a thriving future for the local communities in the Mournes. Through the establishment of this Strategic Group we are putting in place the leadership and coordination needed to respond to existing and emerging pressures."

The move reflects the need for a cross-sector and cross-government response to challenges in the Mournes, informed by ongoing research and engagement on the area's future management.

This need was highlighted in research commissioned by the Department of Finance, including a study by the James Hutton Institute, into the long-term future of the Mournes. Representatives from relevant departments, agencies and councils will be invited to join the Group, with the Forever Mournes Partnership also included as members.

Organisations are now being asked to nominate representatives and provide feedback on the draft Terms of Reference ahead of the Group's first meeting.

Minister Muir added: "The group will provide a strong foundation for collaborative action. I look forward to working with partners to ensure this Group delivers tangible improvements in the Mournes. This is about bringing the right people together to deliver real, practical outcomes protecting the environment, supporting sustainable economic activity, and ensuring the long-term resilience of the Mournes."

A spokesperson for the Forever Mournes Partnership said: "The establishment of the NI Government's Mournes Strategic Group is a significant milestone, providing the leadership and coordination needed to protect this special landscape while supporting the communities who live and work here. We look forward to collaborating with the Group to achieve lasting outcomes for the Mournes."

Nigel McKinney of Mourne Heritage Trust said: "The sustainable future of the Mournes can never be achieved by a single organisation or agency and requires real cooperation and collaboration on a cross sector basis allied to proper resourcing. It is encouraging and timely to see this new strategic group being established given the increasing challenges the habitats, people and places in the Mournes face."

The inaugural meeting of the Strategic Group is expected to be held in September, following completion of the nomination process.