An independent environmental protection agency should be a priority when the North's politicians take power next week, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said today.
The bird welfare charity is unveiling its environmental programme for government today.
Protecting wildlife sites and introducing tough greenhouse gas emissions targets have also been highlighted ahead of the May 8th Assembly restoration.
RSPB Northern Ireland conservation manager Dr James Robinson said: "There is increasing evidence that environmental improvements provide strong opportunities for the development of a sustainable and modern economy
- we hope that the new Assembly will recognise the value of the environment to the people of Northern Ireland ."
The Playing Our Partdocument addresses issues like climate change, water and wetlands policy, agriculture, planning and the marine environment.
Dr Robinson added: "Every MLA will receive a copy of the document and we hope that they will endorse it in the time ahead and signal their intention to work to protect and enhance the living world for future generations."
PA