The people of Northern Ireland deserve a clean and healthy environment - an environment in which the quality of our air, land and water are safeguarded, an environment in which we all can take pride. Ulster Unionists want to secure clean air, clean water, clean land and clean energy for Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland's diverse and beautiful natural environment is one of our most precious assets. It should be preserved and passed on to future generations.

Ulster Unionists know that looking after our environment requires robust initiatives and policies. Good stewardship of the natural environment needs a partnership between the Executive, Assembly, local government, local communities and the business and agricultural sectors - a partnership in which commitment to a clean and healthy environment contributes to our quality of life.

Northern Ireland also has a responsibility to work with the rest of the United Kingdom to address the environmental challenges facing our generation. The pressing and urgent challenge of climate change does, of course, require international initiatives - but it also needs local action.

Stewardship of Northern Ireland's environment is a responsibility for all of us. And protecting our environment will secure opportunity and well-being for all of us.