1—(1) It is the duty of every public body, in exercising any functions, to further the conservation of biodiversity so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions.
(2) In complying with subsection (1), a public body must in particular have regard to any strategy designated under section 2(1).
(3) Conserving biodiversity includes—
(a)in relation to any species of flora or fauna, restoring or enhancing a population of that species;
(b)in relation to any type of habitat, restoring or enhancing the habitat.
(4) The Department must issue guidance containing recommendations, advice and information for the assistance of public bodies in complying with the duty under subsection (1).
(5) In this section “public body” means—
(a)a Northern Ireland department;
(b)a district council;
(c)a statutory undertaker within the meaning of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (NI 11);
(d)any other body established or constituted under a statutory provision.