Biodiversity Action Plan Recognises Role Farmers are Playing
IFA Environment & Rural Affairs chair John Murphy said it is encouraging to see that the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan recognises the scale of the work that’s ongoing by farmers to improve biodiversity. “It is important to note that Irish farmers are already contributing strongly to biodiversity. On average, farms in Ireland have about 13% […]
Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action launches report on Biodiversity
The Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action today launched its Report on Biodiversity, which makes 75 recommendations across five key themes identified during engagements with stakeholders and through submissions to the Committee. Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Brian Leddin said: “This report points the way towards how we restore biodiversity in nature and how to best reap […]
Higher emission targets for agriculture are not only crucial for our climate, but for water and air quality, biodiversity, and food security say civil society NGOs
The Environmental Pillar, the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition and the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) have voiced concern that almost no consideration is being given to the water pollution, air pollution, biodiversity loss and food security issues associated with agricultural intensification in the ongoing deliberations on the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings for the Agricultural sector. A 22% […]
IFOAM EU welcomes landmark decision to put organic at the heart of future European food system
IFOAM EU welcomes the EU Biodiversity and Farm to Fork (F2F) strategies and the target to reach 25% organic land in Europe by 2030, as well as measures to boost the demand for organic products through promotion schemes and green public procurements. Jan Plagge, IFOAM EU President, stated: “Proposing an EU target for organic land […]
EU Biodiversity Strategy Must Herald Transformative Change: Green MEP Grace O’Sullivan
Welcoming today’s European Commission launch of the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, field ecologist and Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan said she was heartened to see the Commission moving forward to help tackle the loss of land and marine species.The Strategy has, she says, the potential to create transformative change. “With National Biodiversity Week underway […]
National Biodiversity Week 2020 in Ireland runs from 18th to 22nd May
National Biodiversity Week 2020 in Ireland runs from 18th to 22nd May, culminating with International Day of Biological Diversity on the 22nd of May. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on physical social events, thankfully we are all still very much connected in a virtual world that is thriving and will help us to […]
Biodiversity on your doorstep: the Bealtaine Living Earth biodiversity festival goes online
Online festival will allow people to explore biodiversity from home or within 5km radius via online guided walks and activities developed by guides for all 16-24 May marks the 16th year of the Bealtaine Living Earth biodiversity festival. Coordinated by Calmast, Waterford Institute of Technology’s STEM engagement centre, the festival brings groups from across the south […]
Farmers key in tracking impacts of climate change on Ireland’s biodiversity
Frog spawn, a common sight in spring. Source: Pollydot (Flickr) The National Biodiversity Data Centre, based down in Co. Waterford, is inviting members of the farming community throughout Ireland to participate in a new recording scheme – Farmer’s Wildlife Calendar – Climate Tracker. The recently launched scheme aims to unravel some of the impacts that […]
Agri–Environment Conference focusses on Biodiversity, Water Quality and Reducing Emissions
Agriculture is currently facing a number of environmental challenges relating to biodiversity, water quality and reducing both greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions. That was the clear message at the National Agri–Environment conference, organised by Teagasc, which took place in Tullamore, County Offaly, on Thursday, 17 October. Pat Murphy, Head of the Teagasc Environment Knowledge Transfer […]
Nature largely missing from the government Climate Action Plan
The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the publication of the government’s Climate Action Plan but is disappointed that nature – and addressing the biodiversity/extinction crisis in particular – is largely ignored. We welcome the commitment to better manage hedgerows and soils in agricultural environments as these can have associated benefits for wildlife. However, the plan largely […]
