National Conference to Address the Urgent Problem of Biodiversity Loss

The Government has announced that TWO days of discussions on the state of nature in Ireland will be held in June.

A national biodiversity conference will be held at Dublin Castle on 8th and 9th June, bringing together experts from home and abroad.

The move comes three years after the Dáil declared a climate and biodiversity crisis, and amid growing concerns about the state of the country’s natural habitats and native species.

Heritage Secretary Malcolm Noonan said biodiversity loss was a critical issue.

“Humans depend on nature for our survival, it’s as simple as that,” he said.

“We cannot stand by and watch as the web of life unravels.”

Criticism has mounted over the mismanagement of the country’s native forests, rivers, lakes and bogs, which are vulnerable to pollution, overgrazing, pesticides, inappropriate planting, insensitive drainage systems and the deliberate setting of wildfires.

Many native bird species are struggling, bee populations have plummeted, marine life is sparse and reforestation is slow.

Mr Noonan said the conference will feed into the development of a new national biodiversity action plan.

He said the plan would aim to provide urgent solutions to reverse and restore losses and protect and conserve species.

“Ecosystems regulate climate, fertilize soil, purify water, produce oxygen and pollinate our plants,” he said.

“Many have already experienced irreversible changes, including in Ireland. Also, nature is our first and best line of defense against climate change.”

The conference will be live streamed and anyone can participate virtually. Details and registration forms for participation are available at www.biodiversityconference.ie.

The minister said he hoped to see farmers, foresters, fishermen, scientists, community groups, local authorities, NGOs, government agencies, businesses and the general public participate.

The announcement came as the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Loss also began.

The 99 MPs gathered on Saturday alongside members of the assembly for a Dublin mayor who will run at the same time.

dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin from University College Dublin will chair the Biodiversity Assembly.

Work is now underway to agree an agenda and timetable and the first full meeting will take place on May 14th.

Members are expected to meet on a number of occasions and will prepare a set of recommendations for government by the end of the year.