Ireland to Participate in United Nations Celebration of Biodiversity

The Minister announced that Biodiversity Week was being organised to celebrate United Nations International Day for Biodiversity on 22nd May.  

"Biodiversity Week is Ireland's contribution to a global celebration of biodiversity which aims to increase awareness of the importance of biodiversity and promote action to tackle the loss of many of our species," he said.

"This is the second year that my Department has supported Biodiversity Week and already it has developed to the extent that we now have over 200 events taking place throughout the country." 

The Minister pointed out that Biodiversity Week was being organised in a partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the local authorities and a wide range of environmental organisations. 

He welcomed the efforts of all those involved in the organisation of the events and added  "Biodiversity Week provides us with a great opportunity to learn more about our native plants and species and also to find out how we as individuals and as communities can help to ensure the survival of our wildlife for future generations. 

"But just as importantly, it's about having an enjoyable day in pleasant surroundings." 

National Biodiversity Week is being support by 'Notice Nature', which is the Department's public awareness campaign on biodiversity.

Full details of events taking place during the week can be found at www.noticenature.ie