Minister Gormley announces events for Celebration of National Biodiversity Week

Ireland to Participate in United Nations. Minister Gormley welcomes announcement of events for National Biodiversity Week

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr John Gormley, T.D., today (15 May 09) welcomed the programme of events for National Biodiversity Week which will take place from 17 to 24 May 2009.

The Minister announced that National Biodiversity Week was being organised to celebrate United Nations International Day for Biodiversity on 22 May 2009.  National Biodiversity Week is Ireland*s contribution to a global celebration to increase awareness of the importance of biodiversity.  

"This is the third year that my Department has supported National Biodiversity Week. The events planned will play a very important role in increasing awareness of the benefits of protecting our biodiversity. Biodiversity is all around us: not just in wild places and nature reserves but also in our towns, our farmland and our countryside. We are an integral part of this biodiversity and exert a major influence over it. Loss of biodiversity has potentially devastating impacts on our environment, health and economy. This week provides us with a great opportunity to find out how we as individuals and as communities can help to ensure the survival of our natural heritage for future generations".

The Minister pointed out that National 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.  Events will take place nationwide from 17-24 May in a range of locations including the National Parks and Nature Reserves.

The events include biodiversity fairs, nature walks, traditional crafts, music, storytelling, bat walks, public lectures as well of plenty of other activities for all age groups and interests. 

He welcomed the efforts of all those involved in the organisation of the events and encouraged individuals, families and communities to take this opportunity to participate in events and activities organised nationwide.

For details of events taking place in your area, please visit the Notice Nature website, www.noticenature.ie, which is the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government*s public awareness website on biodiversity.

http://www.noticenature.ie/Biodiversity_Week_Events_Activities.html

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