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Biodiversity Action Conference
On Saturday, September 14th, the Biodiversity Action Conference was held at the Clayton Hotel, hosted by Cork City Council.
On Saturday, September 14th, the Biodiversity Action Conference was held at the Clayton Hotel, hosted by Cork City Council. The event commenced with an enthusiastic opening by Lord Mayor Councillor Dan Boyle, setting a positive tone for the day. The conference featured a diverse array of speakers from various sectors, including academia, community groups, and public bodies.
The first speaker, representing Cork Healthy Cities, discussed the significant progress made since Cork was designated a Healthy City by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2012. Notably, Cork now boasts over 29 community gardens and numerous school hedge groves, with more than 50% of its habitats dedicated to biodiversity, particularly trees and invertebrates. The South Parish Tree Survey Project was highlighted as a collaborative initiative with Dr. Eoin Lettice from the ITEN team, aimed at identifying various tree species within the city. This year, Cork Healthy Cities plans to work with schools to create ponds while focusing on harvesting seeds from Hawthorn and Elder trees, inviting public participation in this rewarding endeavour.
Next, a representative from the Cork Nature Network shared insights into their engaging citizen science projects, which include otter spotting through digital recordings and monitoring insect biodiversity. In collaboration with Cork City Council, the Cork Nature Network has launched a biodiversity project aimed at enhancing the ecological value of the area. Looking ahead to 2024, they will host workshops addressing peatlands and climate change, underscoring the critical role of biodiversity in these ecosystems.
Following this, a local ranger from the National Parks and Wildlife Service presented findings from a recent bird survey conducted on Atlantic Pond Island, revealing an impressive count of 21 heron nests and six little egret nests.
Rosemarie McDonald, the Biodiversity Officer for Cork City Council, introduced her innovative Green Flag Parks Project. This initiative recognises parks that meet high standards for environmental quality and provides certification across eight themes: cleanliness, biodiversity, landscape and heritage, community involvement, marketing and communication, management practices, maintenance standards, and health and safety. Notable parks in Cork that have achieved this prestigious status include Fitzgerald's Park, Shalom Park, and Ballincollig Regional Park.
Louise Firth, a rocky shore ecologist from University College Cork (UCC), captivated attendees with her research on living seawalls that utilise seaweed to enhance biodiversity in the River Lee. This pioneering approach aims to create suitable habitats that attract various marine species.
Orla Burke, the Cork Climate Action Officer, highlighted her crucial role in connecting community partners with expertise to advance biodiversity projects. She emphasised the importance of the Community Climate Action Fund in supporting local environmental initiatives such as community gardens and green roofs while protecting natural resources.
A representative from Wild Works described their commitment to reconnecting people with nature. They noted how modern lifestyles have diminished people's interactions with nature—such as swimming in rivers or enjoying forest walks—resulting in a decreased appreciation for our environment. Their mission focuses on promoting outdoor learning environments that foster hands-on experiences with nature.
Lastly, the Douglas Tidy Towns group focused on Ballybrack Woods, where they completed a tree survey that contributed valuable data to the National Biodiversity Centre. They also highlighted their commitment to environmental monitoring by actively engaging in citizen science projects related to water quality and species identification. The conference concluded with an exciting announcement from the Biodiversity Officer regarding the creation of a comprehensive Biodiversity Plan for Cork City. At this initial stage, conference participants were encouraged to share their ideas on what they would like to see included in this crucial plan, fostering community involvement to shape Cork's environmental future.