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National Biodiversity Week 2024
National Biodiversity Week, a project supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service which is implemented by the Irish Environmental Network, various organisations and passionate individuals across Ireland, is a celebration of nature and nature connectedness.
Multiple events take place each year to connect people to biodiversity. Biodiversity Week took place between the 17th and 26th of May this year.
More than 31,000 species have been recorded in Ireland, with more undiscovered. However, Ireland is not exempt from the global biodiversity crisis (a rapid decline in the diversity of life on Earth due to extraction and degradation of habitats, climate change, unsustainable land-use and other causes). For example, 26% of 211 bird species assessed are now on the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland Red list. 85% of Ireland’s protected habitats are in “unfavourable,” condition, and 46% of these habitats are in decline. Connecting with, understanding and advocating for nature has never been more important.
Biodiversity Week at UCC involved three major events. This included a Creative Wanderings event on the 21st of May, which explored nature connection through art. We held a mini-bioblitz and nature capture through drawing on the 20th of May, and finally, a meet and greet on Rethinking Economic Growth on the 22nd of May.
Our mini bioblitz involved recording what species we saw in UCC Community Garden. 26 species were recorded, which included invertebrates, plants and birds. Following our recording, we created drawings of scenes or species that we felt captured the biodiversity of the garden. Artistic interpretations of snails, birds, wildflowers, grasses and trees emerged on paper!
One participant in the event, Luca Berardi, shared an incredible story with us: that he has seen 115 bird species in the short time he’s spent in Ireland as a visiting student at UCC! Luca spotted all these birds on foot, using public transport where he needed it. He also took some stunning photos of the birds he found.
One of the drivers of biodiversity loss globally is the prioritisation of economic expansion over nature. We live in an economy which needs to grow to function; but this results in unsustainable consumption of resources and the production of emissions and waste. This has led to a surge in research on post-growth economies, and degrowth (Read an introduction to these topics). A mix of students, academic staff and researchers attended this event, which drew those interested in Degrowth and Postgrowth thinking together in advance of the national Rethinking Growth conference in June. Valuable sharing of research, perspectives and opportunities for connection were shared; one more step on the road to a sustainable, biodiversity-safe future.