opwmatters
Biodiversity and the OPW Nathy Gilligan Head of Environment
Peoples’ awareness around Biodiversity loss and the declining environmental condition of the planet is higher than ever. In 2019 Ireland became the second country in the world to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency. Eightyfive per cent of our protected habitats and thirty per cent of protected species are at risk. Furthermore, research shows that high biodiversity reduces the risk of animal disease outbreaks in humans which is likely linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. The OPW is in a privileged position to play a key role in protecting Ireland’s diverse plants and animals. Our organisation operates at many levels with regard to biodiversity; from devising national strategies, setting good practice standards, conducting public outreach and educational programmes, engaging with NGOs, through to a whole range of applied biodiversity enhancement initiatives intertwined with services nationally. Put simply, we are driving the initiative to protect our valuable natural assets. Some examples include: • Leading development of Ireland’s National Strategy for Plant Conservation, with a series of measures to strengthen conservation of indigenous plants. • Development of national environmental guidance for river maintenance works, to further reduce potential environmental impacts and maximise ecological gain. • Community outreach programmes like the Phoenix Park Biodiversity Festival and National Honey Show, to engage people, raise awareness and public education. • Swift nest site identification with Birdwatch Ireland on historic properties to protect the same during conservation works, such as at Liscarroll Castle, Co. Cork. • The grounds of the Brú na Bóinne centre Co. Meath are now planted entirely with native plants combined with hazel coppiced to mimic native wattle fences. • Land management practices to actively encourage traditional wildflower meadows for heritage sites like the Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens, Co. Wicklow. • Habitat enhancements are integrated into flood defence embankments, for example construction of an artificial badger set at Lough Ree, Co. Westmeath. • Spawning gravels are reintroduced into suitable drained rivers across the country from Co. Donegal to Co. Wexford, to improve salmon and trout spawning. • Bat boxes are erected as part of river works, for instance, been integrated with bridge maintenance works in Co. Monaghan, to assist bat conservation. • A herd of Kerry cattle, graze the meadows in Doneraile Wildlife Park, Co. Cork, as part of an initiative to conserve this rare indigenous breed and enhance the traditional grasslands.
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