1 minute read
DO WE STAND WITHNATURE?
ADDRESSING GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY LOSS
Advertisement
In September 2020 the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity released their fifth outlook report, alarming the world at its failure to halt the unprecedented loss to biodiversity as a result of destructive behaviours. As significantly worsening trends threaten the livelihood of billions, the report urges nations to shift away from the ‘business as usual’ mantra, and prioritise a transition into systemically sustainable practises in a post-COVID world.
Concurrently, this progress has been stunted by the fallout of the pandemic with government activity focused on keeping the economy afloat, and public activism forced to virtually mobilise, or all too often, delay until next year.
Such was the case for the UN biodiversity conference (COP15), which was set to take place on the 22nd May 2020, coinciding with the International Day for Biodiversity and plans for a global effort to propel the crisis of biodiversity loss into centre stage. In response to the indefinite suspension of urgent action, ‘WithNature2020’ is a project conceived as a plea to steer the earth away from ecological collapse.
Headed by British artist Emma K. Thomas and developed in collaboration with a global network of volunteers, a worldwide artwork will be unveiled on the 22nd May 2021 with participants showcasing large mosaics depicting an endangered species from their local area. The event will be documented by the BBC World Service and streamed live on YouTube.
We have gained support from Irish curlew conservationists who are willing to help disseminate all relevant information regarding the bird and its conservation, and are hoping to cap off the event by hosting a talk to discuss the future for the curlew and birds alike in Ireland.
Regeneration Dublin and The Good Summit are hosting the event for Ireland, which will be held on the Trinity College campus. We have chosen to represent the curlew, a charismatic bird threatened by extinction in Ireland as a result of poor land management. We hope to involve upwards of 400 participants from the Dublin community, shedding light on the nationwide issue of unsympathetic environmental practises whilst tying the project to a worldwide appeal for action.
