Biodiversity What is it? Why is it important? What can we do? Anja Murray An Taisce- The National Trust of Ireland

What is Biodiversity? Biological diversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources, including, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part,

diversity of individuals within a species (genetic diversity) diversity of species within an ecosystem or habitat (species diversity) diversity of ecosystems and habitats (habitat diversity).

Why is it important?! Biodiversity has an Intrinsic Value that is worth protecting regardless of its value to humans Biodiversity performs a number of ecological services to humankind that have economic, aesthetic or recreational value

Why is it important? Biodiversity is the Basis of our existence! - Our life support system Air, water, food, shelter Diversity of trees / plants / micro-organisms - each specifically adapted to its particular ‘niche’

Provision of Natural Resources domesticated agricultural crops medicines that protect and cure us textiles – cotton, linnen, hemp wood

Marine and freshwater food resources 25% of all fish stocks are endangered, species as cod, halibut and haddock are massively threatened

Ecosystem Services Regulates our climate Buffers against flooding Filters water Breaks down wastes and recycle nutrients Provides natural resources

Water filtration & flood protection Wetlands are buffers against flooding Trees and their roots maximize infiltration of water in to the ground upland peat bogs act like sponges – preventing flooding

Biodiversity, Soil, & food Plant roots break up rock to create soil particles earthworms, mites, insects and millipedes help give soil its texture and fertility and are crucial to its aeration Tiny soil microorganisms and fungi process essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur and make them available to higher plants A gram of fertile agricultural soil may contain 2.5 billion bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa.

Biodiversity and health Clean air and water - essential to human health Plant extracts and derivatives - the basis of most medicines Diversity of life forms is nature’s way of keeping important checks and balances in place, keeping populations of disease-causing pests and viruses in check

Biodiversity Loss Deforestation world wide - 13 million hectares annualy Destruction or conversion of virgin forests (36% of all forests) 6 million hectares 80% of the Caribbean coral reefs are destroyed (IUCN).

Can any civilization wage relentless war on life without destroying itself and without losing the right to be called civilized? Rachel Carson

Biodiversity Loss Ireland is no exception habitat destruction, such as wetland drainage and infilling; water pollution; invasive alien species; unsustainable and excessive consumption;

Target: Ireland has committed to the Convention on Biological Diversity’s target of ‘Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010’

How can we achieve this? Cornerstones of realizing our commitments: The Habitats Directive The Birds Directive EC Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations Water Framework Directive (WFD) –Full and timely implementation

Climate change as a new threat species and natural systems are now faced with the need to adapt to new regimes of temperature, precipitation and other climatic extremes Driest April on record- gorse fires reported in across Ireland –impact on our nesting birds?

Climate change and Biodiversity Loss Stern Review: 1 o C warming – at least 10% of land species could face extinction 2 o C warming – at least 15-40% of land species could face extinction 3 o C warming – at least 20-50% of land species could face extinction IPCC have warned of 3.6 o C rise in temps

Immediate Risk Polar Bears at immediate risk of extinction

Ireland and Global Biodiversity Biodiversity Loss contributes to climate change – Ireland is responsible for the import of tens of thousands of m 2 of illegally felled tropical timber each year garden furniture, decking, flooring, palm oil, soy feed for cattle

What can we do? Protecting our home, the Earth, begins with understanding our personal and collective impact upon it

Reducing our Footprint Develop a sustainable hardwood industry More economically and environmentally viable

Ecological Footprint – land area used up for current levels of resource consumption and waste discharge Currently1.8 hectares per person – “a fair earth share”. Our footprint in Ireland is about 3.5 times larger than this “fair earth share”.

Lifestyle choices Meat.... Other foods Chemicals in the home Timber products General consumption

An Taisce & the Natural Environment Advocate the need to protect the natural resources and ecosystems upon which we depend: biodiversity, clean air & water

An Taisce Independent monitor - unique insight Provide assistance and respond to instances of serious and often illegal environmental degradation throughout the country instigating changes that are needed to minimise and control damage to our natural heritage

What else can WE do? Get to know your locality Stay informed of the issues Be PROACTIVE – (not Reactive) Write to your local reps –Create a political mandate Bring people on board – not alienate them! –RESPECT CHAIN REACTION