23 May 2024

National Biodiversity Week 2024

National Biodiversity Week 2024 ongoing, Teagasc Research Officer, Saorla Kavanagh explains how by working together, we can halt and reverse the loss of biological diversity.

National Biodiversity Week 2024 coincides with International World Bee Day (May 20) and International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22). These days and weeks are celebrated annually to raise awareness of the importance of bees and biodiversity.

As Teagasc Research Officer, Saorla Kavanagh explains they may help us appreciate our biodiversity a bit more, or may help us to learn something new.

Biodiversity or biological diversity is the variety of all life on Earth. Broadly speaking it includes:

Species richness (all the different species, from worms to whales). There are 102 species of bee in Ireland;
Ecosystem complexity (this includes diversity, integrity and resilience). Grasslands, sand dunes, rainforests are all types of ecosystems;
Genetic variation (e.g. blue and white bluebells).

Ireland has roughly 31,500 species living within 117 habitats. We are very lucky to have such a beautiful landscape on our doorstep, but biodiversity loss is a big problem.

Figure 1: Hairy shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum). Photo credit: Saorla Kavanagh

Hairy Shield bug on a stem

We need our biodiversity to sustain our food production. Agriculture, biodiversity, climate and water are all connected. Taller and wider hedgerows that are not cut every year will provide: shade for livestock; a place for crop pest predators to live; food and shelter for pollinators; corridors for bats, beetles, and birds; increased carbon storage potential; and can help improve water quality.

By working together, we can halt and reverse the loss of biological diversity. Farmers are all doing their part each time they plant a hedgerow, extend a field margin or by leaving a hares corner for nature. To quote Signpost Farmer and Farming for Nature ambassador, Tom Tierney: “Create a space for nature in your life”.

Figure 2: Marshams Nomad Bee (Nomada marshamella) – one of Ireland’s kleptoparasitic bees. Photo credit: Saorla Kavanagh

The private sector can help by choosing to align their business and investment decisions with human well-being and nature’s health. Consumers can help through informed purchasing decisions. Governments can help through making policy. Societies can help through raising awareness. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a great example of how the whole Island is working together to help biodiversity.

Biodiversity Week is organised by the Irish Environmental Network and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The annual 10-day celebration of biodiversity offers a variety of free events and activities including a number of farm walks, a backyard Bioblitz, a moth walk, and an orchard-planting demonstration.

Details on all events for Biodiversity Week are available here.