Biodiversity Week in Ireland: What You Need to Know
Ireland's biodiversity holds a mosaic of habitats including bogs, woodlands, rivers, and coastal areas. These habitats support a variety of species, some of which are rare or endemic to the island. Ireland's ecosystems are of international importance due to the presence of unique species communities. Biodiversity contributes approximately €2.6 billion annually to the Irish economy through ecosystem services. However, challenges such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change pose significant threats to Ireland's natural heritage.
The week of May 16th - 25th is National Biodiversity Week here in Ireland. The goal of Ireland’s National Biodiversity Week is to acknowledge the significance of biodiversity in the world around us and to recognise our interconnected existence with a healthy environment. Biodiversity encompasses the array of interactions between species and ecosystems that sustain life for all. Thriving ecosystems are closely integrated with global economic stability. Ecosystem services directly and indirectly contribute to nearly every industry. The existence of natural forests, wetlands, pollinators, soil microbes, and all the other interconnected systems and organisms helps support food systems, medicine supplies and economies, while having proven secondary benefits to mental well-being, community pride and cultural identity.
Why Biodiversity Is a Business Issue
Nature is not just a backdrop to business; it’s part of the global value chain. The agricultural sector needs pollinators and fertile soil. The retail sector depends on sustainable textile sourcing. Event tourism, real estate, and tech industries indirectly rely on natural ecosystems for resources, resilience and brand value. Ignoring biodiversity can lead to supply chain risks, regulatory challenges, and reputational damage. On the flip side, investing in biodiversity boosts resilience, aligns with ESG goals, removes CO2 from the atmosphere and attracts conscious customers and investors.
5 Simple Steps Businesses Can Take Today
Review your impact to identify any operational areas affecting local ecosystems, including energy use, land use, water discharge, material sourcing and waste.
Source responsibly and ensure suppliers use sustainable farming, fishing, mining or forestry practices.
Support Local Conservation by partnering with NGOs or donating to habitat restoration, tree planting, or wildlife protection initiatives.
Green Your Space by adding native plants to your office or facility grounds to support pollinators and local wildlife. Additional benefits of improved air quality and employee well-being.
Educate and Engage Staff through biodiversity awareness campaigns or volunteer days during Biodiversity Week to protect local nature sites.
Key Takeaways
Biodiversity is business critical. It underpins supply chains, innovation, and brand trust. Small actions add up, and even modest efforts like planting native flora or rethinking sourcing can make a difference to local ecosystems and struggling species. National Biodiversity Week is the perfect opportunity to begin or accelerate your biodiversity contribution.
Key Events for Biodiversity Week:
Wildlife Audio Visual Exhibition at The Organic Centre in Leitrim. Showcasing footage of local wildlife, offering insights into the region's rich biodiversity.
Wildlife Photography Exhibition by John McCauley at Mullingar Library, Westmeath. Displaying images capturing the beauty of Ireland's fauna.
Crann's 'Books and Trees' Event in Roscrea, Tipperary. Combining literature and nature, promoting awareness of tree conservation and biodiversity.
Free Access to Sonairte Eco Centre in Meath. Visit the gardens and nature trails, learning about sustainable practices and local ecosystems.
Lesser Horseshoe Bat Art Display at De Valera Public Library, Ennis, Co. Clare. Art display to raise awareness about bat conservation and the importance of nocturnal pollinators.
Biodiversity Events at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin. Events include themed tours and talks focusing on Ireland's wild bees and the concept of biophilia, emphasising the human-nature connection.
See the National Biodiversity Week Calendar for the full itinerary.
Member - Business for Biodiversity Ireland https://businessforbiodiversity.ie/about-business-for-biodiversity/