Biodiversity
What is Biodiversity ?
Biodiversity is defined as the variety of plant and animal species, including fungi and microorganisms, and the ecosystems they inhabit across Ireland’s terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments.
National Biodiversity Data Centre
The National Biodiversity Data Centre works to make biodiversity data and information more freely available in order to better understand and assist the protection of Ireland’s biodiversity.
The primary function of the National Biodiversity Data Centre is to collect, organise, verify, and share data about Ireland’s biodiversity. This data helps to track and record how wildlife populations and habitats change over time. The Centre supports national efforts to protect and improve biodiversity by gathering information about different environments such as land, freshwater, marine areas, rivers, and wetlands.
Biodiversity Week
National Biodiversity Week is an annual celebration of wildlife and nature over 10-days of events nationwide. Waterford Council are getting involved by running several free guided wildlife walks & talks over the week along with supporting local community groups, Bealtaine Living Earth Festival and the promotion of partner events by environmental NGOs.
In Waterford this year, WCCC will partner with a number of organisations throughout the week to explore the habitats of Dungarvan, Dunmore East and Clashmore, host online invasive species talks with the National Biodiversity Data Centre and support the work of local communities endeavouring to protect nature on their own doorstep. There are lots of ways to get involved through photography, participating in fieldtrips or attending family days across the county.
This is a great week to explore more of your local habitats and green spaces with an eye on wildlife. Check out some of the great events below and if you have any questions, feel free to ask the Biodiversity Officer, Marina Mulligan at mmulligan@waterfordcouncil.ie
Biodiversity Week also runs in parallel with World Bee Day on 20th May, International Day for Biological Diversity on 22nd May and National Invasive Species Week. Biodiversity Week is funded by the National Parks & Wildlife Service and the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) are the body responsible for coordinating the event each year.
Follow along: As part of Biodiversity Week, a new Instagram account (@waterford_biodiversity) for WCCC Biodiversity will kick off with new content and information on species, habitats and weekly events.
- See also our Latest News section for individual events and booking information.
