What is "Biodiversity"?
Biodiversity or biological diversity is the variety of life on earth. It includes genetic diversity, and the diversity of habitats and species including plants and animals. The biodiversity we see today is the fruit of billions of years of evolution, shaped by natural processes and increasingly, by the influence of humans. This biodiversity is part of our natural heritage, and the heritage that we will pass on to our children.
Why is Biodiversity Important?
Biodiversity is part of the daily lives of every one of us, and we are also part of biodiversity. We are dependant on it, and responsible for it, for our survival. It is the source of all life, food, many raw materials, genetic resources for agriculture, medicine and development generally. Biodiversity loss matters. It matters for ethical, emotional, environmental and economic reasons.
Is biodiversity under threat? The earth’s genetic, habitat and species diversity is under increasing threat. Many species of plant and animal are in decline or are endangered. In Kildare, for example, bird species such as the song thrush are in decline and the yellowhammer is under threat.
We want your views!
The Heritage Office of Kildare County Council, under the guidance of the Heritage Forum, is starting the process of writing the first Biodiversity Plan for Kildare.
The views of all members of the community are important in putting together the Kildare Biodiversity Plan and an extensive consultation process is underway. Submissions are invited from all members of the public, community groups, schools, Tidy Towns groups ……in fact anyone who has an interest in biodiversity and nature conservation in Kildare!
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is another word for nature, natural heritage, wildlife or the natural world. Biodiversity or biological diversity simply means the variety of all living things on earth - including people, plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms. Biodiversity is everywhere and all around us, from gardens to hedgerows, woodlands to wetlands, rivers to bogs. We all depend on biodiversity to provide clean air and water, healthy soils, food, building materials, and medicines.
What is the Kildare Biodiversity Plan?
The Kildare Biodiversity Plan will provide a framework for the conservation, management and enhancement of the rich natural heritage and biodiversity in the county. The main functions of a County Biodiversity Plan are to translate international, European and national policies and obligations into effective action on the ground; to assist sustainable planning and development; to raise public awareness of and involvement in the conservation of biodiversity; and to collect and collate information on the biodiversity of the area.
What we’d like to know
What do you think are the most important issues concerning biodiversity or nature conservation in Kildare? What are the main threats to Kildare’s natural heritage? What are the most important actions that need to be taken to conserve and enhance nature and biodiversity of Kildare?
Have your say
You can have your say by making a submission to the Heritage Office of Kildare County Council (contact details below) before the deadline of the 31st of July 2008. Help us to ensure that the new plan includes issues that are important to you!
How to make a submission
A consultation form (see below) has been prepared to assist in the formulation of submissions but general comments are also welcome. The consultation form can be downloaded from the Heritage Section of the Kildare County Council website (http://kildare.ie/countycouncil/). It is also available from local libraries and Kildare County Council. Post or email your submission to the Kildare Heritage Office (contact details below).
Public meeting
When all submissions to the Kildare Biodiversity Plan have been received, the draft plan will be put on public display and additional comments will be welcomed. A public meeting will be held in September 2008 to discuss draft Biodiversity Plan and to seek further input. This meeting will be well-advertised in the local press and everyone is welcome to attend.
Kildare Heritage Office:
Kildare County Council,
Áras Chill Dara,
Devoy Park,
Naas, Co Kildare.
Heritageofficer@kildarecoco.ie; Tel. (045) 980791
Heritage Section of the Kildare County Council website http://kildare.ie/countycouncil/
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