Healthy biodiversity is essential for life on earth
Biodiversity can be categorised by three specific levels:
- Genetic Diversity: the variety of genes, or genetic information within a species
- Species Diversity: the number, or abundance of living things within a particular area
- Ecosystem Diversity: the number of habitats found in a region.
Healthy biodiversity is essential for maintaining the systems and processes that make life possible. Take for example the air we breathe or soil which grows our food – both of which are dependent on processes including the water, nitrogen and carbon cycles. All of these cycles are dependent on healthy biodiversity to function.
As humans we need to remember that we are both part of biodiversity and dependent on a healthy, biodiverse planet to maintain our way of life.
Development and the increased modernisation of our lives have caused an alarming decrease in biodiversity worldwide. There are a number of human activities which are responsible for this, including:
• Overexploitation;
• Land use change/ habitat destruction
• Introduction of invasive species
• Pollution to air, land and water; and
• Climate change.
A culmination of these factors is leading to significant overall declines to biodiversity globally. The WWF estimates that populations have declined by an average of 69% in the last 50 years.
Biodiversity In Ireland
From seaweed to oak trees, Ireland has some amazing biodiversity. Watch this video from Donegal Council to find out more about biodiversity in Ireland.
Enhancing biodiversity on site
Biodiversity enhancement isn’t limited to new developments. Bear in mind most of our built environment is here already! Refurbishment and maintenance scheduling for the existing built environment can significantly influence biodiversity. By incorporating ecological features and management regimes, spaces can be improved to provide habitats for wildlife whilst improving user experiences and contributing to our wellbeing.
Initiatives can include;
- Green roofs
- Living walls
- Bird/bat boxes
- Bird feeders
- Planting low-maintenance native species on site
- Ponds and water features
- Planting butterfly/bee-friendly species on site
- “Bug hotels” and beehives
- Even investigating opportunities for species reintroductions
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Biodiversity
Biodiversity Information System for Europe – Ireland
Web link
15 minutesBiodiversity
Introduction To Biodiversity
E-learning module
Biodiversity
Wildlife in buildings – linking our built and natural heritage
Video
Biodiversity
Cross Guns Bridge Biodiversity Enhancement Plan
Document/Presentation
