Nature Advocacy & Policy – A Look Back on 2024 Published 19th December 2024 By Grace Carr Overall, 2024 has been a disappointing year for nature conservation. We haven’t seen the ambitious change that is needed to tackle both the biodiversity and climate crisis. New political climates at EU level have brought new challenges […]
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Nature Wins and Community Action Written by Emily Nolan Published 19th December 2024 As we close the chapter on 2024, it’s clear that this has been a standout year for the Irish Wildlife Trust. In a time of growing environmental challenges and occasional political uncertainty, we’ve come together […]
Citizens’ Assembly Ideas In this column we examine the recommendation of Ireland’s Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. One such recommendation was the reviewing, strengthening and improved enforcement of legislation regarding hedgerows. Katie Smirnova of Hedgerows Ireland takes a closer look for us. Strengthening Hedgerow Protection Written by Katie Smirnova, Campaigns Officer at Hedgerows Ireland The […]
The Magic Of An Irish Rainforest By Eoghan Daltun Published online October 14th 2024 The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Irish Wildlife Trust. Guest Writer in Irish Wildlife Magazine Autumn 2024 Issue. Get your copy of the latest magazine by joining IWT […]
Connecting With Nature by Kieran Flood Published July 10th 2024 Taking time to connect with nature is a valuable exercise for our wellbeing and for nature too. Most of us feel a sense of belonging and joy when we spend time in nature. This is sometimes referred to as biophilia and it is […]
It’s Time Public Land Was Managed In The Public Interest By Fintan Kelly, Guest Writer in Irish Wildlife Magazine Summer 2024 Issue. Get your copy of the latest magazine by joining IWT today. The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Irish Wildlife Trust. […]
Why should I take part in No Mow May? Published May 4th 2024 No Mow May is an annual campaign started by Plantlife in the UK, asking everyone to put away the lawnmower during the month of May to help our native wildlife. The All Ireland Pollinator Plan endorsed this campaign in Ireland […]
Press Release EU wide campaign launched to end destructive bottom trawling in protected areas Published: April 24th 2024 A new report, co-authored by Marine Conservation Society, Seas at Risk and Oceana looks at destructive bottom trawling in 7 EU Member States’ marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and urges the European Commission to ban […]
Call to Action: Consultation on Trawling Activity in 6 Nautical Mile Zone Published April 05th 2024 The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine wants to hear your views on vessels trawling within the 6 nautical mile (6nm) zone around Ireland’s coastlines and we are encouraging everyone to take the time to submit a […]
EU Member States Backtracking On Nature Restoration Law Undermines Democratic Process By Grace Carr Published March 28th 2024 A very disappointing turn of events has happened over the past week in regards to the NRL. The Council should have completed the final rubber stamp of the law on Monday. This is usually just a formality […]
EU Nature Restoration Law – A Deep Dive Published: March 14th 2024 Author: Grace Carr, IWT Marine Advocacy Officer. First Published by Fair Seas. Here we look at the recently passed EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) and what it means for life in the ocean. In this blog we look at the marine targets within […]
Citizen’s Assembly Ideas 2023 saw the publication of the “Report of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss” as well as the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Actions “Report on the examination of recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly report on biodiversity loss”. At the IWT we were delighted to see many progressive solutions to […]
The Irish Sea Network (ISN) releases its new report ‘Ecological Considerations for Marine Spatial Planning in the Irish Sea’. Published: February 9th, 2024 The Irish Wildlife Trust, SWAN and 11 other environmental organisations across Ireland and the UK are urging their governments to take a collaborative and ecosystem based approach to marine spatial […]
WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2024 World Wetlands Day stands as a global reminder of the crucial role wetlands play in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. These vibrant ecosystems are especially critical for iconic Irish species such as the Curlew, a bird whose calls are synonymous with Irish wetlands yet is alarmingly diminishing from our landscapes. The […]
Bottom Trawling in the EU, the UK and Ireland The marine environment as well as the fisheries sector face a number of issues such as biodiversity loss and climate change as well as challenges arising from political matters like Brexit. Ensuring that marine ecosystems are restored and protected effectively will not only preserve the incredible […]
This year, marine policy has been at forefront of the Irish Wildlife Trust’s advocacy efforts, as we collaborated with multiple NGOs to lobby for enhanced marine protection. Read the following sections for an in-depth look at some of the highs and lows of marine conservation in 2023. Marine Protected Area Bill In January, […]
2023 has been filled with many ups and downs when it comes to biodiversity and conservation measures for nature in Ireland, read on for some of the most important developments of the year. Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Loss and EU Biodiversity Strategy One of the best news stories for nature conservation this year was the […]
Press Release Essential Nature Restoration Law Survives EU Negotiations Published 10th November 2023 EU Trilogue Negotiations have concluded on the Nature Restoration Law. Although ambition has been weakened from the original vision for this law, it is now a step closer to becoming a reality and supporting Ireland’s efforts to save nature. The Irish […]
