National and international experts are set to visit Dublin later this year for the 2022 National Biodiversity Conference.

Taking place from 08-09 June at Dublin Castle, this year's event will cover the theme 'Act Now for Nature' and forms part of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s public consultation on Ireland's fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan, which will be implemented over a period of five years.

The conference is an initiative of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and its National Parks & Wildlife Service. It will bring together stakeholders from the public, private, NGO and academic sectors in order to share experiences in protecting, conserving and restoring biodiversity and offer insights to inform the next National Biodiversity Action Plan.

-- Advertisement --

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD said: "This conference will form an important part of the public consultation process on the National Biodiversity Action Plan. We need a diversity of voices to come together to discuss challenges, explore solutions and establish ways to collaborate more effectively on implementation. I'd like to encourage everyone – farmers, foresters, fishers, scientists, community groups, local authorities, NGOs, State Agencies, businesses, young people and everyone else besides – to get involved.

"Biodiversity loss is a critical issue that impacts the natural world, our societies and our economies. Humans depend on nature for our survival – it is that simple. We cannot stand idly by while the web of life falls apart. Ecosystems regulate the climate, fertilise soils, purify water, produce oxygen and pollinate our crops. Many have already seen irreversible changes, including in Ireland. What's more, nature is our first and best line of defence against climate change.

"Ireland's next National Biodiversity Action Plan will seek urgent solutions to reverse losses, enable protection, support conservation and deliver restoration through an all-of-Government, all-of-society approach – and that means you! So I'm encouraging everyone to register for the conference, have your say on the new NBAP and help Ireland 'act now for nature'."