People of Kilkenny are urged to look after our wildlife

Marking Biodiversity Week, Kilkenny Green Party Councillor Malcolm Noonan is urging the people of Kilkenny to do everything they can to enhance wildlife in urban and rural areas and to be mindful of using polluting materials in their daily lives.

‘Our wildlife, plants, animals and insects are facing huge challenges from human activity, pollution, climate change, habitat loss and overexploitation of our natural resources are causing the extinction of many species in Ireland and worldwide. This week is about focusing our efforts to protect our biodiversity, our wild habitats and wildlife and ensuring that we pass this rich resource on to future generations’ stated Cllr Noonan.

‘Ireland has pledged to halt biodiversity loss by the year 2010 and my colleague John Gormley, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has stated that this target will be difficult to meet, given the intensity of our activities. Globally it is estimated that one in four species has become extinct in the last 35 years and some scientist believe we are facing a mass extinction not seen since the age of the dinosaurs’.

Cllr Noonan cited the example of bee populations in Ireland as an example of what could happen, stating that if current trends continue and we see the levels of colony collapse that have occurred in the US, our entire agricultural system and fruit production would be threatened. ‘What’s important to learn from Biodiversity Week is the interdependence of all life on earth and to realise that we are but one species of many millions, many yet undiscovered. But if people feel powerless to do anything to stop the loss of our wildlife, they shouldn’t’, he stated.

We can all do simple things and make simple choices in their daily lives that could have a positive effect on enhancing our wildlife in urban and rural areas, and people shouldn’t think that this wildlife is the preserve of our rural dwellers as our cities and towns are teeming with wildlife.

Some of these choices and efforts could include; planting our gardens with more trees and shrubs that attract insects, sowing wildflower meadows or leaving areas to go wild, using eco friendly detergents and washing up liquid, not using pesticides, weedkillers or lawn fertilisers in their gardens, buying locally sourced and if you can afford it, organic produce, put in bird boxes and bat boxes around the garden, and finally going on nature walks with family and passing on a legacy of appreciation of wildlife to our children.

Further information on Biodiversity week can be found on www.noticenature.ie. The week runs from 18^th to 25^th of May. Kilkenny County Council is currently in the process of drafting a Biodiversity Plan for County Kilkenny and will be looking for input from the public. In Conclusion, Cllr Noonan called on all people in Kilkenny City and County to get out during the bright evenings and enjoy the rich natural heritage of Kilkenny City and County.