County Clare is the first county in Ireland to produce a Local
Biodiversity Action Plan. The Clare Biodiversity Group is directing
the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan process in the county. The group
consists of representatives from a variety of organisations both
governmental and non-governmental as well as individuals with an
interest or expertise in biodiversity in the County. Members include
Clare County Council, Irish Seed Savers Association, the Shannon
Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation, the National Parks and Wildlife
Service, Irish Farmers Association, the Forest Service as well as
individual experts such as Brendan Dunford.
Chairperson of the Clare Biodiversity Group, Dr Simon Berrow said
"the main aim of the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan is to conserve
the biodiversity of County Clare. This will be achieved by prioritising,
coordinating and initiating action to ensure the effective conservation
and enhancement of biodiversity in Clare and by raising awareness
and appreciation of local biodiversity through involving local communities
and informing policy."
County Clare has been leading the way in appreciation and protection
of heritage in Ireland for some time now. Clare was one of the first
counties to have a Heritage Officer in post and one of the first
counties to produce a Heritage Plan. The production of a Local Biodiversity
Action Plan is one of the many natural heritage objectives in the
County Clare Heritage Plan 2003-2007. According to Congella McGuire,
the Heritage Officer "the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan process
would not have been possible without funding from the Heritage Council,
LEADER and Clare County Council, and the dedicated members of the
Clare Biodiversity Group who volunteer their time and expertise."
The National Biodiversity Plan, which was published by the government
in 2002, requires each Local Authority to produce a Local Biodiversity
Action Plan. Local Biodiversity Action Plans also contribute to
Countdown 2010. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) have set a worldwide
aim to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010.
For more information contact:
Shane Casey, Biodiversity Officer, Clare County Council
E-mail: scasey@clarecoco.ie
Tel: 065 6846499
Download the Clare Biodiversity
Action Plan in PDF format (480k) |