Dr. Aoibhinn N? Sh?illeabh?in:

I would draw attention to this fact because it came up in a lot of the conversations. Public engagement and public education are a huge part of this. Recommendations Nos 55, 56 and 57 specifically talk about the public engagement part of it, that is, that we as a public should be encouraged to live in a way that reduces our impact on biodiversity loss and requires us to have further conversations about it, such as the benefits of buying local, the benefits of seasonal produce, the benefits of organic or the benefits of having less plastic. That is a pollutant, which is another key driver of biodiversity loss. Those recommendations are specifically there for public awareness campaigns so the State can be a driver in using the public as a key instrument in this. Looking at what is in place already, there are things like the national pollinator plan, which is something individuals can do. Local authorities and local communities are key here. Great progress has been made with biodiversity officers in local authorities.

I believe 25 positions have been created with six to go, which is great progress. Those biodiversity officers become key in that education role across local authorities, so there is lots of scope there. Perhaps we need less debate and more dialogue about it.