John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to address the Seanad to mark the launch of National Biodiversity Week 2025 and to speak on an issue that is vital to all of us and our future, namely, the preservation of our biodiversity. The Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, would have liked to have been here but sends his apologies. Unfortunately, he had a bereavement in his family and I am sure all here join with me in expressing our condolences to the Minister of State's family. We are thinking of them at this difficult time.

As we are all aware, biodiversity is the foundation of a healthy and sustainable environment providing the essential ecosystem services on which we depend: clean air, water, food and a stable environment. Yet, today, biodiversity in Ireland and across the globe is under threat from habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, climate change and unsustainable land and sea use. National Biodiversity Week offers a moment to celebrate the incredible variety of life on our island, from peatlands and pollinators to our native woodlands and marine life, but it also challenges us to act. We must invest in restoration, support farmers and landowners in sustainable practices and engage the public in stewardship of our shared national heritage. Biodiversity loss is not just an environmental issue; it is also an economic and social issue.National Biodiversity Week, which takes place from 16 May to 25 May, is an annual ten-day celebration of nature and wildlife that offers a variety of free events and activities which aim to highlight the importance of biodiversity. It is organised by the Irish Environmental Network and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS. It provides opportunities for the public to connect with nature and learn from local experts and groups that are actively working to protect our natural heritage.

As well as highlighting the importance of biodiversity, National Biodiversity Week is also about experiencing the fun, enjoyment and spectacle of the nature that surrounds us and connecting with a wider environment. A wide range of events have been organised by the NPWS sites, partner organisations and agencies, NGOs, heritage and conservation groups along with many more. These events will reach communities in every corner of Ireland and will showcase our coasts, rivers, estuaries, hedgerows, peatlands, native woodlands and the marine environment. Guided nature walks and field trips for children will introduce participants to pollinators and other biodiversity in local green spaces. Hands-on workshops will also take place. There will also be an opportunity to discover wildlife through whale watching, farm walks, biodiversity cycle tours, art workshops and more. All events are published on the National Biodiversity Week website and will be promoted by the Irish Environmental Network and the National Parks and Wildlife Service throughout the week.

As people gather to celebrate biodiversity across Ireland, they will also discuss how to protect and restore biodiversity. As National Biodiversity Week kicks off, a variety of in-person and virtual events will bring communities together nationwide to be inspired by nature and learn how to pitch in to protect it. Families and students can even participate in biodiversity week at home through special events like the biodiversity scavenger hunt, which is a self-guided activity to discover wildlife in gardens and local parks. The backyard bioblitz will see wildlife experts on hand throughout the week to help to identify photos of animals and plants submitted online. Amateur nature photographers are invited to submit photos for the 13th annual biodiversity photographer of the year competition, which is happening throughout the month of May.

A number of key international awareness days will also take place during the week. These include the European Commission on 21 May inviting all member states and stakeholders to celebrate the day by organising and supporting bioblitz events in Natura 2000 sites. This year's theme for International Day of Biodiversity, on 22 May, is "harmony with nature and sustainable development". European Day of Parks, on 24 May, is a commemorative day for protected areas across Europe that was launched in 1999 by EUROPARC Federation to celebrate protected areas throughout Europe. European Day of Parks celebrates the creation of the first national park in Europe, a set of nine parks created in Sweden in 1909.

I encourage everyone to attend their local events. In my own constituency in Waterford, events are planned to allow people to see and appreciate the marine life near Heilbhic, along with guided biodiversity walks and talks in the Comeragh Mountains, in the Anne Valley and along the beautiful Waterford greenway. Events will be held across the country from Glenveagh, which will host Le Chéile don Dúlra on 21 May, to a celebration of Natura 200 in St. Gobnait's Wood, which is a special area of conservation in Cork, and in the Connemara National Park.

Substantial progress has been made in recent years to support biodiversity, in particular through the efforts of the NPWS. I compliment the team there, and I know I do so on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, for the work they do day in, day out. Of course, the NPWS is an agency under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Biodiversity action in Ireland has grown considerably in recent years, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with landowners and local communities to enable a collective response to the biodiversity crisis we face.A significant number of initiatives, projects and funding streams managed by the NPWS are now delivering positive change for a range of habitats and species across our country. As we mark National Biodiversity Week, I invite all Members of the House to reflect on the urgent need to protect and restore our natural heritage. Biodiversity underpins the well-being of this and future generations. I welcome the contributions of colleagues and look forward to a constructive debate on how we can better protect our biodiversity going forward.