Horizons

Wildlife trafficking continuesThe illicit trafficking of wildlife continues at high levels and involves organised criminal networks and sophisticated smuggling techniques, an international conference heard this week.

Consumer demand for more exotic products such as shawls made from the fine wool of Tibetan antelopes, costing more than $15,000, fuels the demand for such trade. Experts also told people attending the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Bangkok that national authorities often lack the resources and experience to tackle such problems. The national advisers concluded that wildlife crime should be subject to increased law enforcement and greater international co-operation. On a more positive note, customs officers and the CITES management authority of Hong Kong reported significant seizures of ivory, and US officials have prosecuted individuals involved in illicit caviar trade. See www.cites.org for more details.

National Tree Day

Children from primary schools all over Ireland will go on guided walks next Thursday as part of National Tree Day. Coillte, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Heritage Service and local authorities will host walks in more than 120 locations. This year's theme, "100 uses for 100 years", highlights the uses of wood and the centenary of Irish forestry. See www.treecouncil.ie for full details.

Animal lovers are also celebrating this week: it is World Animal Week.

Join the race against waste

Minimising waste in our society is an ongoing challenge for environmentally conscious individuals. Consider that in countries such as Holland, you can remove excess packaging from your weekly food shop and leave it in the supermarket. As well as campaigning for the introduction of such measures here, consumers can also aim to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible in their own homes. People looking for tips can attend a free one-day workshop on The Race Against Waste in the Airfield Trust, Upper Kilmacud Road,

Dundrum, Dublin 14, next Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The workshop will be led by Moira Byrne, environmental education officer with Wicklow County Council.

Meanwhile, Earth, Air and Water is the theme of a talk by environmentalist and current president of An Taisce, Éanna Ní Lamhna, on Tuesday at 8 p.m., also in the Airfield Trust. Admission €8. Booking for both events on tel: 01-984301.

Deadline for heritage grants

A reminder to environmental, heritage and community groups seeking grants from the Heritage Council that the deadline for receipt of applications for next year's grants is November 5th. There is particular interest this year in projects that raise awareness of our natural heritage, including biodiversity, water quality and landscape. Grants are also available for projects on local heritage, wildlife, publications, museum and archives, architectural research and archaeology. Projects that received grants in previous years include restoration of wetlands and conservation of orchards.

See www.heritagecouncil.ie.