Horizons

Habitat and bird lawsOur natural heritage has been under appreciated by previous governments and an effective system of strict protection of species and sites designated under the Habitats and Birds Directives is now required.

That's the message from Birdwatch Ireland for the next government.

"At a time of unprecedented growth, when the resources available to an incoming Government are at an all-time high, it is well worth reminding our public representatives of our shared responsibility to safeguard our natural environment," writes Kieran Grace, in an editorial in the current issue of Wings, the magazine of Birdwatch Ireland.

Grace mentions the number of infringement notices from the EU Commission against the Government due to alleged lack of action on protected species and sites.

He also stresses the need for more resources for the National Parks and Wildlife Services and biodiversity and heritage officers in local authorities.

World Environment DayMelting Ice - a Hot Topic? is the theme of this year's World Environment Day on Tuesday. The aim of this year's United Nations environmental awareness campaign is to focus international political attention on the effects climate change is having on polar ecosystems and communities.

The main celebrations will be held in Tromsø, Norway, and the day's agenda is to give a human face to environmental issues, promoting partnership between communities as a means to changing attitudes. See www.wed.npolar.no/world-environment-day-2007 for full details of events in Norway. World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972.

Designs on planningRethinking the City: Tools for the New Century is the theme of a seminar for planners, architects, design professionals, property developers and concerned citizens on June 15th, in Cultivate, Temple Bar, Dublin. Speakers will look at practical ways to respond to climate change. These include incorporating renewable energy into building design (eg Fingal County Council now requires that new buildings must draw 30 per cent of their space and water heating from renewable energy) and increasing sustainability requirements in urban developments. Contact www.sustainable.ie for full details or 01-6746396.

Batting for GlendaloughA series of lectures on bogs, bats and other aspects of our natural and built heritage will take place on Thursdays at 8pm in the Education Centre, Upper Lake Glendalough, Co Wicklow, throughout the summer. The free talks begin on June 14th with a presentation on Daubenton's Bat Survey, followed by a bat walk. Special interest walks are also scheduled for Sundays at 11am on June 17th (bugs), June 24th (wildflowers), July 15th (bogs), July 22nd (bugs) and August 12th (bugs). Admission free to all events and advanced booking is required for lectures only. Contact 0404-45656 or www.wicklownationalpark.ie.

Ecoweb

www.unep.org/wed/2007

Check out this United Nations website to see the 77 ways you can celebrate World Environment Day on Tuesday. See also how countries around the world are celebrating the day.