Sustainable education: Eco-Unesco, Ireland's environmental education and youth organisation has teamed up with Sustainable Ireland to look at ways both groups can influence government policy towards sustainable development. With the aim to spur action in the decade from 2005-2014 (which has been designated UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development), a day-long seminar for teachers, lecturers, trainers in the community and voluntary sector has been organised for June 29th in Cultivate Centre, 15-19 West Essex St, Temple Bar, Dublin. Dr Roland Tormey from the University of Limerick will discuss the UN's aims for the decade and summarise how Ireland fares on sustainability issues.
Also, on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the same venue, one of the founders of the Permaculture concept, Australian David Holmgren, will give the annual Schumacher Ireland lecture. Permaculture has developed into a system for providing food using renewable energy and sustainable practises. Booking for both events 01-6746396. See also www.energybulletin.net.
Architectural excellence
The geographical spread of the award-winning entries to this year's Irish Architecture Awards is, in itself, a testament to how high standards and aesthetically-pleasing architecture has become an integral part of contemporary Ireland. That the projects will now tour - following the run at the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery in Cork City which ends on July 9th - also shows that there is a public appetite for viewing the best examples of architecture. The award-winning projects include the stunning Lewis Glucksman Gallery at University College Cork (best public building), the Athlone Civic Centre and Library (best sustainable project), sheltered housing and hostel in Co Wexford (best housing project), Brown Clayton Column, New Ross, Co Wexford (best conservation/ restoration project) and private houses at Roslea, Co Fermanagh, and Dirk Cove, Clonakilty, Co Cork (best buildings in the landscape). The exhibition will travel around the country between now and May 2006. Contact 01-6761703 or info@riai.ie.
Tree publications
The loss of some of our best trees in old gardens and sites where new houses are being built was highlighted by Crann, the broadleaf tree charity at the launch of two new publications earlier this week. "Our main message is that trees are living things which need to be protected appropriately before construction work begins. A fence should be put around trees, bricks should not be stored under them and bulldozers should avoid going over their roots," ecological consultant Janice Fuller told Horizons. The ABC of Planting Trees and the ABC of Trees, Hedgerows and Development are available for €5 from Crann at 01-6275075 or e-mail info@crann.ie.
Animal Magic
Finally, a reminder for all young folk that Northern Ireland's biggest wildlife event, Animal Magic, goes ahead next weekend at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, Castle Espie, Comber, Co Down. There will be reptiles, snakes, ferrets, owls, butterflies, llamas, hedgehogs and birds of prey to see as well as nature art and craft stands. Open 10.30am-5.30pm both days. Admission adults £4.60, children £2.75, family £11.95. Contact 048-91874146 www.wwt.org.uk.