Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to multiple species of plants, animals, insects, and other living things in one area. Biodiversity helps to sustain our ecosystems. When an area has a lot of biodiversity, it is more resilient to changes in the environment. This is especially important now as we face changes to our climate. Protecting biodiversity means protecting our agricultural and food systems, preserving plants, protecting animals, and controlling pests and disease.
In this section
Biodiversity Officers
Many local authorities have a Biodiversity Officer. The Biodiversity Officer in the local authority plays a key role in protecting and promoting biodiversity in their area. The role of the biodiversity officer includes:
- Developing and implementing a county or city biodiversity plan
- Advising different departments within the local authority on biodiversity related issues and encouraging departments to integrate biodiversity protection into their actions
-
Promoting biodiversity initiatives
Invasive species
Part of the work carried out by local authorities to protect our biodiversity is monitoring and controlling invasive species. Invasive species are plants, animals, and insects that are not native to Ireland but have entered our ecosystem and threaten the native biodiversity of the area. Invasive species have fewer predators and can grow rapidly, taking over the habitats of native species.
Invasive plant and animal species that local authorities may monitor include:
- Giant hogweed
- Japanese knotweed
- Himalayan balsam
- Winter heliotrope
- Grey squirrels
- Chinese mitten crab
- The ruddy duck
- American mink
If you come across an invasive species of plant or animal, you can report it to the environment section of your local authority.