NUI Galway is hosting the 2012 Sino-European Symposium on Environment and Health (SESEH 2012), which started yesterday (Monday, 20 August) and runs until Saturday, 25 August. The event provides a platform for interaction between scientists, consultants, and public servants engaged in the multi-disciplinary area of environment and health.

Over 200 delegates are expected to attend, including 100 experts from China. SESEH will, for the first time, provide an opportunity for a direct communication between environment and health experts from China and Europe, and help to foster and develop international collaborations.

SESEH 2012 is discussing questions such as ‘Is the air we breathe still fresh?’, ‘Is the water we drink still clean?’ and ‘Is the food we eat still safe?’

 “Safeguarding our environment and our health is one of the most challenging issues that we are currently facing,” explains Dr Chaosheng Zhang of the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway, and Chair of SESEH 2012. “With economic development and improvements in our quality of life, the environment around us is under pressure, and often deteriorating. As the second largest economy in the world, we have much to learn from and discuss with our Chinese colleagues.”

Dr Zhang is an expert in Geographical Information Science (GIS) and is head of NUI Galway’s GIS Centre, based in the Ryan Institute. GIS is generally understood as a computer-based mapping system, but its functions go far beyond that to solve sophisticated spatio-temporal problems in sectors of society, ranging from socio-economy, government, commerce and business, and environmental management.

The conference is sponsored by NUI Galway, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), FailteIreland, Ordnance SurveyIreland(OSi) and GIS company SuperMap from China.

The European Commission has approved funding for 202 new projects under the LIFE+ programme, the European Union’s environment fund. Among the projects approved is a Eur2.2 million project by Clare County Council for tourism on the Burren. Half the money will come from the European Commission and the other half is national co-funding.

The Burren project will build on previous work to protect the rich heritage of the Burren while supporting local employment and economic activity. The project aims to strengthen the integration of tourism and natural heritage, reconciling tourism development with conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage in the Burren.

The Burren is internationally renowned for its karst limestone and a rich and diverse selection of flora and fauna, archaeological monuments and traditional cultural practices.

The other projects across Europe cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, environmental policy, climate change and information and communication on environmental issues. They represent a total investment of some €516.5 million, of which the EU will provide €268.4 million.

The Commission received 1 078 applications from the 27 EU Member States in response to its latest call for proposals, which closed in July 2011. Of these, 202 were selected for co-funding through the programme’s three components: LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity, LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance and LIFE+ Information and Communication.

WEEE Ireland is celebrating a landmark recycling result, with 1,182 tonnes of electrical waste recycled through 95 free electrical and battery recycling collection days held across the country with Tesco since 2007. That is enough kettles, toasters and televisions to fill every seat in Croke Park, the Aviva Stadium, Thomond Park and Pairc Ui Chaoimh more than 3 times.

Thanks to eco conscious shoppers across the country, approximately 638,000 electrical items have been diverted from landfill since 2007. WEEE items and batteries are potentially harmful to the environment, but when disposed of correctly through a WEEE Day, can be treated and recycled into new products.

WEEE Ireland and Tesco have announced their schedule of collection days for the summer months. Free recycling events are scheduled in the following stores:

* Sat 26th May – Tesco Stillorgan, Dublin

* Sat 26th May – Tesco Roscommon

* Sat 16th June – Tesco Birr, Offaly

* Sat 23rd June – Tesco Artaine, Dublin

* Sat 23rd June – Tesco Mallow, Cork

* Sat 30th June – Tesco Castlebar, Mayo

* Sat 14th July – Tesco Claremorris, Mayo

* Sat 14th July – Tesco Ballinrobe, Mayo

* Sat 28th July – Tesco Tramore, Waterford

* Sat 11th August – Tesco Clearwater, Dublin

* Sat 11th August – Tesco Tullow, Carlow

* Sat 18th August – Tesco Tipperary

* Sat 18th August – Tesco Rathcoole, Dublin

Conor Leonard, collections manager at WEEE Ireland, says: “Our weekly collection days across the country continue to grow in popularity. We can only organise these events when we have suitable locations that are central to local communities and Tesco have played a crucial part in their success. We have already held 95 events with Tesco in the last five years and we have lots more planned for the summer. We encourage everyone to get involved and attend your local collection event and get rid of those unwanted items.”

Michelle Mahon, corporate responsibility manager at Tesco Ireland, adds: “At Tesco we want to help our customers to act in an environmentally friendly way, and holding waste recycling days in conjunction with WEEE Ireland is one part of that programme. As well as recycling electrical items and batteries at the Tesco collection days, please remember that you can recycle your batteries for free all year round at Tesco, simply pop them in to the blue WEEE Ireland boxes in store. We also will recycle any small electrical items on a like-for-like basis in store.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its first biannual update of its Biodiversity Action Plan. This Biodiversity Action Plan sets out the EPA’s progress in the implementation of its role in protecting biodiversity and covers a range of activities in the following areas:

* Monitoring;

* Research;

* Assessment and Reporting;

* Environmental Regulation;

* Climate Change;

* Communications.

The plan demonstrates the on-going commitment of the EPA to protect Ireland’s biodiversity and underlines the substantial support role undertaken by the EPA in this area.

Micheal O Cinneide, EPA director, Office of Environmental Assessment, comments: “This Plan highlights the wide range of significant actions which will be undertaken by the EPA in relation to the protection of biodiversity. The EPA has significant new roles under the Environmental Liability Directive in relation to the liabilities of operators causing damage or risk of damage to protected species and habitats, and the identification of appropriate remediation. In implementing its functions relating to the licensing and regulation of various activities, the EPA will continue to ensure that biodiversity is protected.”

The EPA’s first Biodiversity Action Plan was produced in 2009, to fulfil a commitment undertaken as part of its strategy, 2020 Vision – Protecting and Improving Ireland’s Environment. The plan was produced by a Biodiversity Team comprising representatives from all of the EPA Offices and will be updated biannually.

Scientists have found that genetic information on the Antarctic octopus supports studies indicating that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could have collapsed during its history, possibly as recently as 200,000 years ago. The team, which included scientists from NUI Galway, Liverpool University in the UK and La Trobe University in Australia, found that the octopuses from Ross and Weddell Seas, which are now separated by the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, are genetically almost identical.

This finding suggests that these two regions may have once been connected and may contribute to recent studies demonstrating the potential impact that increasing global temperatures could have on the changing Antarctica environment.

Genes from more than 450 Turquet’s octopuses, collected from species in the Southern Ocean that surrounds Antarctica, were analysed to shed new light on how animals disperse across the varied ocean landscape. Adult Turquet’s octopuses tend to live in one place and only move to escape predators, leading scientists to believe that creatures from areas either side of Antarctica would be genetically different.

Dr Louise Allcock from the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway, explains: “A previous study has shown evidence that the Ross and Weddell Seas could have been connected. We wanted to investigate whether there was any genetic information that could tell us what the past environment could have been like, and this octopus species, with its large populations around the region and limited movements, was an ideal species to use for this. The fact that we found more similarities than we did differences supports the theory that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could have collapsed in the past. It also provides further evidence that scientists should continue to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on Antarctica today.”

Data on octopuses from other parts of Antarctica, not separated by this particular ice sheet, support the theory that the creatures are genetically different. They found that the depth of the ocean and its currents limited the movement of the octopus in certain areas, as would have been expected for those living on either side of the West Antarctic Ice sheet. This added further evidence that at some point in recent history this particular ice sheet might have collapsed.

The research is supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the collaborative scheme for systematic research (CoSyst).

University of Leicester students are set to try their hand at genetic engineering – and hope to create a new organism which could rid us of decades of plastic rubbish. Second-year Biological Sciences undergraduates are taking part in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition this summer, and aim to construct a biological machine that can efficiently degrade polystyrene.

Polystyrene has been used in plastic packaging for years, but takes up to hundreds of years to biodegrade and requires temperatures of more than 1000°C to be combusted. The breakdown products can also contain chemicals that are thought to cause cancer.

The group of around ten students aims to create an organism that can rapidly degrade polystyrene in an environmentally friendly way by using standard DNA parts supplied by the competition organisers. They will spend ten weeks working in the university’s laboratories over the summer vacation, and upload their findings to iGEM’s wiki site.

They hope to be able to present their findings to judges at the European region’s Jamboree event in Amsterdam in October. If they are successful in Amsterdam, they could be chosen to compete in the international final at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in the USA, in November.

IGEM is an international genetics competition started at MIT which has categories for school-age, undergraduate and entrepreneurial entrants. More than 170 teams from around the world have entered the undergraduate-level category this year.

This year, not-for-profit organisation GIY Ireland is encouraging families to stick a seed in the ground as part of Operation GIY Nation, which is being supported by AIB Bank. Each month between April and September, GIY will be publishing a simple growing project for families on the Operation GIY Nation website – www.giyireland.com/giynation.

Operation GIY Nation projects are simple and easy to understand, and accessible to all, regardless of the level of expertise and the amount of space available. They start at a very basic level, and each month will build up your experience level.

All six projects can be done with the minimum of fuss and investment – basically a few pots, some seeds and some compost. Operation GIY Nation retail partner Woodies DIY will be helping with offers in store.

GIY patron Ella McSweeney comments: “Sow it, Grow it, Eat it: three easy steps that will save your money, your time and your health! I’m thrilled to be part of Operation GIY Nation. People throughout Ireland can follow the simple growing projects on giyireland.com that will transform what they can eat. Healthy, affordable fresh fruit and vegetables should be available to everyone and this is exactly what Operation GIY Nation is about: helping Ireland grow.”

Six ‘pioneer’ families have been chosen to lead the way and to compete for a top prize of Eur1,000 worth of GIY goodies. Anyone taking part in Operation GIY Nation can follow the progress of the pioneer families via their blogs, photos and videos that will be uploaded to the Operation GIY Nation website.

GIY’s vision is for a healthier, more connected and more sustainable world where people grow their own food. There are over 100 GIY community groups and the organisation will reach approximately 30,000 people with GIY projects in 2012. GIY is a registered charity. For more information visit www.giyireland.com.

CAPTION:

Pictured at the launch of GIY’s campaign to get families growing food together, Operation GIY Nation, were GIY patron Ella McSweeney and Fern Stewart (7).

Clare County Council has announced details of the first ever Kilrush Biodiversity Week taking place from Monday, 23 April to Sunday, 29 April 2012. The inaugural programme of events will celebrate the many aspects of biodiversity in Kilrush and its environs from family days out in beautiful natural amenities to information and discussions about threats to biodiversity.

The aim of Kilrush Biodiversity Week is to encourage active learning about biodiversity through a range of enjoyable events and to increase public understanding that action taken locally has national and global importance. All events are free and family-orientated.

According to Mayor of Kilrush, Councillor Ian Lynch: “Kilrush is one of the most biodiversity-rich urban areas in County Clare. The Vandeleur Gardens and woodlands, Kilrush Creek, and the wetlands of the Shannon Estuary are wonderful examples of how natural sites can exist in close proximity or within urban areas.”

Clare biodiversity officer Shane Casey comments: “Many of the events taking place during the week will be aimed at the general public with other events targeted at primary and secondary schools in Kilrush. It is also hoped that members of the public who participate in Kilrush Biodiversity Week events can be encouraged to take an interest in helping to conserve biodiversity for future generations.”

A full programme of public events will be held on the weekend of April 28-29. There will be an early start on Saturday morning with a Dawn Chorus Walk in Vandeleur Woods at 5:30 am. A Moth Exhibition and Bug Hunt for children takes place in the Vandeleur Woods from 10:00 am, followed by a composting demonstration at 1 pm and a guided tour of the beautiful Vandeleur Walled Gardens. At 2:30 pm, Kilrush Secondary School will host a Wildlife Gardening Exhibition, while the day will concluded with a late night bat walk in Vandeleur Woods at 9:30 pm.

On Sunday 29 April, the focus will turn to the Shannon Estuary when a discounted price for Dolphin Watching Boat Trips will be available to members of the public. Meanwhile, Inland Fisheries Ireland will be inviting people to enjoy the marine touch pools at Cappa Pier at 12:00 pm, and participate in a seashore walk from 4 pm to discover the abundance of nature along the estuary from seaweed to waders.

Mott MacDonald, the global management, engineering and development consultancy, has been appointed by Ireland’s Office of Public Works to help manage flood risk for the South Western River Basin District, stretching from Dingle in County Kerry to Dungarvan in County Waterford and including neighbouring counties of Cork, Limerick and Tipperary. As part of the Irish government’s medium to long-term strategy, Mott MacDonald will undertake the catchment flood risk assessment and management (CFRAM) programme in the South Western River Basin District. This will include hydraulic modelling, detailed flood risk mapping and will be used to develop flood risk management options. The consultancy will also carry out strategic environmental impact assessments and the public consultations.

Project director Fintan McGivern says: “Mott MacDonald has completed a number of flood risk assessments and flood alleviation projects in Ireland, in areas such as Kilkenny, Clonmel and Carrick on Suir. The CFRAM project is a continuation of our work in this sector and will be an important contribution to the Irish government’s obligations under the EU Floods Directive and will also inform town planners of the level of flood risk present in the relevant towns and cities.”

The consultancy’s commission is due to be completed by the end of 2015. Mott MacDonald employs more than 14,000 staff, has £1 billion revenue and works in 140 countries for the public and private sectors. Mott MacDonald’s core business sectors cover buildings, transport, energy, water, environment, health, education, industry, oil and gas, communications and international development.

Clare County Council, in association with An Taisce, is urging people all over Clare to get involved in the 14th annual National Spring Clean Campaign. Last year, hundreds of people across the county and more than a half a million people nationally came together to organise clean up events in their communities.

Participation in this year’s campaign, themed “Working Together – For Our Community”, is open to individuals, schools, businesses, and community groups such as Tidy Towns committees, residents’ associations, development associations and sporting organisations. Groups and individuals that register to participate are issued clean up kits containing valuable tips on how to hold a successful clean-up event, posters to advertise an event, plastic bags in which to collect litter and recyclable material, and tabards and gloves.

Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes says: “Litter is unfortunately a national problem and with limited resources the help of local communities is now more important than ever. It does not matter if it is two or 200 people that take part, it all helps to improve our local communities and environment and provides a better area for us all to enjoy.”

The Environment Section of Clare County Council will also assist community groups and schools by providing them with a free pass to Waste Transfer Stations at Ballyduffbeg, Inagh, Scariff and Lisdeen. Participating groups are reminded to take all possible steps to separate recyclables during clean-ups. Clare County Council will also provide litter pickers to groups subject to availability.

A wide range of groups, meanwhile, have received a letter from Clare County Council’s Environment Section inviting them to avail of a free pass to waste transfer stations to deposit waste from clean-ups.

Dublin City Council has officially opened the Canal Way Cycle Route. The 3.6 km off-road cycle route runs from Portobello to Sheriff St along the Grand Canal. It passes Leeson St Bridge, Dublin’s Docklands and over Samuel Beckett Bridge. It is the first part of a planned cross city, off-road cycle route.

The route has received funding of over €5.5 million from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport under the Smarter Travel Initiative. A 3.3km off-road cycle track along Tolka Valley running from Finglas Road to River Road in Ashtown is also under construction.

“The numbers of people cycling in the city have increased by over 70% in since 2004. Dublin City Council is responding to that demand and facilities like the Canal Way and dublinbikes create a more cycle-friendly city. Measures including the truck restrictions brought in with Dublin Port Tunnel and the 30kph zone in the city centre also improve the environment for all road users. As the Canal Way Cycle Route is off-road it’s ideal for families, young people and also visitors. Cycling is a healthy, cost effective and easy way to get around Dublin and I am sure the route we are opening today will be very successful” says Dublin’s Lord Mayor Andrew Montague.

“We remain ambitious for cycling both for Dublin and in the country nationally,” says Minister of State for Public and Commuter Transport Alan Kelly TD. “This is among the best off-road cycle routes within a major urban area in the country and will benefit both commuters and tourists alike and make Dublin much more cycle friendly. This Government is committed to investing in cycling infrastructure and my Department’s provision of €5.5 million for this project is proof of this. The Canal Way Cycle route shows exactly the type of project to help achieve the Government’s intention to have 10% of trips to work being made by bike by 2020.”

Dublin City Council has also announced plans for ‘Cycle Dublin’ a continuous Canal Way route including over 14km long crossing the city along the Grand and Royal Canals.

The Heritage Council has launched its Strategic Plan 2012-2016, which focuses on developing the value of the heritage sector to employment, education and the quality of heritage tourism. The Heritage Council’s five year Strategic Plan identifies 16 objectives focused on supporting employment, education and awareness, and heritage-based tourism.

Supporting employment through investment in heritage infrastructure will focus in particular on innovative and new approaches to the understanding, maintenance, enjoyment and quality of our natural and cultural heritage (examples include Ireland Reaching Out and the Burren Charter). To date, 1012 jobs are supported in local authorities through the Heritage Officer Programme and the Irish Walled Towns Network. To secure current and future employment, the Heritage Council is committed to supporting Local Authority through the provision of expert advice and sustained investment.

The Heritage Council aims to build education and awareness through development of the ‘Heritage in Schools’ scheme from 110,000 participants in 2011 to 200,000 in 2016, and the dissemination of research on the physical and mental benefits for children of learning outdoors. The creation of qualifications in Landscape Character and Biological Recording in partnership with third-level institutes will also encourage an integrated approach to heritage education and landscape studies.

Every €1 million spent on grants by the Heritage Council supports 70 jobs directly and 300 jobs across a range of related sectors. Grant programmes that contribute to the development of jobs, education and a quality tourism offering will continue to be supported by the Heritage Council.

Research shows that in 2010, Heritage Council projects attracted approximately 18,700 tourists, while every €1 spent by the Heritage Council generated €4.40 for the Irish tourism industry. The Heritage Council Strategic Plan aims to build year-on-year on tourist numbers while also maintaining the 4.1 ratio of return on investment.

Heritage-based tourism will be supported through investment in a new historic towns and village’s initiative in collaboration with Failte Ireland, and the development of a community-led approach to celebrate the 1916 Centenary. Increasing Ireland’s international profile and tourism potential, the Heritage Council also aims to build on the success of National Heritage Week, increasing public participation from 600,000 in 2011 to 1 million in 2016.

The Heritage Council Strategic Plan 2012-2016 is available at www.heritagecouncil.ie.