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Mr. John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage
and Local Government today has commended BirdWatch for their
work over the last 40 years in highlighting the variety and
richness of wild birds on this island.
Founded in 1968 - originally as the Irish Wildlife Conservancy
- BirdWatch Ireland is now one of the largest independent
conservation organisations in Ireland with the aim of the
conservation of wild birds and their natural habitats.
The Minister said - "There has been a long association
between the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department
and BirdWatch Ireland. I recognise that you have a wide range
of activities including advocacy as well as scientific work.
In keeping with international best practice, BirdWatch has
been instrumental in the development and delivery of atlases
of breeding and wintering birds, IWeBS (the Irish Wetland
Bird Survey) and the CBS (Countryside Bird Survey), which
are now key components to Ireland's reporting under the Birds
Directive.
"It has also been a key player in the delivery of conservation
work on such species as the corncrake, the roseate tern and
breeding waders - particularly on the Shannon Callows. My
Department will continue to work with you on various research,
survey and management projects."
The organisation has currently over 14,000 members and supporters
and a local network of over 20 branches across the country.
BirdWatch Ireland's new policy document - Why Birds Count
- Policy and Advocacy Priorities for BirdWatch Ireland
- was launched at the organisation's Annual Conference and
puts into context the importance of birds to biodiversity.
The Minister also stated that he is looking forward to working
closely with BirdWatch Ireland to discharge Ireland's obligations
under EU legislation in the coming years. The Department of
the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has been engaged
in a process in the last few years in designating and redesignating
a large number of Special Protection Areas. The Minister secured
significant extra funds in the 2008 budget - which, amongst
other things, will pay farmers for environmentally-friendly
farming in designated areas.
Minister Gormley will be making further announcements during
the year relating to the designation of additional sites following
his announcement in 2007 of proposals to designate six new
SPA sites relating to the protection of hen harriers.
For more information on BirdWatch Ireland - Click
Here
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