Wicklow Youth Biodiversity Conference
WICKLOW YOUTH BIODIVERSITY CONFERENCE
Over 200 secondary school students attended Wicklow’s inaugural Youth Biodiversity Conference, held at Blessington Community College on Wednesday, 2nd April. The event was organised by a student Environment Council committee of eighteen students ranging from first to fifth years with support from their teachers and Wicklow County Council. Students from four different secondary schools in Carnew, Baltinglass and Dunlavin participated in the conference.
The event was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Paul O’Brien, who commended Blessington’s community college principal, Kieran Burke, assistant principal, Tanya Twyford-Troy and the students environment council for agreeing to host the event. He expressed his admiration, saying, “It is truly inspiring to see the local secondary schools coming together for this biodiversity conference. Events like this play a crucial role in tackling the challenges of both climate change and biodiversity loss. We are living in a time of great challenges, but also great opportunities. Together, let’s be the generation that restores, protects, and cherishes the natural world. Let’s be the voices that deliver a healthier, more biodiverse planet. And let’s never forget that even the smallest actions, when multiplied, can change the world.”
School Principal, Kieran Burke said that “Blessington Community College is honoured and excited to host the county’s first Youth Biodiversity Conference. This event represents a powerful opportunity for young minds to come together, share ideas, and take meaningful steps toward protecting our planet’s incredible natural diversity. Our school is deeply committed to environmental education and sustainability, and we believe that empowering students to lead conversations about biodiversity is essential to creating lasting change. Hosting this conference not only reflects our values but also provides a platform for young leaders to connect, collaborate, and inspire action in their communities and beyond.”
The conference, co-hosted by Ruth Scott and students Mia Warren and Tara Cullen, featured presentations on climate change, biodiversity Loss, Wicklow’s mountains and National Park, life on land and water, fast fashion, and biodiversity actions we can take.
Eanna Ni Lamhna an Irish biologist, television presenter and author spoke about the importance of caring for biodiversity.
Anja Murray, an ecologist, broadcaster and author shared insights on life on land and water and approaches to talking actions for Ireland’s environment.
Dr. Jim Carolan, Senior Lecturer Maynooth University, addressed Irelands biodiversity crisis and shared experiences from Maynooth’s University.
Declan Murphy, birdwatcher and author highlighted biodiversity loss within Wicklow.
The conference also included feedback from the student Environment Council discussing biodiversity-related workshops leading up to the conference.
A key goal of the Youth Biodiversity Conference was to amplify the voices of young people in Wicklow, empowering them to speak out about the climate and biodiversity emergency. The student environment council carefully chose the main topics with the intention of inspiring attendees to become lifelong advocates for a sustainable future.
Education plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of climate change. Topics related to biodiversity loss are now part of the learning curriculum at various stages in Ireland's educational program, including the Leaving Certificate. Biodiversity literacy has become an essential element of biodiversity action, shifting from a peripheral issue to a central focus that influences people's beliefs, attitudes, policy preferences, and behaviours toward the climate and biodiversity emergency.
The conference aimed to raise awareness among younger generations about the impact of the biodiversity emergency while also promoting actionable solutions to adapt to and mitigate its effects. It also serves as an annual platform for the youth to engage with policy makers at both the local and national levels on the urgent need for climate and biodiversity action.
When the 200 students were polled about how concerned they are about climate change and biodiversity loss, 34% of students were alarmed, 23% were anxious, and a further 24% felt unsettled. Considering this high level of concern 49% still said that they would not give up social media to combat the climate and biodiversity emergency.
The students believed that there biggest change they would like us to make, would be to stop the ongoing pollution of our waters and wildlife areas, followed by wildlife restoration. Over 60% of the students are also either optimistic or hopeful that we can still reverse the worst impacts of the climate and biodiversity emergency.
Co-hosts Mia and Tara wrapped up the conference by emphasizing that while students are not responsible for causing the climate and biodiversity emergency, they can play a vital role in helping to take action and to find solutions.