Tuesday 22nd May: International Day for Biological Diversity, this year the theme is on Marine Biodiversity. The ocean covers 71 % of the surface area of the globe, and constitutes over 90 % of the habitable space on the planet, “From space, the planet is blue. From space, the planet is the territory. Not of humans, but of the whale.” Heathcote Williams, Whale Nation.
The ocean world is in all our daily lives. Our seas provide us with food (15% of the dietary intake of animal protein) substances derived from seaweeds stabilise and thicken creams, sauces, and pastes, are mixed into paint and used to make paper and even in skin lotion and toothpaste. Many marine plants and animals also contain a multitude of substances already being used, or identified as being of potential use, in medicines. Most importantly of all, tiny marine plants called phytoplankton produce energy, like plants on land, through photosynthesis. As a result of that photosynthesis, they release oxygen. In fact, phytoplankton release half of all oxygen in the atmosphere. Without life in the ocean, there would be no life on Earth. See the report “One Ocean, Many Worlds of Life” http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14235850/Research%2C%20Publications%20%26%20Info/One%20Ocean%20Many%20Worlds%20of%20Life.pdf
CEF in partnership with the Caha Centre is running a Childrens Workshop, however, Marine Biodiversity Day 2012 is an opportunity for any group or individual to celebrate and highlight the rich tapestry of the nearby sea and shore environment. Cork is a coastal county so why not visit your own local shoreline, take a trip on the sea or if diving is your thing explore the depths. If you would like to run an event and advertise through our website we would be happy to promote it for you.
Nationally the following Seminar takes place in Dublin and for further information check out the website and the report “One Ocean, Many Worlds of Life”.
Marine Biodiversity Seminar: Protecting marine life for future generations
&
Launch of the Marine Institute’s Ground fish Survey Atlas
World Biodiversity Day: Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Jointly organised
by the Marine Institute and the Marine Group of the Environmental Pillar
and kindly hosted by the EC representation in Ireland in the European Union House, 18 Dawson St, Dublin 2
9.00-1pm
To register please complete the attached form and forward to:
Justin Byrne, Administrator, Irish Environmental Network by 15 May.
Email: Justin@ien.ie (Tel: 01 878 0116).
