Seminar, Wed 3rd Feb 2010, Simon Perry Building TCD 1-5.30 pm
On the occasion of World Wetland Day 2010 events are taking place all over the world– see Ramsar Convention website www.ramsar.org In Trinity College, a seminar with guest speakers and discussion workgroups will focus on action for better protection of wetlands and wetland functions, especially wetland flood control and biodiversity. The event is being organised by Coastwatch in cooperation with Civil and Environmental Engineering TCD. Main inputs and outcomes are to be published and used towards wise management of wetlands. We thank all who are contributing for their time, sharing their expertise and experience without seeking expenses .
Contact Karin Dubsky, TCD and Coastwatch, Ramsar NGO focal pt Irl. kdubsky@tcd.ie 086 8111 684 or Dr Brian Caulfield 01 8962534: brian.caulfield@tcd.ie who integrated this event into the TCD Civil Eng lecture series.
Registration – 12.50 Simon Perry Building (Red Brick facing South and Rugby pitch TCD )
1.05 Opening Laurence Gill Head of Department
1.10 – 1.50 Wetland Information: Short input statements of key facts followed by discussion
Ramsar Convention, wetland stocks, values and functions – Karin Dubsky Coastwatch
Wetlands as carbon sinks special focus on peatland carbon fluxes –Dr David Wilson, Earthy Matters
Wetlands as flood retention systems: Paul Johnston Environmental Eng. TCD
Wetlands and biodiversity: invertebrates and fish nursery; Fisheries Board rep
Discussion
2.00 – 3.30 Wetland Stocks, Management, Protection, Planning, Restoration
Short papers followed by discussion
Halting Wetland loss: Present and planned change to protect, manage and use wetlands (incl the Land Reclamation Act, Planning Bill and wfd )
Loss of Wetland area and consequences; Shirley Clerkin, Env officer Monaghan County Council.
Loss of Wetland quality and restoration sought. Coastwatch Lough Swilly group rep
Flood risk Management - recent experience and action sought by farmers. Gerry Gunning, Rural Development Officer, IFA
3.30 Coffee
4.00 – 4.40 Action needed: parallel work groups Introduction, short input paper followed by 30 minutes discussion to agree and prioritise actions.
A – Action to halt wetland loss - rapporteur Cathrine Schirmer, WEB coordinator
Planning and wetland protection changes needed; Ian Lumby and Anja Murray An Taisce
B – Wetland restoration Law and practise rapporteur Linda O Dwyer Coastwatch
Introduction: Restoration of some coastal wetlands Coastwatch and a turlough waiting to be restored , Joanne Pender IWT,
4.45 Report back, discussion and way forward.
5.30 Close
