Third Annual Recorders’ Event
3rd Annual Recorders’ Event: Ireland’s Freshwater Habitats – priorities for biodiversity data
The National Biodiversity Data Centre will host its 3rd Annual Recorders’ Event on 20 & 21 August at WIT Main Campus, Cork Rd, Waterford in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency.
RATIONALE FOR HOSTING THE EVENT
In the past, many pressures have been placed on freshwater habitats and their species by, amongst others, pollution, the introduction of invasive species, habitat change and loss. In more recent times, the advent of national and international legislation has resulted in a greater emphasis being placed on halting such pressures and protecting and enhancing freshwater habitats. Most notably, the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) has set out requirements for regular monitoring and increased information flow of data relating to the status of the water bodies. The European Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) also focuses on many freshwater species and habitats for special conservation measures and data to assess conservation status required. In addition to these statutory reporting requirements, there are benefits to compiling existing biodiversity data for a multitude of uses; not least to understand information needs on freshwater species that are not covered by both EU Directives.
As the National Biodiversity Data Centre serves as the national repository for biodiversity data, this is an important opportunity for the Centre to engage with the recording community and its key partners to discuss the appropriate role for the Centre, and to identify how best the Centre can complement existing surveys and their data management systems.
THE TARGET AUDIENCE
The Event is intended to be of interest to a range of interested parties working on the many different aspects of freshwater research, survey & monitoring, and conservation. The event will be of particular interest to biological recorders, researchers, public sector employees and key decision makers.
FEE
The fee for the conference is €60. This includes conference pack, refreshments, lunches and evening barbeque.
PROGRAMME
The programme for the event and booking form can be downloaded at http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/index2.php?page_id=1&tab_id=1. Places are limited so advance booking and payment is essential.
Please email info@biodiversityireland.ie should you require further information.