Irish forests are critical to Irish biodiversity

Key Note Speakers at IUFRO (L - R): Professor Martin Hemry, Catholic University Leuven, Belgium; Professor John Spence, University of Alberta, Canada; Professor John O’Halloran, University College Cork, Ireland

Key Note Speakers at IUFRO (L - R): Professor Martin Hemry, Catholic University Leuven, Belgium; Professor John Spence, University of Alberta, Canada; Professor John O’Halloran, University College Cork, Ireland

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“Irish forests are critical to biodiversity and must be maintained and managed”, according to Professor John O’Halloran at the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), held at University College Cork (UCC) this week.

 

Delivering his keynote address at this international meeting, O’Halloran said, “The uncertainty about future forest ownership and a slow down in the rate of planting may mean a decline in biodiversity and some species of conservation concern, reliant on the forests.”

The high-profile conference, which is being jointly organised by UCC, the IUFRO and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, brings together scientists and practitioners from around the globe to discuss recent research and future directions. Delegates from more than 20 different countries are attending a four-day programme of talks and field visits, putting an international spotlight on forest biodiversity in Ireland.

Forests covers approximately 30% of the Earth’s surface and are valuable to society for many reasons, including heritage, landscape, timber, recreational opportunities, climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. However, forest biodiversity is in a state of decline, and its conservation for future generations has become a global priority.

Speaking on forest biodiversity in Ireland, O’Halloran says, “Forest biodiversity is not as prominent a part of the Ireland’s natural heritage as it is of most other countries. Although the majority of Ireland would once have been forested, Ireland’s forest cover was reduced over centuries by human activities. Forests comprise only about 10% of Ireland’s total land surface area, the second lowest level of any country in Europe.”

The majority of these forests are conifer plantations established in the twentieth century. Native woodlands are a small fraction of this forest estate, making up only about 1% of Ireland’s land area. According to O’Halloran, “The forests are critical as habitats and also ecosystem services such as carbon sinking and flood reduction.”

Further information available from Professor John O’Halloran: 021 4904653

Details of conference: http://www.ucc.ie/en/iufro2012/

Further details of UCC forest biodiversity at: http://www.ucc.ie/en/planforbio/

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