Back to the desk today after a very warm few days at our stand at the education Hub at the 2024 ploughing.
A great few days meeting clients, colleagues and even the Minister for State Malcom Noonan called by our stand. Minister Noonan, as Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform and T.D. for Carlow-Kilkenny, works tirelessly for an Ireland where healthy, resilient ecosystems teem with wildlife, are conserved and made accessible to all.
CEO AnnMarie McSorley with Minister of Health of State and Nature, Malcom Noonan at Ploughing 2024 at VeriConnect stand
Speaking to agency leaders such as Kieran from National Organic Training Skillnet, Mary from the National Parks and Wild Life it was great to get a meeting of minds on bringing Sustainability Strategy to life for our clients.
Clients such as Laois Development Company, who we worked extensively on the Nore Vision Project headed up a full Laois marquee. Their new CEO Caroline Lydon and new LEADER programme Manager Brian Kelly are bringing their new programme to life at present with the Sustainability pillar a focus for the role out of their programme.
Suzanne Kearny from SECAD, the LEADER company that developed the Wild Work programme was at the ploughing and called by the stand. Their EU best Practice Interregional award winning Wild Work project continues to be rolled out this Autumn. The Veri Connect platform and eLearning toolkit with 60 units for schools are being rolled out via upskilling teachers in the content to integrate into their curriculum delivery.
We were delighted to share the stand with LANTRA, the leading provider of training, qualifications and career guidance for land based industries across the UK and Ireland. A Not for profit that was set up 50 years ago, to support upskilling of rural workers. As always working with Paula Smyth and her team at LANTRA was a great education opportunity for me. I also got to spend the day yesterday with their new Irish Trustee, Pat Griffin. Pat’s career has spanned 30+ years, working quarrying, and in the agricultural industry. Having joined the Health and Safety Authority in 1991, Pat held several positions with responsibility for Mining and Agriculture. This included the Irish Governmental representative on the European Standing Working Party for the Extractive Industries for over 30 years, developing policy and guidance for the sector.
Kieran Cowhig our Lead Ecologist is working today on our stand and will be investigating new LANTRA programmes in Tree Identification and management for Community spaces. I also met with Leitrim team on the Social farming, and our client Leitrim Development Company. There are a number of really exciting new PEACE PLUS programmes coming up in the Biodiversity sphere. We were also really excited to share an upcoming innovative re-wilding programme in the North West which we hope to be announcing soon and may even have some VIP’s to help us kick off!
This day last week was a significant milestone for us here at Veri Connect. It marked the finale to our long running training programme which was delivered to staff from ESB, Ireland’s foremost energy company since it was established in 1927. Over 70 ESB employees volunteered to take part in the Sustainability Navigators programme which is a part of ESB’s greater strategy to make the organisation more sustainable. This was accompanied by Sustainability Essentials programme, a suite of e-Learning tools that was launched during Biodiversity Week and saw 4000 units being completed by staff members across ESB within the first 8 days of being released!
The training for the Sustainability Navigators, which was delivered by Dr. Amanda Greer began all the way back in November of last year. Since then participants have learned all about topics like the social and environmental consequences of Climate Change, greenhouse gas emissions, the road to net zero, the circular economy , sustainable procurement & supply chain management and biodiversity & nature net positive. Along the way various subject matter experts joined the sessions as guest speakers to ensure participants got the greatest insights into the subject with the most cutting edge information available.
In picture – VeriConnect’s Senior Ecologist and Sustainability Expert Trainer with an ESB Staff and Sustainability Navigators, in Athlone at the final field day of the ESB Training Program where they we focused on biodiversity and being nature net positive!
Last Thursday’s session was all about biodiversity and about being nature net positive. We started the day at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone where Amanda and our guest speaker for the day Alan Sullivan of Rivus gave a brilliant breakdown of the current state of biodiversity in Ireland and some of the ways that ESB are trying to help address some of the issues they have come across in this regard. As this was to be the last day of training, participants were treated to a site visit where we attended a power station located just south of Athlone town in Shannonbridge County Offaly.
Sitting on the banks of the River Shannon at the edge of the Shannon Callows an important area for wildlife conservation (designated both an SAC and SPA), this site carries a lot of history being used as a large peat fired plant which was still operational up until 2020. Since 2022, the site has been under construction with a lot of work underway. The field session was delivered by our very own ecologists Kieran Cowhig and Yosef Dvores with help from ESB’s in-house ecologist Geoff Hamilton.
In picture – VeriConnect’s Senior Ecologist and Sustainability Expert Trainer with Sustainability Navigators, on the banks of River Shannon speaking about the importance of the channel of water to its local biodiversity!
The message for the day was really about appreciating the importance of biodiversity and the value it provides that we often take for granted. We explored how the smallest of spaces, given a chance, can become havens for wildlife like the swallows nesting in an old disused pump house or the otters that frequent the rocks overlooking the outflow channel at the edge of the site. It is often in the least suspecting places where you can find the greatest surprises. This was perfectly demonstrated by the discovery of a rare bee orchid by one of the ecologists, which was hiding amongst the vegetation of a mostly unremarkable roadside verge.
Participants were introduced to some of the efforts being made by ESB at the site to support biodiversity in the area from wildflower meadows to Kestrel and Peregrine Falcon nesting boxes as well as areas being set aside for biodiversity to recolonise. We also acknowledged some mistakes that have been made in the past and how ESB has tried to rectify them. Some participants even had the chance to rescue some oak sapling which had sprouted in an area due to be mown in just a few short weeks.
We have received great feedback throughout the programme and the engagement at each of the training sessions has been fantastic, a testament to the enthusiasm and commitment of the ESB staff to be part of the solution. We have immensely enjoyed being part of this process and although the programme is now completed, the journey is just beginning for the navigators who will go forth leading the way as ESB attempt to become a more sustainable organisation. While we part ways with ESB for now I am sure we have made friends for life as we all stand together, shoulder to shoulder and strive for a brighter tomorrow.
VeriConnect’s Senior Sustainability and Training Expert – Yosef DvoresVeriConnect’s Senior Sustainability and Training Expert – Kieran CowhigVeriConnect’s Director of Sustainability – Dr. Amanda Greer
Celebrating a Major Milestone: The Finale of Our Training Program with ESB
Last week was a significant milestone for us here at Veri Connect. It marked the culmination of our long-running training programme with ESB, Ireland’s foremost energy company, established in 1927. Over 70 ESB employees volunteered for the Sustainability Navigators program, part of ESB’s broader strategy to enhance sustainability within the organisation. Alongside this, the Sustainability Essentials programme, an e-learning suite launched during Biodiversity Week, saw 4000 units completed by ESB staff within the first eight days!
Dr. Amanda Greer began the training for the Sustainability Navigators back in November. Since then, participants have delved into various critical topics, including the social and environmental impacts of climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, the path to net zero, the circular economy, sustainable procurement, supply chain management, and biodiversity & nature net positive. Guest speakers joined along the way, providing cutting-edge insights and expert knowledge.
The Grand Finale: A Day Dedicated to Biodiversity
Last Thursday, we focused on biodiversity and being nature net positive. The day started at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone, where Amanda and our guest speaker, Alan Sullivan of Rivus, gave an enlightening overview of Ireland’s biodiversity status and ESB’s initiatives to address related issues. To mark the last day of training, participants visited a power station just south of Athlone in Shannonbridge, County Offaly.
The site, located on the banks of the River Shannon at the edge of the Shannon Callows (an important area for wildlife conservation), holds a rich history as a large peat-fired plant operational until 2020. Since 2022, the site has been undergoing significant construction. Our field session was led by ecologists Kieran Cowhig and Yosef Dvores, with support from ESB’s in-house ecologist, Geoff Hamilton.
Rare bee orchid found on field day
Appreciating the Importance of Biodiversity
The day’s message was about appreciating biodiversity’s often-overlooked value. We explored how even the smallest spaces can become wildlife havens, like the swallows nesting in an old pump house or the otters that frequent the rocks overlooking the outflow channel to the edge of the site. A perfect demonstration of nature’s surprises was the discovery of a rare bee orchid hidden among roadside vegetation.
Participants learned about ESB’s efforts to support biodiversity, from wildflower meadows to Kestrel and Peregrine Falcon nesting boxes, and areas set aside for biodiversity to recolonize. We also acknowledged past mistakes and ESB’s efforts to rectify them. Some participants even had the chance to rescue oak saplings from an area that was due to be mown in the following few days.
Reflecting on a Successful Journey
The feedback throughout the programme has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the enthusiasm and commitment of ESB staff to be part of the solution. We have immensely enjoyed being part of this journey. While the programme has concluded, the journey for the navigators is just beginning as they lead ESB towards a more sustainable future. As we part ways with ESB for now, we know we have made friends for life, standing together for a brighter tomorrow.
As we begin to leave behind the wetter, colder months of the year, many of us are now beginning to venture outside once more, becoming closer to the natural world around us. The bees are busy back at work pollinating, the Hawthorn trees are now in full bloom and the main Salmon run is underway in many of our rivers. It’s a great time of year to be an ecologist!
Wildlife, nature or, as it is most often called today, biodiversity, is the variety of life that lives on this planet. Biodiversity provides us with so many benefits, known as ecosystem services, that we often overlook. Where would we be if it were not for the pollinators doing the hard work to ensure we have abundant supplies of food? How long would we last if it were not for the plants that produce the oxygen we breathe? (how long can you hold your breath?) Every day biodiversity provides us so many services that we often take for granted.
It is important that as a society we take a moment now and then to tip our hats to biodiversity and reflect on all it gives us. This week is the perfect opportunity to do just this as National Biodiversity Week is upon us. Kicking off on the 17th May, the programme runs until the 26th May with a schedule jam packed with free and exciting events all across the country aiming to bring you closer to nature.
Clicked by our Senior Sustainability and Biodiversity Expert and Ecologist – Yosef Dvores
As I read through the list of events, I am reminded of many of the courses I have been involved with creating and delivering with Veri Connect over the years. As we all reflect on nature this week. I am taking a moment to reflect on how fortunate I have been to be able to do what I love, teaching people about nature.
This is always a busy time of year for us at Veri Connect as we gear up to deliver biodiversity courses to communities all across the country. My role as a trainer started a few years ago with a water biodiversity course we ran in Connemara with the help of Forum Connemara and LAWPRO. That course was a huge success where we trained 220 community members in relation to water biodiversity and water quality. It laid the foundations for the many courses that were to follow. Since then we have grown as a team and have gone on to work on some amazing projects.
We have worked with 19 Leader companies across the country delivering training to communities in relation to sustainability, terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, invasive species management and seed saving. We worked on a first of its kind project called Wild Work which trained 1000 online users and 600 blended learners (in person and online) in Cavan, West Limerick, and South and West Cork. This hugely ambitious project trained participants in biodiversity ,citizen science, wellbeing and community engagement through experiential learning. In 2023 we adapted this style of experiential training for 5th and 6th class students in schools across county Cork.
In response to growing climate change concerns, we created our own Lantra accredited course Climate Action 101 which was designed to help businesses understand the various environmental challengeswe face today and guide them to take actions that will have real impact. It has been a great success so far with businesses such as Red Mills, CF Pharma, Danske Bank, New Park hotel all passing through the programme. We have also worked with the Local Authorities nation-wide to deliver training to outdoor staff on Climate Action. In recent times we have worked with ESB to develop and deliver their Advanced Sustainability program to train their staff, 6000 users online and 300 leadership team members, in topics like Climate Change literacy, sustainability in the workplace, circular economy, sustainable procurement and supply chain.
VeriConnect’s Senior Sustainability Expert and Ecologist with (then) Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the launch of one of our flagship projects WildWork
Those are just some of the big projects we have had the pleasure of working on over the last few years and we are still helping our clients to push the boundaries with new course concepts such as the very popular rainwater harvesting course which drew big crowds in Louth earlier this year or the upcoming course working with Churches in DLR who have asked parishes to set aside 30% of their land for rewilding and other environmental projects aimed at supporting biodiversity. It has been a great journey over this last few years and I can’t wait to see where we end up next.
If you would like our help to get your projects up and running, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can also check out our training hub to see what kind of training we offer. If you would like to learn more about events running during national biodiversity week check out this link here
April 22nd marks the 54th Earth Day, a day to celebrate the beautiful planet we live on and nurture advocacy for ways to protect the natural environment.
In the 54 years since the first Earth Day in 1970, the world has taken huge strides to protect the environment. Amongst many others, some examples include:
Banning DDT after Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring is thought to be a catalyst of the environmental movement, making public the undeniable link between pollution and human and environmental well-being.
Recycling has become the norm in many countries.
The world came together to fix the hole in the ozone layer.
Toxic lead is taken out of leaded gas.
Conservation and protection of habitats has become more common.
Climate Change was acknowledged and then the Paris Agreement went into effect.
New generations of activism are taking a stand.
In Ireland specifically, we have environmental roadmaps such as the National Climate Action Plan and the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
“In nearly every aspect, human beings have altered the environment to benefit one single species and disregard the estimated 8.7million other species on the planet. “
While there is a lot to celebrate, with decades of hard work done by environmentalists around the globe, there is also a lot left to do! Humans have continued to expand into once natural areas which leaves less room for all the other living things we share our planet with. Furthermore, pollution from this continuous expansion deteriorates the environment that is left behind.
Earth Day demands that we acknowledge our impact on this planet. Our species has undeniably changed the face of this planet and all that live on it. In nearly every aspect, human beings have altered the environment to benefit one single species and disregard the estimated 8.7million other species on the planet. These two facts say almost all that needs to be said about humans impact on the planet:
Livestock makeup 62% of the world’s mammal biomass, humans account for 34%. All the wild mammals on the earth only account for 4%!
Half of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture, meaning virtually half of the planet is used to feed humans.
Not to mention the climate change that we have caused, which will lead to the biggest impact of all unless we change our ways…. With no time to spare.
This year’s Earth Day theme is Planet VS Plastic which is unwavering in its commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040.
Plastic production is currently at 380 million tons per year. In the previous decade, more plastic has been produced than in the entire 20th century with industry plans to grow explosively for the indefinite future.
In 2023, More than 500 billion plastic bags (one million bags per minute!) were produced worldwide. A lot of these bags are used for maybe a few minutes (maybe thrown out instantly), and then pollute the environment for hundreds of years. Furthermore, they remain as microplastics in every niche of life on the planet.
Fast Fashion is an enormous part of plastic pollution, by producing over 100 billion garments a year. 70% of articles are made from crude oil, which pollutes the environment with microfibers. Nearly 85% of fast fashion ends up in landfills or incinerators, with only 1% being recycled.
Plastic pollution is known to have blighted virtually all of the environment at this stage, including our own hearts, livers and bowels. It is a long time coming, but today is the day we can stand together and work towards a world with less plastic pollution.
In the 54 years since the 1st Earth Day, we have seen enormous progress for the environment, most of which would have been completely unheard of. We need to keep the momentum going! Try these simple but effective ways to minimize plastic waste:
This year’s All-Ireland Sustainability Summit is bigger and better than ever! We at Veri Connect are thrilled to be a sponsor of the event and a presenter on the Main Stage.
The sustainability summit is set to run from 9AM to 4:30PM on March 21st, in La Mon Hotel. The event will bring together some of Ireland’s most dedicated experts in the field of sustainability for a day of upskilling, networking and collaboration. The Summit will be exhibited on two separate stages: the Main Stage which will focus on the wider sustainability agenda, and the Net Zero Stage, which will be focusing on all things net-zero, renewables & carbon reduction.
A highlight of the All Ireland Sustainability Summit 2023
This year’s All-Ireland Sustainability Summit will facilitate a brand new ‘lunchtime and learn’ workshop series that will no doubt prove beneficial to all parties involved. Four of the five workshop sessions will offer a 45-min this ‘lunchtime and learn’ opportunity so that you grab some lunch, and drop in to any of our sessions for even more learning and engagement opportunities. There will also be an extensive exhibitors area, fostering a driven network of innovation.
The event’s keynote speaker is none other than Richard Shotton. Richard is the author of the best selling book, The Choice Factory. He specialises on how to apply findings from behavioural science to marketing. The main stage host will be Andi Jarvis, who is a marketing strategist, professional speaker and the Founder of Eximo Marketing.
Some of the summits highlights include:
Circular Economy Opportunities
Carbon Reduction Planning
Green Communications
The Future of Energy
Finance, Regulation and Policy
Sustainable Innovation
Networking and Collaboration
For the final session and event roundup, our very own Yosef Dvores will be part of the panel discussion about the intersection of agriculture, tourism and sustainable business. Yosef Dvores hails from Canada, and is a passionate Ecologist for nearly a decade. He has worked across Canada, NZ and South America before settling in Ireland in 2020. His extensive knowledge and deep passion for the environment has led him to work with businesses, local authorities, community groups and specifically farmers for this session in order to ensure nature and people can thrive in these changing times.
Amongst his success as Lead Ecologist with Veri Connect has been facilitating Ireland’s first and largest community seed bank. This project saw community members in the border area, many of whom were farmers, collect native wildflowers in order to preserve and enhance biodiversity. Yosef’s seed saving projects encapsulate the essence of Climate Action – making a lasting impact by increasing ecosystem resilience whilst building stronger communities.
Yosef has just completed training for Tourism Northern Ireland attended by over 70 Tourism businesses – ‘Threats to Biodiversity’ and ‘Commitment to Climate Change’. Also playing a leading role in the award winning €1 million euro Wildwork Biodiversity project for three local development partners via the LEADER programme. Here is a look into his time with Wildwork –
We look forward to seeing you at the All-Ireland Sustainability Summit. Visit www.allirelandsustainability.com to learn more and to book your tickets today!
Veri Connect’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental initiatives; it encompasses the social holistic well-being of its employees. This became evident when I, a parent, foster parent, and now a grandmother, found myself at the crossroads of juggling familial responsibilities and work commitments. Ann Marie’s decision to introduce sabbaticals is a testament to the company’s dedication to fostering a positive work culture that understands the diverse needs of its employees.
Noleen Neill and Orla O’Sullivan – The backbone of our Northern Ireland office, at Ireland Sustainability Awards’23!
In the fast-paced world we live in, achieving a harmonious balance between our personal and professional lives can often seem like an elusive goal. However, I consider myself fortunate to be part of a forward-thinking company that not only recognises the importance of work-life balance but actively encourages and supports it. As an employee of Veri Connect, my journey towards balance took a remarkable turn when I was granted an 8-week sabbatical, thanks to the visionary leadership of our CEO, Ann Marie.
The benefits of work-life balance extend far beyond the individual; they ripple through the entire company. Preventing burnout is one of the most significant advantages. By acknowledging the importance of taking time off to recharge and reconnect with life outside of work, Veri Connect is actively investing in the long-term well-being of its employees. This not only enhances job satisfaction but also boosts productivity and creativity when employees return, bringing a renewed sense of enthusiasm to their roles.
Noleen with the apple of her eye, her grandson, Leo!
The decision to grant a sabbatical is a reflection of Veri Connect’s forward-thinking approach. It acknowledges that employees are not just assets but individuals with multifaceted lives. AnnMarie’s leadership sends a powerful message – one that echoes throughout the company, fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and support.
As I embark on my sabbatical, I am grateful for the opportunity to recalibrate, rejuvenate, and return to Veri Connect with a refreshed perspective. In an era where work and life often intertwine, finding a company that prioritises and values work-life balance is a rare gem, and I am proud to be part of the Veri Connect family.
A picture taken by our Senior Ecologist Yosef on a Biodiversity Training day in Forum Connemara.
Ireland’s biodiversity is the magic that makes this beautiful island what it is, providing us with a wealth of resources for the tourism sector including wonderful scenic landscapes, rivers and lakes, forests and woodlands, habitats, plants and animals. Ireland offers a unique experience to tourists because of our biodiversity and the natural landscape.
Biodiversity is at the heart of our tourism industry here in Northern Ireland. In a Visitor Attitudes Survey in 2006, 80% of visitors rated Ireland’s scenery as a primary reason for visiting Ireland, with 74% stating that they were attracted by the natural unspoilt environment. The People in the Outdoors Monitor for Northern Ireland has highlighted over £900 million was spent during visits to the outdoors in 2020/21.
So how is our biodiversity doing? Here are some alarming statistics:
➔ 12% of all wildlife is threatened with extinction
➔ Across the UK, 41% of species have decreased since 1970
The 2023 State of Nature Report shows pressures are coming from all angles. Changes in land use management, invasive alien species, pollution and climate change are among the big drivers highlighted. It is vital that we protect this resource at all costs and begin to turn the tide on this decline. In many cases, tourism businesses are the stewards of our wild places. You know these places intimately and if you are old enough, you may have even noticed the decline for yourself. We all play a role in its decline and every business can do their bit to help restore our precious biodiversity.
As well as being important to biodiversity, water also plays a major role in our tourism industry. Whether it’s spending a day kayaking at Strangford Lough, fishing in Lough Neagh, surfing the West Strand at Portrush or going for a stroll along the banks of Lower Bann, water is a resource we often take for granted. Under the Water Framework Directive, Northern Ireland is required to get all its water bodies up to at least ‘Good Status’ by 2027. The clock is ticking and despite this looming deadline only 31% of rivers, 14% of lakes and 40% of Northern Ireland’s transitional and coastal water bodies are achieving this minimum requirement.
Today, our Ecologist Kieran Cowhig delivered Phase 2 of the webinar in collaboration with Tourism Northern Ireland as part of their Leaner Greener Series. This webinar titled Threats to Biodiversity in Northern Ireland is designed to show you proven ways your tourism business can help address the issues highlighted above. The webinar covers topic like:
➔ Invasive Species on your Premises and in our Waters
➔ Water Quality and Tourism
➔ Water Conservation for Tourism Businesses
➔ Sustainable Drainage Systems
If you are interested in learning more you can view this free webinar here.
Meeting two Ministers for the launch of our clients programmes on the seven year anniversary of Veri Connect meant it was not such a Blue Monday for me this week!
Mary Lyon’s team under Noreen Fitzpatrick saw the need for these Micro Credentials and their work was launched today.
What are Micro Credentials?
Micro-qualifications are short, part-time accredited training programmes, and they have been developed under the Skills to Advance initiative.
And more to the point –
Why will companies need to invest in these micro credentials ?
Climate now is a competitive issue in value chains for all businesses. Both in public procurement where up to 30% of tender responses may be judged on sustainability credentials or for Business to consumers who are constantly differentiating by buying greener.
Listed Companies, Banks and insurance will immediately also be affected by the now Live ESRD regulations. In essence this means measuring a company’s effect on Climate Change, Pollution, Water, Biodiversity, and Circular Economy .
But even small companies like our own who are part of the Supply chain to these from 1st of January this year now have to start their sustainability journey if they want to work in the supply chain to these buyers.
Who will deliver these programmes?
Our team recently delivered the SOLAS Train the Trainer for the programmes to a number of trainers in the ETB sector in the field. Through the contracted training network we hope to be part of the teams that roll out these important programmes in 2024 via Skills to Advance in the 16 ETB’s across the country.
Our team currently deliver training for the 6000 plus ESB staff on Sustainability and Climate Action, as well as leading on some of the countries largest Biodiversity programmes in the local development sector.
Having been abroad for the riots in Dublin, last week I was in the Capital where the conversations were all about environmental and social governance and responsibility . We were delighted to take the opportunity for invitations to two pivotal events centred around sustainability and the circular economy in Dublin City . Along with our new Sales Partner Yamini it proved to be an enlightening experience that offered valuable insights. Yamini, a Smurfit graduate came along for CPD and also to get the unique opportunity to demonstrate the inherent value these events bring as she acquaints herself with the intricacies of our industry.
Sustainability, Environmental and Social Governance 2024- Ethico at the Aviva Stadium
The ESG (environmental and social governance) and Sustainability event unfolded as an exclusive gathering of influential business minds, with Jim Power economist delving deep into the evolving landscape of sustainability. Hosted by the dynamic Ivan Yates, the event provided a distinctive platform for networking and learning. Sustainability works and Ethico had a super overview of the Pathway for ESG for 2024. What added an extra layer of significance to the occasion was an unexpected reunion with Tony Walker, my ex boss and GM of the Slieve Russell, a colleague from nearly three decades ago, who shared first hand accounts of the remarkable work and capital works in Sustainability investments in one of the North West’s most famous Hotels.
From this insightful day, several key takeaways emerged:
Authentic Environmental and Social Governance Goals: The imperative for ESG goals to be authentic and provide a competitive edge was underscored. It’s not merely a checkbox on a list; it’s a strategic imperative that aligns with our values.
Buy-In Across the Board: Sustainability efforts must transcend the confines of a sustainability manager and become deeply integrated into the organisational culture. Genuine buy-in from everyone is paramount.
Bravery in Decision-Making: To effect change, bravery in decision-making is essential. It involves challenging the status quo and embracing innovation as integral components of our journey toward sustainability.
MODOS Launch at the Mansion House
The journey continued at the Mansion House for the launch of MODOS Sustainability and Circular Economy Training. Veri Connect are part of the framework team that will be rolling out this important programme in the coming years. With SMEs making up to 99% of Ireland’s economy, it is vital that these businesses embrace circular thinking. MODOS gives SMEs the practical advice and support they need to do this.
Dr. Joanne Rourke introduced the session and launched the programme Hugh Coghlan’s strong stance on recent events in Dublin underscored the importance of diversity and inclusion for cultivating a robust skill set in Irish business. Beyond being a moral imperative, embracing diversity is a strategic advantage that fosters innovation.
Overall the two events reaffirmed the critical importance of staying engaged, informed, and connected. Veri Connect remains unwavering in our commitment to exploring avenues that promote sustainability, authenticity, and innovation.
With all the talk about aliens in the news lately you definitely might have some questions. It might, however, be a surprise for you to learn that aliens have been here in Ireland now for decades. While they may not take the form you might expect (or come from outer space either), aliens are a very big problem here in Ireland. Known as Invasive Alien Species (IAS), these are animals, plants, pathogens or other living things that would not naturally occur in Ireland but have arrived here as a result of human activity. Upon introduction, they become established and begin to thrive which can have many negative impacts such as outcompeting our native wildlife, disrupting the natural balances of ecosystems and even affecting our way of life and economy. Invasive Species live among us and spreading awareness about them is key to preventing their invasion from spreading.
Back in 2013 a team attempting to work out the economic cost of invasive species and non-native species in Ireland and Northern Ireland estimated the total IAS costs for the Republic of Ireland were at €203 million per year (Kelly et al., 2013). This was a decade ago and with the introduction of many new species since then, this is very likely a massive underestimation of their present day cost. More recently a new economic analysis released in 2021 suggests the situation is far worse. The authors said “should successful management interventions not be introduced, the costs to Ireland of IAS will rise to €26.5 billion per year by 2030 for all IAS” (Lucy et al., 2021)
I recently helped to deliver a course to communities in west Limerick around the management of IAS. I have compiled some tips for individuals looking to get involved with the fight against invasive species.
Invasive Species Tips
Make a site-specific management plan
As the old saying goes “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”. This could not be more true when it comes to working with invasive species. Invasive aliens are very resilient and pervasive. They don’t want to go away and so they have various strategies to ensure their survival. To ensure that you have the best chance of eradicating an invasive species, it is essential that you have a plan in place that spans at least 5 years, laying out the steps you need to take. There have been countless cases around the country where great work was initially carried out in the removal of an IAS only to then be followed by a lapse of time where the area was not being monitored. This resulted in the IAS coming back stronger than ever and in some cases even developing resistance to the treatment being used! This can be very frustrating and disheartening to a group considering how labour intensive the work can be in the early stages of treatment. Among other things, your plan should also take into account the invasive species infestation within the context of the greater catchment. Invasive Species often grow along rivers, such is the case with Giant Hogweed. If you were to treat Giant Hogweed in your town without checking the extent of its presence upstream in the catchment, all of your work could be in vain. Giant hogweed spreads by way of the large flower heads at the top of its stalk. Just one flower head alone can hold as many as 5000 seeds and one plant capable of holding up to 50,000 viable seeds! If a giant hogweed plant was present upstream of your town and was not being managed many of these seeds will fall into the river where some will inevitably end up being washed up on the banks of the river where you are working so hard to remove the plant. This highlights the importance of my next point.
Join or start a group- Collaboration is key.
While you might be all enthusiastic about treating invasive species right now. To ensure longevity, it is crucial that you link up with your community. No one person will beat this problem by themselves, we need to join forces. There are of course many benefits to this too. By linking up with your community or other community groups we can share ideas and learn from the experiences of others who might be a bit further down the path than we are. It can also become a sort of a social event and a great chance to meet like-minded people. Organising an event to deal with invasive species like Balsam Bashing can draw big numbers and also has a certain feel-good factor too as you can visibly see the fruit of your labour. Many times, groups will head for a coffee or even a pint after these sessions and can even be the beginnings of forming a bigger more social group. As mentioned above, if you are working alongside a river, as many groups will be, it is always worthwhile to check if there are groups working up and downstream of you. Sometimes groups may even share labour to help you as we all work towards a common goal.
Know what is within your sphere of influence
Some invasive species are tricky to deal with. Improper management can actually exacerbate the problem. Some species will require professional attention due to their resilient or dangerous nature. The methods used to manage them are just not available to members of the public due to the nuance involved in their effective treatment. Sometimes they are just too dangerous, such is the case with Giant hogweed (see below). Pick species that community groups have a proven track record in successfully managing. Regardless of the species involved, recording and mapping their presence will always provide invaluable to those who can manage invasive species.
Record and map their presence
A simple yet very effective step that you can carry out is to make a map of the extent of invasive species in your area. This step is essential before you begin work to manage IAS. Understanding how pervasive a species might be, will often determine how you go about managing it. It may also guide you as to where might be the best place to begin works. Even if you don’t intend to manage IAS yourself, mapping and sharing records of their presence can be really helpful to our local authorities. By mapping or recording them every year we can see how quickly they might be spreading or how effective a treatment might have been. This can help drive decisions about which species should be focused on first. Mapping and recording are also key parts of your site-specific management plan. Remember, that which gets measured, gets managed! You can share any records you make on the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s website(https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/start-recording).
Follow biosecurity measures
One of the best ways you can help to tackle invasive species is to prevent their introduction into a habitat in the first place. While this might seem like I am stating the obvious, you would be shocked by how often this step is overlooked. If you like gardening, try to buy native plants where possible, they will also help support our native wildlife much more too. Before you buy exotic plants, check to see if it is an invasive species (you can do this by going to invasives.ie). Never take a slip of a plant while away on foreign holiday, while they may look lovely and harmless, back in Irish habitats they may be extremely invasive and damaging to native wildlife. It can be hard to believe but there have been cases where known IAS were still available for purchase in garden centres and were still being recommended by prominent gardeners while works to manage their spread were ongoing. Never release your pets into the wild; they can end up in ponds or spreading into local habitats disrupting the balance of local ecosystems. They may not stay local either and in some cases have been known to spread across the entire country. Did you know that the introduction of the Grey Squirrel, which has decimated our own native Red Squirrel can be traced back to a single event. In 1911, a wedding present from the Duke of Buckingham, a basket of American Grey Squirrels were ceremoniously released onto the grounds of Castle Forbes in Co. Longford. While the activity may have at the time seem innocent enough, these handful of squirrels were the first of their kind in Ireland and went on to colonise much of this island. There are three steps to always consider when you are out and about. Check, Clean, Dry. To learn more about this check this article here about biosecurity protocols.
Work with the relevant authorities
Invasive species are not picky about where they establish. Oftentimes you may find yourself dealing with a large infestation within the boundaries of a protected area such as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or a Special Protected Area (SPA). These sites are protected due to the rarity and or sensitive nature of habitats and wildlife found within them. If we are not careful and take into consideration the nature of these sites, treating invasive species could actually have a seriously harmful impact on the native wildlife. IAS can also establish alongside or within rivers which may have spawning grounds of fish like Atlantic Salmon nearby. Using the wrong treatment here could be devastating to local fish stocks. For this reason, it is always advised to consult with Inland Fisheries Ireland and LAWPRO whenever you work along rivers (You can find out who your local Community water officer is by looking on this webpage here(https://lawaters.ie/team/communities-team/#filter=*)) To find out about the location of Ireland’s protected sites you can look on NPWS.ie(https://www.npws.ie/protected-sites) or contact your local wildlife ranger. They can also give you guidance about how best to proceed.
Study your opponent
Understanding your opponent can mean the difference between success and failure. There are so many factors to consider when choosing how to tackle an invasive species. Understanding the different stages of its lifecycle, what type of habitat does it originate from, does it have natural predators? How does it interact with other species? What means does it use to spread? For example, when working with Himalayan Balsam, it is crucial that you begin work to remove it before it goes to seed. This plant spreads by way of its exploding seed pods. Triggered by motion, the explosion can send seeds up to six metres away! If you do your work while they are present, you could actually make the infestation worse and end up helping its spread. Another common invasive species, Giant hogweed can also be very dangerous to work with. Without proper PPE you could get seriously injured with severe rashes which will repeatedly erupt for up to 3 years in some cases. By knowing your opponent. you can then decide how best to approach it. Is it best to treat it chemically, physically or biologically? When is the best time of year to approach works? All of this will determine how successful you will be in the long run and will make sure that you don’t end up causing more harm than good.
If you or a community group you are involved with are interested in learning more about how to manage local invasive species you could apply to your local Development Company for funding to run invasive species training . This way you can learn the ins and outs of how to successfully survey your community and write up your very own IAS management plan. The beauty of applying for funding this way is that it is 100% funded so there is no need for you to match fund.You can find out who your local development company by viewing the ILDN members directory on this webpage here (https://ildn.ie/directory/local-development-companies-map/)
Kelly, J., Tosh, D., Dale, K. & Jackson, A. (2013). The economic cost of invasive and non-native species in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Report to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Available online: https://invasivespeciesireland.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Economic_Impact_Assessment_FINAL_280313.pdf
Lucy, F., Caffrey, J. & Dick, J.(2021) Invasive alien species in the Republic of Ireland: Policy recommendations for their management . Report for the Water Forum Available online: https://thewaterforum.ie/app/uploads/2021/12/Lucy-et-al.-Invasive-Alien-Species-Report_Policy-Recommendations-for-their-Management.pdf
