I was driving through the rugged mountains of Connemara with my best friend visiting from Canada seed saving was the furthest thing from my mind. That was until I got an unexpected call from Dr. Amanda Greer. She asked me if I wanted to cancel my day off and try and go on a seed saving mission to gather a few rare plants that would be demolished in a construction site. Having delivered Seed Saving training to volunteers across the country, I couldn’t have been happier to put my skills to good use.
Seed Saving – Not all heroes wear capes
Anne Murray, the Biodiversity Officer for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council needed someone to help collect, clean and store the seeds of Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acer) and Pale Flax (Linum bienne). These are rare plants for the area and it was very important to the biodiversity that seed saving happened in order to sow them in a nearby location.
A few days later I drove down and met with Anne so that she could show me around the site before she left for another one of her countless important tasks. I was thrilled when we spotted Blue Fleabane! I gathered up all the seeds into a paper bag and continued on my search for Pale Flax. I spent the morning and afternoon looking for it but to no avail. I was ready to give up hope, thinking that since they flower earlier than Blue Fleabane, they might have already seeded and fallen over. Luckily I spotted some as I went to check one last area a little further away. There was tons of it there so I spent a good couple of hours collecting as much as daylight would allow.
I was also happy to notice that there were also many areas flagged around orchids which Anne told me was for the translocation of the soil to the new site. This allows the precious soil and the seedbank within to be conserved.
Then came the task of drying the seeds properly in order to clean them after. I laid all the seeds out on big sheets of cardboard and after a couple days they were ready to clean. It had been a while since I had done seed saving on a bit of a bigger scale and I remembered what an intimate and fulfilling endeavour it is. Sorting and cleaning the chaff from the seeds took a bit of time but it was a rewarding experience.
Once I had the seeds cleaned, I sent them off to Anne Murray so that she would store them until the time comes to sow them in their new home.
Anne Murray and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council have done amazing work for biodiversity in the area. From saving its precious Local Soil, Local Seed project, to Invasive Species, Hedgerows, Red Squirrel projects and more!
As part of the Local Soil, Local Seed project, I delivered Seed Saving courses. These have been one of the most fun courses I’ve delivered and one of the most successful in terms of engagement.
Seed saving is something anybody can enjoy!
It is believed that seed saving was first done roughly 30,000 years ago. This practice is the reason why we have the fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants you see all around you. However, we have now come to a point in our history where we need to utilise the power of seed saving for the conservation of our diminishing native species.
Seed saving is an age-old tradition of resilience that is a great way to get engaged with nature and the community. It is a rather simple concept that is exactly what it says on tin: saving seeds in order to grow them in the future. This fun and empowering exercise is hugely important for protecting biodiversity because when you save local seeds, you are saving your local biodiversity.
I would highly recommend everybody to give seed saving a try. Take life into your own hands and allow both nature and people to reap the rewards of what you sow.
Celebrating Sustainability: An Unforgettable Night at the Inaugural All Ireland Sustainability Awards
As a company invested in cultivating and promoting sustainability, we were thrilled to be a part of the inaugural All Ireland Sustainability Awards, sponsoring the “Biodiversity Initiative of the Year” category. This aligns seamlessly with our ethos of encouraging, endorsing, designing and implementing initiatives that pave the way toward a more sustainable and biodiverse world.
The sheer volume and quality of entries across all categories were overwhelmingly impressive, showcasing a collective commitment to sustainability across industries in Ireland. This did not only showcase businesses’ innovative practices and projects but also recognised and celebrated their noteworthy contributions towards creating a more sustainable future.
Uniting for a Cause
The sustainability awards gala event at the Europa Hotel was a great night of celebrations. Kicking off with the exhilarating rhythms of samba drummers, the atmosphere was great. The eloquent Danielle McCormick welcomed and ushered in an evening of celebration and a collective vow for a sustainable future with noteworthy speeches from Ross Moffett from Everun and Dakota Reid from RSPB NI, who emphasized the urgency of escalating our actions against climate change.
Culinary and Creative Highlights
The night wasn’t merely a sustainability awards ceremony it was full of entertainment and exceptional food. Preparing a superb meal for 400 guests with locally sourced ingredients was a testament to hospitality sector. Furthermore, artist Ruthie Stewart shared insights into the creation of the beautiful trophies, reflecting a blend of artistry and environmental consideration. We were delighted to have shared the evening with Paula Smyth from LANTRA who we work closely with accrediting our Climate Action 101 Courses. Emma- louise Kells joined us from Business in the Community NI. A number of Emma-louise’s colleagues are currently participating in Climate Action 101 training with Danske Bank. Carolyn Boyd of Tourism Northern Ireland and Ciaran Higgins of Belfast City Council also joined us at our table. Finally Canice & Derbhela Hamill from the European E- Learning Institute were also our guests. It was a wonderful way to network with these people and treat them to a great night full of wonderful initiatives.
Celebrating Biodiversity and Sustainability
The “Biodiversity Initiative of the Year” saw stiff competition with finalists Breedon, Gas Networks Ireland, Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, The Green Graveyard Company, and Wildacres. Our own Amanda had the honour of presenting Wildacres with the win, who, remarkably, also clinched the Overall Winner of the Year 2023, highlighting their significant contribution towards biodiversity and sustainability. Brian and his wife Gilly run the inspiration Wildacres Nature Reserve in Wicklow. The land, generously gifted back to nature, underwent a restoration of its natural habitats, fostering biodiversity and establishing an accessible and sustainable wildlife sanctuary and visitor haven. The Wildacres project was a result of a confluence of skills, shared ideas, and a unified vision dedicated to developing an Environmental Social Enterprise. The subsequent years have witnessed not just the blossoming of flora and fauna but the fruition of unwavering dedication to sustainability and environmental conservation.
Award Winning Clients
We were also thrilled to see clients both past and present pick up awards on the night. The ESB won in the Net Zero Initiative of the Year and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council & SSE Airtricity Energy Services won Energy Initiative / Project of the Year.
The Importance and Impact of Awards and Sponsorship
Participating in and sponsoring awards like the All Ireland Sustainability Awards is pivotal for businesses. It’s not merely recognition but a facilitation of a platform where organizations can showcase their sustainability efforts, inspire others, and forge connections with like-minded entities. Sponsoring such events aids in demonstrating a brand’s commitment to societal and environmental well-being, enhancing reputation and aligning with value-driven customers.
As we reflect upon the night, it was an embodiment of the spirit of togetherness and an unyielding commitment to sustainability. Let us carry forward this spirit in all our future endeavours, scaling and pacing our actions towards a sustainable and biodiverse future.
Please enjoy our gallery of photos featured some of our guests.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Change Makers and the Going for Growth Community
Being part of the Going for Growth Community has been a pivotal chapter in my journey as a Female Founder and CEO. This group of women has not just been a network but a vital support system, providing a scaffold of encouragement, wisdom, and true empathy.
The Community embraces a selection of development activities, designed with thoughtful precision to nurture each member and their businesses. After completing a cycle, participants can apply to engage in ‘Continuing the Momentum’ round tables, dive into topic-focused workshops, and receive warm invitations to seminal events such as the annual Community Forum.
October 2023 kicked off at a memorable event, where over 120 like-minded individuals congregated, the atmosphere was charged with collective ambition and shared understanding. The solitude that often accompanies leadership seemed less isolating and replaced by the genuine support and shared wisdom that has characterized the Forum Events over the years.
Una O’Hagan beautifully orchestrated the last session, encapsulating the key moments and contributions over the two-day programme. A spotlight was shone on Enterprise Ireland Leo Clancy’s insightful contributions, KPMG’s invaluable advice, and our collective endeavours to navigate the ESG challenges as team leaders.
However, the moment that truly touched the heartstrings of all present was the deserved accolade to the phenomenal Paula Fitzsimons. Paula identified a gender ambition gap among entrepreneurs and crafted a suite of initiatives to foster and champion ambitious female entrepreneurs. Her remarkable achievements have dramatically shifted the scales. In 2008, data showed that for every 7.5 male entrepreneurs aspiring to establish a sizable company, there was only 1 female counterpart. Today, thanks to trailblazers like Paula and supportive governmental policies, that ratio has improved to 2.5:1 – and the journey toward an equal 1:1 ratio is in full swing.
A heartfelt thanks to all the Lead Entrepreneurs, whose voluntary guidance continues to be a wellspring of empowerment in my journey, and to Paula’s diligent team – Orla Mooney and particularly Clodagh Slater, who navigated unexpected challenges with unruffled professionalism on Day 1.
Navigating the path of an entrepreneur can be lonely. Yet, within the Going for Growth Community, it becomes a collective journey of Change Makers – where shared experiences, wisdom, and steadfast support illuminate the path toward sustainable growth and success.
Set against the backdrop of the history-steeped Mount Congreve, in a majestic room with its ornate wallpaper and ceilings, the Skillnet Conference “Preparing for the Future: Strategies for Building a Resilient Business Toolkit” delivered what was promised to be an informative day. The collaboration between Waterford Chamber Skillnet, County Tipperary Chamber Skillnet, and Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet filled the day with experts in their fields.
The event began with an authoritative opening talk by the Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland, Paul Healy. His powerful message reminded everyone that climate is now a pivotal competitive issue, crucial to the very foundations of how businesses operate in the modern age. Paul also delved into the rapid ascent of Artificial Intelligence namely ChatGPT, in the business domain, underscoring its role in shaping the future trajectory of industries.
Following this insightful introduction was the Susan Hayes Culleton. As the emcee and the second speaker, Susan captivated the audience with her blend of invaluable business tips rooted in her own lived experiences. Her session provided a roadmap for businesses to navigate profitability in an evolving climate-conscious world. Her call to the attendees to take out their phones and comment on a thread on LinkedIn was an innovative way to engage and also a valuable networking opportunity.
Next to take to the stage was our flagship course: Climate Action 101. Presented as a case study by our own Director of Sustainability, Dr. Amanda Greer, it exemplified how businesses can effectively address and incorporate climate action strategies.
A testament to the course’s efficacy was the endorsement from Michael Shields and Ann Crowley of Connolly’s Red Mills. This 5th generation business narrated their transformative experience with Climate Action 101, standing not just as users but as ambassadors. Ann and Michael’s insights underscored the course’s increasing demand, as well as its profound impact on the environment and employees alike.
In the panel discussion that ensued, the adaptability and versatility of Climate Action 101 were further explored. Amanda shared how the course is tailored to cater to a wide range of industries, ensuring relevance and resonance for every client, as we have done for Danske Bank, Business in the Community Northern Ireland and The Newpark Hotel. Of course as is the case with everything challenges arise and those tend to be resource based. The conclusion being that this type of climate literacy course is worth putting resources into.
Ray Goggins, with his unique army ranger background, then drew captivating parallels between leadership in military contexts and in business, emphasising the importance of team spirit and individual accountability. Words like trust, integrity and camaraderie were used. He asked people to think about if these attributes were present in their teams and if not they should be.
At lunch guests mingled over a delightful meal and this was followed by Níall Ó Murchú introducing grounding and breathing techniques on the lawn. An unexpected Irish rain shower added a touch of amusement as some of us walked inside barefoot.
Níall’s workshop continued and some brave individuals attempted to walk like elephants in a bid to put the breathing techniques learned to the test. We hope there is no photographic evidence of that adventure.
That concluded the Skillnet portion of the day but the team at Veri Connect seized the opportunity to explore the gardens with some invited guests. We enjoyed a guided tour hosted by estate manager Ray Sinnott. His tales intertwined life, nature, and history, providing a fitting end to a day well spent.
This conference was not just a presentation of a strategic toolkit; it was a call to action, imploring businesses to not only recognise but also proactively engage with the challenges and opportunities that climate change and rapid technological advancements present. In a world that’s constantly evolving, it’s paramount for businesses to stay ahead, to innovate, and to adapt. Climate Action 101 stands as a step in this journey, offering guidance, expertise, and a roadmap for this essential transition. The most pressing question isn’t about whether to embark on this journey, but rather, when will you take that step forward?
Celebrating Nature: Biodiversity Protection with Louth Local Development
Veri Connect is immensely proud to have facilitated the training on behalf of Louth Local Development This initiative underscores the crucial task of safeguarding Natural Habitats in the Louth area. Special acknowledgment to Mary O’Neill and Derbhille Clarke for their invaluable guidance, which laid the foundation for a successful experience for all involved in the biodiversity protection journey.
From June to August 2023, the Louth Biodiversity Protection project entitled Protection of Natural Habitats, ushered participants into the intricate world of biodiversity. They not only relished the splendour of Louth’s natural habitats, spanning from its peaceful coastal stretches to the verdant woodlands and nutrient-dense bogs, but also received tools and training vital for biodiversity protection. Their eagerness was evident on the field trips where they interacted with the diverse wildlife of Louth, under the expert guidance of ecologist Yosef Dvores.
Tools and Techniques: Empowering Biodiversity Protection
But the learning didn’t end in the field! Biodiversity protection was a continuous theme. Participants were acquainted with actionable strategies they could adopt in their daily lives to defend the habitats they had grown fond of. Excursions to locales showcasing biodiversity enhancements, coupled with dialogues with guest speakers, deepened their understanding. Moreover, they were introduced to online resources such as EPA maps, Ancient Woodlands maps, among others. Over 7 online sessions, the participants were offered a comprehensive perspective on Louth’s habitats and their pivotal role in biodiversity protection.
Reflecting on Biodiversity’s Global Context and Participant Feedback
In our current global context, where the threat to biodiversity is ever-present, initiatives like these are more than nature conservation—they shape our future. As our natural habitats flourish, so do our communities. Observing participants adapt their learnings into their daily practices is truly uplifting. Echoing the sentiments of one participant, “Learning more about biodiversity protection has been transformative. I’m now more proactive in appreciating and preserving the environment surrounding me.” We sincerely value the open feedback from all participants, which will significantly influence the future trajectories of our biodiversity protection programmes. The diverse backgrounds of participants enriched the learning environment, fostering peer education and establishing meaningful connections.
Gratitude to Louth Local Development and every individual contributor.
The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) is a mutually beneficial scheme that allows employers access to motivated workers and the participants gain knowledge and skills in return. This scheme has been a valuable tool in Veri Connect’s arsenal and we feel lucky to have had some fantastic team members work with us over the years. Some have remained to become effective valued members of the team and others have gone on to further their careers with other organisations.
WPEP Participants
We are delighted to have Alesia Atamanenko with us through WPEP at the moment. Alesia is from Ukraine and is living here with her teenage son. Having worked for a government agency in Ukraine Alesia needed experience working in Ireland and an opportunity to practise her English. Using her training allowance Alesia has successfully completed Train the Trainer, to add to her list of competencies. Working with our biodiversity team she assists the ecologists with the logistics of the large programmes that we run nationally. We have nothing but admiration for Alesia, she has ambition and drive and the WPEP has afforded her the opportunity to be in a supportive environment where her natural skills will be enhanced.
‘ Working with Veri Connect through the WPEP has given me the opportunity to experience an industry that I had little knowledge of. This has opened my eyes to new opportunities and I have learned valuable new skills’
Tracy Hayes is a full time team member that came through the WPEP. Tracy was a successful hairdresser having run her own business in Dublin for years but wanted a change in direction. Applying for the scheme helped build skills and has led to Tracy excelling in a role that was completely new to her. We have a strong ethos of mentorship within the company and we benefited from the fact that Tracy was eager to learn and not hesitant about communicating when she needed further support. Tracy began by completing Word and Excel and is now one of the expert users of our own software Veri, that we use and supply for the management of training delivery. Tracy currently manages the training we deliver on behalf of the Local Authority Services National Training Group (LASNTG).
‘The WPEP afforded me the opportunity to develop new skills that I didn’t require in my career before now. I was thrilled to be offered a position with Veri Connect when my placement was complete.’
Team Building
When building a team, there are several factors that employers should consider to ensure that the team is effective and aligned with the goals of the business. Obviously you need to take into consideration the skills you require in order to successfully run your business but there are many more considerations.
Building a diverse team can bring a range of perspectives and ideas to the table, which can lead to better decision-making and innovation. Effective communication and collaboration are also crucial for a high-performing team. Employers should look for team members who are able to communicate clearly and work well with others.
The WPEP as part of the government’s employment support services acts like a prolonged interview and allows you to identify potential employees who have already demonstrated an interest in your business and an ability to work well within the team.
While it’s important to acknowledge the potential challenges of implementing a Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP), the benefits can far outweigh any burdens. Along with administrative and legal considerations, employers must also consider their specific goals and needs when selecting suitable participants and managing the program’s resources effectively.
Thumbs up for WPEP
However, despite the extra work and attention to detail required, the WPEP employability scheme has proven to be a hugely positive experience for Veri Connect. By providing a structured and supportive environment for participants to gain valuable skills and experience, the program can help foster a diverse and talented workforce that aligns with a company’s long-term goals.
Additionally, WPEP participants who go on to become valued team members can bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the table, enhancing collaboration and driving innovation within a company. Ultimately, the success of a WPEP hinges on careful planning and execution, but the benefits of investing in the growth and development of potential team members can be immeasurable.
The world is facing an unprecedented biodiversity loss that is threatening the very existence of countless species, including humans. In recognition of this urgent challenge, Ireland took a ground-breaking step by convening the world’s first national Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. The Assembly brought together ordinary citizens from all walks of life to deliberate on the critical issue of biodiversity loss and explore potential solutions. The Assembly facilitated citizens to make their voices heard and to play an active role in shaping the future of our planet.
Over the course of several months, the Assembly engaged in a series of meetings and discussions to identify the root causes of biodiversity loss and potential solutions to address the issue. The citizens’ deliberations were informed by a diverse range of experts from the fields of science, policy, and civil society, who shared their knowledge and insights with the Assembly members.
The Assembly provided a unique opportunity for citizens to participate in the democratic process and contribute to the development of policy solutions. The report contains over 150 recommendations that if implemented would transform Ireland’s relationship with its natural environment.
Biodiversity Loss Policies and Legislation
The report of the Citizens Assembly expresses the disappointment of the Assembly at the State’s failure to adequately fund, implement, and enforce existing laws and policies related to biodiversity. The report explicitly states that there is an urgent need for change and sufficient funding, and increased expenditure should be provided for the enforcement and implementation of national legislation and EU biodiversity-related laws and directives related to biodiversity. The members of the Assembly heard that although the government has declared a Biodiversity Crisis, there is little evidence to suggest that this is being taken seriously or that action is being taken to address the drivers of biodiversity loss.
It went on to propose a series of changes to the Constitution aimed at ensuring every citizen’s right to a clean, healthy, and safe environment. The Assembly recommends that nature be provided with protections within the constitution to enable it to continue to provide the necessities of life, including food, clean freshwater and air, as well as a clean and healthy environment for the well-being of present and future generations. These recommendations follow a growing international trend emphasising the need to protect nature to safeguard human existence.
The reassuring greens of our landscape mask the loss we are experiencing of so many key elements of our natural environment.
Dr Ní Shúilleabháin
We fully support all the recommendations that were put forward. Taking into consideration that we specialise in the delivery of biodiversity training programmes there were a few that jumped out.
Breakdown of Recommendations
‘6. Local leadership, local communities and the activities of the Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) sector must be actively developed and resourced to assist the State in addressing the biodiversity crisis.’
Climate change and the impacts of biodiversity loss are global problems, but they can and should be addressed locally if change is to happen. Research tells us that healthy biodiversity is a prime indicator of healthy ecosystems and healthy communities. After all, we are part of biodiversity!
The Irish Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications states that:
“It is critical that all of us try our best as community members to make sure that biodiversity thrives within and around our towns and cities. After all, we must be stewards of the land we occupy and deserve to feel empowered by it. Thankfully, there are many ways in which we can do this.”
“Policy measures, training and dialogue will be essential to bring communities along on the decarbonisation journey; you can also be a positive influence for a better future within your own community.”
Biodiversity is our greatest ally in our fight against climate change and we must address the rate of biodiversity loss. It is clear that the development and resourcing of local action will benefit the environment and people both locally and globally.
A great way to empower communities for climate action is through the development of a community Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). A Biodiversity Action Plan is a valuable document for a community to produce and take ownership of. It focusses action on achievable short and long term goals, and can be used in funding applications to procure the money required to make these goals a reality. Biodiversity Action Plans highlight the unique flora, fauna and habitats surrounding a community and pinpoints the best measures to safeguard biodiversity.
We here at Veri Connect work with communities across Ireland to help them develop Biodiversity Action Plans for the benefit of their community and consequently, the world at large.
Through our work with members of the ILDN it’s been clear to us for some time now that people are passionate about taking action against biodiversity loss. Every course offered is oversubscribed with volunteers who continue to take action long after the course is over.
‘11. An all-island approach and wider transboundary approach should be taken into consideration with regard to biodiversity conservation and restoration.’
“The climate and biodiversity crises transcend national, disciplinary and sectoral boundaries. We all live on the same planet and urgently need to fulfil our international commitments to reducing greenhouse gases, while protecting and restoring the ecosystems that sustain our lives, livelihoods and wellbeing.”
Prof Yvonne Buckley, vice president for Biodiversity and Climate Action at Trinity College Dublin
Biodiversity goes beyond human boundaries. Ireland, and indeed the world, as a whole must come together. The greatest success for safeguarding our planet will come from working together.
We can take inspiration from the success of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, which proved the momentous success that can be achieved from working together to save biodiversity. The Plan brought together organizations from different sectors across all of Ireland to create landscapes where not only pollinators can thrive, but biodiversity at large. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan continues to foster projects where biodiversity, and people are impacted in a beneficial way.
Having a keen interest in cross border relations through PEACE PLUS we agree that this is vital.
‘14. All biodiversity incentives and grants should be results-based, supported by monitoring and evaluation.’
As the old saying goes “You can’t manage what you don’t measure”.
Therefore there should be incentives for the measured amount of biodiversity that is conserved or restored. Landowners should not have to lose money for trying to save biodiversity, they should be awarded.
Yet this goes beyond measuring just flora and fauna. We must monitor and evaluate the resourcing of biodiversity initiatives in order to reach the most amount of people in the most sustainable and efficient way.
Data is a vital component in the battle against biodiversity loss. We track our training and actions through our software Veri allowing full overview of the progress and distance travelled for all our clients.
‘17. The Irish business community needs to engage with biodiversity and show leadership in the same way that they have begun to engage with the issue of the climate crisis.’
Climate Action 101 is our accredited course targeted at employers to upskill their teams with the most up to date information on how to contribute positively to the climate crisis.
Businesses across Ireland are recognising the importance of sustainable practices. Sustainability is a key component of successful business in this day and age. Luckily, environmental sustainability and economic sustainability can go hand in hand when addressed properly.
Biodiversity is a key pillar in sustainability and one of the best ways to address the climate crisis. That is why businesses are starting to apply biodiversity measures in order to improve their sustainability.
The first step is raising awareness within the business to get a deeper understanding of biodiversity issues in Ireland. This way, the business can apply best practices to help with biodiversity, climate change and improve their communities.
Businesses can use an array of toolkits and information to learn about biodiversity. Sometimes this might be overwhelming and confusing. If that is the case, there are certain courses available that can help a company with their sustainability.
‘30. All relevant departments, bodies and agencies that deal with biodiversity should have in-house ecological expertise to advise on all biodiversity related policies and activities.
The concepts of sustainability, climate change, biodiversity and carbon footprints might appear daunting to a lot of people. But just as you would use an accountant to help with your accounting, you should use an ecologist to help with your ecological practices.
Ecologists are able to provide organisations with expertise on specialised solutions to the growing environmental issues that companies are not having to face in order to play their part in the changing world.
Dr Amanda Greer leads our team of ecologists. We are very proud that all our training is delivered by experts in the subject matter. We know environmental issues can attract a lot of green washing and people paying lip service. Our trainers are passionate about climate action both as part of their careers but also in their home lives.
‘42. Local authorities are uniquely placed to deliver biodiversity projects. Biodiversity funding and staff resources in local authorities must be significantly increased. Local authorities must be accountable and report on their biodiversity activities. Current resources must be enhanced, and biodiversity given greater priority in the councils’ activities.’
The inherent value of biodiversity is priceless. It makes the world and creates the only livable planet in the observable universe.
Biodiversity doesn’t just make the world livable, it creates a landscape where humans and nature can flourish! Its capacity to combat climate change is equal to its capacity to enhance human well-being.
The social benefits of healthy biodiversity not only include mental and physical well-being, but also save taxpayer money. Biodiversity in Ireland is estimated to be worth 2.6billion each year. With biodiversity being such a key measure in community well-being, it is vital that significant funding and resources are allocated towards the conservation and restoration of biodiversity!
We are currently delivering training nationally as an approved training company for LASNTG. It’s a fantastic opportunity to upskill the workers that care for our public spaces.
‘47. The State must provide a streamlined and easily accessible system of small grants, information and support for the public to undertake biodiversity action on residential properties.’
People all across Ireland are dedicated to enhancing biodiversity on residential properties. We are seeing the shift from managing land solely for human purposes to managing it in a way that allows nature to thrive as well. This shift is proven to benefit whole communities. After all, studies have shown that planting tree in a neighbourhood can:
Improve mental health
Save household energy
Fight climate change
Improve water quality and prevent flooding
Minimise noise pollution
Improved air quality
Even reduces crime rates!
And more!
Just imagine the impacts trees can have in conjunction with other biodiversity actions!
Check out DLR’s infosheet on community trees to learn more:
VeriConnect has worked first hand with DLR and we know the amazing benefits their community biodiversity initiatives are creating.
There is an appetite for citizen participation and this energy should be organised and facilitated to take action. Through our work with the ILDN members we have had feedback where people have continued actions at their own expense for the better of the land and to provide solutions to biodiversity loss.
‘94. The management of water catchment areas must be greatly improved, with assessments of water quality to be updated regularly to guide action on restoring water quality.’
Rivers are often referred to as The Lifeblood of Nature, veining biodiversity throughout the land. Humans have always been drawn to rivers and civilisation has always been centred around freshwater. With the looming crisis of climate change and biodiversity loss, freshwater is more important than ever.
It might always be easy to be grateful for all the water in Ireland, but we are very lucky to have plenty of freshwater. Ireland is very fortunate to have around 100,000 kilometres river channels and over 12,00 lakes. However, we are in desperate need of action to make our water bodies cleaner.
Close to half of Irish rivers (47%), lakes (50%) and estuaries (62%) are currently in an unhealthy state. With the trend not improving for years and river pollution on the rise, clearly something needs to be done, and done fast. Thankfully, there are government organizatins, NGO’s and community groups that are committed to this task. But they need more support, both on the ground level and from the top down.
During Covid we implemented a biodiversity initiative called NoreVision. This programme went on to establish a trust to manage the river ensuring its health for generations to come. If people are empowered and funded, it’s clear that great things can happen and can have big impacts on biodiversity loss.
‘137. The State must provide funding, education and infrastructural supports to engage local community groups in appropriately managing invasive species, which negatively impact native habitats and species.‘
After habitat loss, invasive species are the second biggest threat to biodiversity globally. These select few species are able to outcompete native flora and fauna and devastate whole ecosystems. Our forests are being destroyed by rhododendron and cherry laurel, rivers are being plagued with asian clam, roadways are being decimated by Japanese knotweed and our endangered ground nesting birds are being annihilated by the American mink. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are over 60 high-impact invasive species in Ireland and many more medium-impact species.
Invasive species don’t just harm nature, they also decimate taxpayer dollars. The estimated annual cost of invasive species to the economies of Ireland and NI is over €261 million.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government of the Republic of Ireland and the Environment and Heritage Service of The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland are working together to address the worsening impacts of invasive species.
However, tackling invasive species is everyone’s responsibility. We are all stewards of the areas in which we live and enjoy and therefore we must take care of them.
Raising awareness is often the first and most important step. That is why community groups have taken the initiative to learn about invasive species in their local areas. We have worked with many community groups across all of Ireland in order to tackle invasive species and have witnessed the huge efforts being done to solve this problem.
But invasive species are relentless, and we must also be relentless in our fight to control them or else everybody loses. The costs of having invasive species continue to spread is too great, for ecological and social reasons. There is no room for taking a step back away from invasive species control or else all the progress will be lost. The issue is only increasing, but it is far from hopeless. With the right support from the State, community groups can have a lasting positive impact on biodiversity. And along with other organisations working together, we can truly see a brighter future.
Our invasive species management courses are one the most action driven programmes we have to offer. The real life application of educating interested individuals who want to go and manage outdoor spaces means these targeted areas improve dramatically for natural flora and fauna.
Pioneers
Ireland’s pioneering move of establishing the world’s first national Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss is a remarkable feat in tackling the ongoing global threat to biodiversity. The Assembly’s recommendations call for an all-island approach to conservation, the engagement of local communities and businesses, and the provision of funding, education, and infrastructural support for biodiversity initiatives. The Assembly is an inspiring example of the positive impact of citizen participation in democracy and the vital role of active engagement in protecting our planet’s natural resources.
If you want to read the report in full you can do so here.
International Women’s Day (IWD)is an important day at Veri Connect and has been celebrated globally since the early 1900s with origins that can be traced back to women’s movements in North America and Europe. The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, to recognize women’s social, economic, and political achievements. In 1910, a woman named Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an International Women’s Day at an international conference of working women in Copenhagen, and it was celebrated for the first time on March 19, 1911. Today, International Women’s Day is recognized as a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, as well as a call to action for gender equality and women’s rights.
This International Women’s Day, 8 March 2023, we are joining UN Women and the United Nations in celebrating under the theme DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.
The DigitALL theme focuses on reducing the gender gap in technology. The world is rapidly digitising, and women need to be a part of this revolution. The good news is that progress has been made, and more women are entering the tech industry. However, we still have a long way to go.
The gender gap in technology jobs exists due to societal norms, biases, discrimination, lack of role models and training, and work-life balance challenges. To address this, we must promote diversity, provide equal access to education and training, eliminate biases and discrimination, and create supportive networks and communities. Encouraging women’s participation in STEM fields from a young age and implementing initiatives such as flexible work arrangements and diversity training can also help to close the gender gap in tech jobs. By creating a more inclusive industry, we can tap into a wider pool of talent and perspectives, leading to a more innovative and successful tech industry.
Veri Connect Champions Women
As a female-led digital training management company, we understand the importance of empowering women not only in the technology industry but it all aspects of life. As it stands Veri Connect is a predominantly female organisation and although this is not by design, there are number of contributing factors that have led to this being the case.
Ann Marie McSorley, CEO, has always championed women to enter the workforce. One of the benefits of working in Veri Connect is that there is a level of understanding and empathy for women who are raising children. It is understood that women face unique challenges in the workplace, particularly when it comes to balancing their careers and their family responsibilities. That’s why a supportive and flexible work environment that allows our team members to achieve their professional goals while still being present for their families is essential.
When women take time out of their careers it can be difficult to return and this cohort of women have so much to offer and are eager to learn. A strong culture of mentorship and continous professional development means that the women who come to work at Veri Connect thrive.
We are lucky in Ireland to have a reasonably equitable society but this is certainly not the case internationally. We believe that reducing the gender gap in technology is not only a moral imperative but also a smart business decision. Women make up half of the world’s population, and their ideas, perspectives, and talents should be represented in the tech industry and other industries traditionally filled with men. By empowering women in technology, we can drive innovation, increase diversity, and create a more inclusive world.
On this International Women’s Day we hope to continue championing women’s success and contribute to the closing of the gender gap in technology and beyond.
During a planning session in late 2022 it was decided that we would host a webinar to kick start off 2023. A webinar is not a new idea but it was a first for us and brought with it challenges and rewards. In a round table discussion many ideas were shared about what topics we thought would be most beneficial to discuss and it was decided that Green Skills was going to be the focus.
Webinars are an excellent way to establish yourself as an authority in your industry. By presenting valuable information and insights to your audience, you can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise, helping to build trust and credibility with your target market.
Green Skills Focus
That being said, the intention was to ensure that this webinar was not about Veri Connect. We wanted to gather noted voices in the Green Skills space from other organisations both public and private to provide a well rounded experience for those who chose to attend. The concept being to foster a collaborative learning environment where both attendees and speakers could exchange knowledge and insights with each other.
The challenges around the Green Skills webinar came in the form of logistics and tech! There was a wishlist of speakers that we wanted to invite to share their knowledge but scheduling for people in such busy positions is always difficult. You also have to take into account the factors your invited speakers might consider before agreeing to speak at a webinar.
The speakers would have to think about whether the topic aligned with their personal and professional goals and whether the audience we were targeting was one that they would benefit from speaking to. Would they have the time needed to prepare to speak? Once all the benefits and costs were weighed up we were thrilled that as it worked out, everyone we hoped to have as speakers were able to commit their time.
Here comes the technical bit.
The technological aspect of running a green skills webinar is another skill to learn. We chose to use Zoom and the webinar functionality is excellent but still requires some practice to master. There was a whole new language involved, phrases like spotlight speaker and mute attendees became new parts of the office vocabulary. It was clear this would require practice.
If you are going to undertake an event like this and have people take time out to attend and speak at the green skills webinar, you want to make it as professional as possible and we gave it our all. We had multiple practice sessions where we perfected the running order and the sharing of videos and presentations. Spotlighting speakers and feeding questions to the emcee and we were confident that everyone knew their role. If you want an adrenaline rush without leaving your desk we would strongly recommend that you host your own webinar.
The big day had arrived
The morning of the webinar came, the speakers were coming online and not one camera was working. There had been multiple run throughs and this had never happened. To say hearts were pounding was putting it mild. In a remarkable demonstration of calm under pressure Noleen Neil figured it out and the camera’s came online!!!! With the expectation of one video not playing the webinar went off without any further hitches.
There were over 70 people registered to attend the green skills webinar and the engagement was steady and informed. Hosting a webinar has proved to be an incredibly effective way to reach people to inform people about green skills and green jobs. In our eyes it was a great success. It reiterated to us that Green Skills Training is on the forefront of people’s minds. We received some great feedback and it also opened the doors for other topics that need to be discussed in this information sharing type format. We are actively looking for other webinar topics and speakers to share their insights so if you have any propositions we would be delighted to hear from you.
Thank you again to our speakers who graciously gave their time:
Aebhín Cawley CEnv MCIEEM – CEO, Scott Cawley
Noreen Fitzpatrick – Manager, National Innovation Unit SOLAS
Croke Park was the prestigious setting for Environment Ireland’s Conference taking place on the 4th and 5th of October. This event has been in the calendar for a long time. The decision to attend was made with ease. Conferences are the perfect place to connect with decision makers all under the one roof. That opportunity to have direct conversations with clients and deepen existing relationships is worth the effort that it takes to get a team to the capital. There was great anticipation and the team were looking forward to meeting people in different fields all sharing an underlying environmental goal.
Engaging speakers
Yosef was eager to hear the biodiversity awareness talk by Virginia Teehan in order to broaden his understanding of the hurdles we face as a society when facing the reality of biodiversity loss/crisis.The Public Health talks and the work of Caitriona Carlin was of special interest to Lizet. ‘Connecting with nature for health and wellbeing’ is Lizet’s role in the delivery of Wild Work and it was assuring to see that such a soft approach to environmental discourse is forming part of the discussion. Lizet also enjoyed the talk by Andrea Carroll from the Dublin Airport Authority where she illustrated the strategy of the small sustainability team that is changing the culture of a company so central to our international travel network.
One story that will stick with Lizet for many years came from the public health talk by Elaine Mulcahy. Elaine used a comparison between three nine year old girls, one growing up in the 1970’s, one growing up during the covid pandemic, and one that did not make it to her 10th birthday, because of respiratory problems caused by the air quality in her neighbourhood. It almost sounds unbelievable but this is the reality of the environment that so many people are living in.
It was also great to see people who we have had the pleasure of working with in our daily lives. Fran Igoe from LAWPRO who have been gracious in their support of the delivery of our water quality training courses and our citizen science endeavours. Also Derek McLoughlin who we met through our work with NoreVision in our hometown of Kilkenny.
More action needed
Compared to other conferences attended by the team this event appeared to be under attended which is quite disappointing considering that we are undeniably in the middle of a climate crisis. Also our preconception was that the environment conference would be attended by more environmental/sustainability consultants but the attendees were from a range of local government organisations, and academic institutions.
Although the talk and speakers were engaging there was an overall lack of innovation and action based planning. The same subject matter is being discussed since the UN Sustainability goals (2015). Ireland’s policy makers and governance are working towards turning directives into laws yet on the ground, Irish land and sea protection is rated very low in Europe.
Our team is delivering biodiversity and water quality management courses all over the country. We have a new product that we are preparing to launch with our LANTRA accredited course titled Climate Action 101. The course focuses on the potential for companies to improve sustainability with projects on biodiversity in their business. Not only are our ecologists experts in their fields, they are passionate about the environment.
Moving forward the team agreed that they would welcome more conversations around topics such as food waste and overpopulation. It would be ideal to see events like this run in a more sustainable manner. The big take home is that more action is needed. We know from our connection to the communities that we work within that there is a willingness to make a change. However people need guidance, training, resources and leadership to make their actions effective.
At Veri Connect the software is only the beginning…….We enable effective programme delivery and compliance in a sustainable way through digitisation. Sustainability is core to our work. By removing paperwork from compliance and training delivery, we are passionate about making the communities and businesses we serve more environmentally responsible . We supply training management software for businesses in the public and private sector who need to capture data about their existing programmes. We also have an in house development team who build industry specific custom training solutions for large organisations who need something more bespoke. Finally, we provide training programme management and deliver training for large training programmes. Our key areas are employability, mentorship and biodiversity.
