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Introduction to Water Biodiversity

Join our Introduction to Water Biodiversity programme to explore Ireland’s vital aquatic ecosystems, emphasising the importance of water quality and biodiversity. This engaging course combines hands-on sessions, interactive modules, and self-directed learning to deepen your understanding and empower you to actively contribute to the preservation of local waterways and wildlife.

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Duration

Delivery

Immerse yourselves in the world of aquatic ecosystems, your local rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

We have over 84,800 km of river channels, 12,000 lakes, hundreds of estuaries and over 14,000 km2 of coastal waters.and 514 groundwater bodies. 

This is Ireland’s most precious resource, our water resource. Although it is often taken for granted, water is an essential part of all of our lives. Agriculture, industry, transport and recreation are some of the many activities we do that depend upon good quality water. Ireland’s waterbodies also provide a crucial habitat for so much of our wonderful wildlife like  Dippers, Otters, Atlantic Salmon and Daubenton Bats to name but a few. 

Our Introduction to Water Biodiversity programme brings you on a journey to explore the wonders of aquatic ecosystems  It emphasises the importance of our river catchments in many aspects of our lives.  It will provide you with  a comprehensive understanding of waterways and water biodiversity tailored to your specific catchment and water bodies.

Delve into hands-on sessions, interactive online modules, and self-directed learning to explore the intricate world of water quality, aquatic life, and community-driven initiatives. Join us on this educational journey to deepen your knowledge and actively contribute to the preservation of your local  aquatic ecosystems.

‘A family is a community related by blood; a business is a community related by ink; and a catchment is a community related by water.’ – StreamScapes

Who will benefit from this course?

 

Tidy Town Groups
Community Improvement groups
Angling Groups
Farmers
Small businesses
Outdoor education professionals
Local development organisations
ILDN Officers
LAWPRO Officers
Community Leaders and Activists
Environmental Enthusiasts and Activists
Students and Researchers
Citizen Scientists
Educators and Teachers

What will you Learn?

 

Within the Introduction to Water Biodiversity course, participants can expect to learn about:

  • Importance of local water bodies.
  • Understand the importance of Ireland’s water bodies and the unique wildlife associated with them.
  • Explore what is water quality and the various human pressures impacting it.
  • Practical Community Initiatives to improve and protect local waterbodies.
  • Discover practical and field tested actions to protect and techniques, drawing inspiration from communities around Ireland, of ways you can contribute to improving the health of your local water.
  • Important authorities for communities to engage with.

Course Structure

 

The Introduction to Water Biodiversity course is tailored to align with the specific catchment and water body of your interest. Participants will engage in a comprehensive learning experience spread over 15 Hours, with a breakdown of:

In-person (2 half Days – 5 hours):

  • Explore the intricacies of water biodiversity during hands-on sessions over two half days field sessions.

Online (4 Sessions – 8 hours):

  • Dive into interactive online sessions covering water quality, aquatic insects, freshwater habitats, and water management principles.

Self-Directed/E-Learning (2 hours):

  • Supplement your understanding with self-directed learning, utilizing e-learning resources to deepen knowledge.