Hypocrisy in Irish pavilion: Nature's Wisdom is the theme of this year's World Expo in Aichi, Japan.
Apart from the flaunting of national identity that goes with such events (Irish Times environment editor Frank McDonald has already drawn attention to the hypocrisy of the Irish pavilion - a set of replica Irish high crosses - with the following comment: "This parading of Ireland's heritage is promoted by a Government bent on sacrificing that heritage whenever it gets in the way of 'progress'."), the important question remains whether the environmental gestures at this year's World Expo will have any real impact or become just another clever international marketing strategy.
For instance, will the Chinese follow the example of the Japanese and carry out an environmental impact assessment in Shanghai before choosing the World Expo site there in 2010? Will they embrace the idea of a "bio lung", a wall of plants which absorbs carbon dioxide and when sprayed with a mist of water cools the area in the summer months? Will future World Expo hosts meet some of their energy and transport needs from renewable sources (in Aichi, biogas was extracted from waste and wood pellets and some buses operated on high-pressure hydrogen-supplied fuel cells and a nickle-metal hydride secondary battery)? Will they use biodegradable plastic eating utensils at food and drink stalls? Overall, will nature's wisdom really be respected more at these events whose origins lie in human endeavours pioneered during the industrial revolution? See also www.expo2005.com
Growing organic vegetables
An inspiring initiative to teach people how to grow their own organic vegetables will be launched by the Henry Doubleday Research Association at the Chelsea Flower Show later this month. Called Organic Food for All, the display will offer an insight into how people from all walks of life can learn how to grow their own organic vegetables and fruit. The programme aims to provide free training to 100 mentors across Britain so that they then can share their skills with complete beginners. Celebrity chef James Martin will launch the campaign at the Chelsea Flower Show on May 23rd. See www.hdra.org.uk or e-mail organicfoodforall@hdra.org.uk
Clare Biodiversity Day
Wildlife enthusiast and broadcaster Eanna Ni Lamhna will open the second annual Clare Biodiversity Day at 2pm on Sunday, May 22nd in Dromore Woods Nature Reserve, Ruan, Co Clare. Events that follow include creepy-crawly walks, boat trips and composting demonstrations. There will also be displays of different animals, plants and habitats and a marine touch pool (seashore field trips are arranged for other days). Representatives from the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation, the Irish Wildlife Trust, Crann and the Irish Peatland Conservation Council will be on hand to speak about their work. A bat walk is planned for 9pm. Contact Elaine Keegan, Co Clare's biodiversity officer on 065 6846456. or email ekeegan@clarecoco.ie. Meanwhile, those interested in finding out more about bats can go on a bat detector weekend workshop from May 27th-29th in the Slane Farm Hostel, Slane, Co Meath. Cost €130. See www.batconservationireland.org.