Hollywood producer plea: The hit movie, Madagascar, which opens in cinemas this weekend, has raised hopes on its namesake island that increased tourist numbers could provide funds for the conservation of rainforests considered to be among the world's most rare and pristine.
The island is home to tens of thousands of species of unique plant and animal life including birds, insects, chameleons and lemurs - the cuddly monkey-like creature which features in the Dreamworks cartoon. The problem is that many of the indigenous species are threatened by the rampant poverty which drives residents into slash-and-burn farming, logging and hunting. As many as 300 million people are expected to see the film worldwide, so perhaps the Hollywood producers could donate a percentage of their profits to conserving the rainforests of Madagascar. Now, that would really make a difference.
Festival in Inishowen
The natural and built environment will be celebrated at the Inishowen Summer Gathering, a new community festival at Doagh Isle on the Inishowen Peninsula, Co Donegal, next weekend. Highlights of the three-day event include a talk and slide show on natural building and rural housing by Prof Tom Whoolley from the school of architecture, Queen's University, Belfast, and a talk and slide show on eco-villages by sustainability campaigner Davie Philips. Other events include talks on the re-establishment of the Golden Eagle in Ireland, organic farming and renewable energy, a chance to observe beehives close-up, heritage and beach walks and plenty of children's activities. See www.inishowensummergathering.com for full programme.
What's on at Enfo
Cabinets of Curiosity is the title of a collaborative series of lectures, children's workshops and exhibitions on fish, fossils and insects over the next three months. The series of lectures for adults are held in the National Museum, Kildare Street every second Thursday evenings at 6.30pm, with corresponding workshops for children on each subsequent Saturday at 2.30pm in Enfo, St Andrew's Sreet, Dublin. Two-week long exhibitions on the same theme follow in the Natural History Museum, Merrion Street, Dublin. The evolution and biodiversity of centipedes will be the theme of the next lecture in the series on Thursday, while young folk can investigate these multi-legged creatures in the workshop on Saturday next and study them at the centipede exhibition in the Natural History Museum, Merrion Street from July 26th - August 7th. Contact curiosity@ucd.ie.
Open days on the farm
Opening up your farm to the public is quite an undertaking yet it is a challenge that organic farmers are embracing more and more. Organic farmer, Ernest Mackey is hosting an open day at the family's cattle and sheep farm at Ballinclea House, Donard, Co Wicklow, on Saturday next at 2pm. Meanwhile, Teagasc in association with the Organic Trust is sponsoring open days for farmers at several organic farms this summer.
Contact organic@iol.ie or 01-8530271.