Ireland's role in the United Nations International Year of the Planet will be unveiled today.
Green Party government minister Eamon Ryan will outline the country's contribution to a global push to raise awareness about the environment.
The UN dedicated 2008 to the cause of promoting a better understanding of how the world works and how to protect it.
Ireland's year-long celebration will see a television series broadcast in September, local walks and talks and new commemorative stamps.
There will also be exhibitions, a nationwide rock search competition as well as events and activities organised by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI).
These will include internationally renowned speakers at a public lecture series called "Planet Earth".
