Sir, - The year 2001/2002 is the International Biodiversity Observance Year (IBOY). The principal aim is to enhance communication between scientists regarding their findings on biodiversity and its link to our welfare. Another aim is to raise awareness. If this issue becomes more important in the public arena, policy makers are more likely to pay attention to it.
The inspiration came from the International Geophysical Year 1957/1958, when scientists worked together across different scientific disciplines and state borders to improve knowledge of the earth, the atmosphere and the oceans.
In 1999 the EU carried out a survey to examine the knowledge and concerns of its citizens about nine specific environmental problems, including the loss of biodiversity. Irish citizens had the second lowest level of concern about the disappearance of plants, animal species and habitats. Of all the EU countries, the Irish were the least concerned about the disappearance of tropical forests.
It seems many people are unaware of the importance of biodiversity. One of the world's biggest campaigners in this area is E.O. Wilson. He points out that although environmental issues such as ozone depletion and pollution are vitally important, they can be reversed, while the loss of biodiversity cannot.
The millennium report on Ireland's environment states: "A properly resourced central records database for all plants and animal groups is essential if species diversity is to be properly monitored." Politicians and the media have failed to recognise and publicise the importance of biodiversity. We feel that IBOY is the perfect opportunity to raise public awareness and establish a State-funded biological records centre. This is an opportunity for the Government to demonstrate the "willingness to pay" principle. By economically prioritising an environmental issue the Government would show itself to be far-sighted. - Yours, etc.,
Gormlaith O Corrain, UCC Geographical Society, College Road Cork.