Cross-cutting theme 1

Cross-cutting Project 1
Biodiversity politics - policy, planning and public understanding

Increasing public knowledge and awareness of biodiversity: A reference manual has been produced as one of the deliverables of this Cross-cutting project and is available to view here.

Project Statement
While effective biodiversity planning involves a detailed understanding of natural processes and ecosystem functioning it is becoming increasingly apparent that successful protection and enhancement of biodiversity will also require a clear conception of the politics of policy making and a supportive public. In order to inform management practices in Ireland key actors and publics (including children) will be engaged in discussions concerning the protection and enhancement of biodiversity. This qualitative data will provide essential information on fundamental issues of power, politics and participation in biodiversity planning and detailed analysis of the data will generate recommendations for improved mechanisms to promote positive biodiversity management.

Objectives and Targets

Analyse and evaluate attempts by policy makers to: 1) plan for effective biodiversity management; 2) improve public understanding and protection of biodiversity; and 3) incorporate publics into planning for the protection of biodiversity.
Interview key actors in biodiversity management in order to examine their views of biodiversity planning in Ireland and their thoughts on the role that publics could play in the protection and enhancement of biodiversity.
Investigate public understanding of biodiversity and its protection within selected hotspots in the Clare region through qualitative interviews and focus groups with schoolchildren.
Produce guidance for policy makers and educationalists for improving both policy making for biodiversity and public understanding of biodiversity and its protection.