HORT40140

Globally it is recognised that there is a biodiversity and climate crisis. The world is changing its perceptions of horticulture, landscapes, gardening, parklands and local landscapes and we are moving towards valuing local species and more nature based solutions for climate mitigation and supporting and conserving local species and biodiversity. We will discuss the origin of the term biodiversity introduce you to the policy and legal framework from the global level with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to the European and national level. At the European level we will look at the new nature restoration law and how it relates to national level targets we will review and discuss how horticulture can help implementation of the new Nature restoration law and National Biodiversity Action plan targets and how these targets relate to horticulture, rural development, businesses, and individuals. National case studies and current research into biodiversity, environmental and conservation horticulture will be outlined. We will also look at one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss in Ireland invasive plant species. The course will focus on how we can work in partnerships with architects, planners, engineers, landscape schemes, ecologists, health & social work professionals, schools and local communities to incorporate biodiversity. Horticulture in support of local biodiversity is being used to help to restore ecological functions, plant landscapes which can support pollinators and biodiversity and promote nature-based solutions to climate change while educating all on the value of our natural environments for our physical and mental health.