Biodiversity is the variety of all natural life and the interactions between organisms and ecosystems.  It includes all aspects of nature and how they are interdependent. Biodiversity is about timing and evolution.  Over thousands of years, components of an ecosystem have evolved carefully to support each other; leaves on a particular tree open at the exact time that insects emerge from ponds to feed off the leaves and this is the exact time that bats give birth and need those insects for food. This is biodiversity.  A small change in this link can destroy an entire ecosystem.

Biodiversity provides us with essential services like food, medicine, clean water and air and a means of combating the negative effects of climate change and flooding.  In a city, biodiversity provides us with a breath of fresh air and a natural environment in which to relax; it is vital for our well-being.

Explore more information about biodiversity in the links to the left of this page.

Find out more about biodiversity in Dublin

• Find out what YOU can do to protect wildlife in town.
• Read how you can renovate a building and still protect its wildlife
• Bats are a native species in Dublin. Learn how to protect them.

Biodiversity Resource Poster for Dublin City Schools

 
This poster was produced by Dublin City Council to be used by teachers in the classroom. It provides a comprehensive list of websites and sources of information relevant to teaching primary school students about biodiversity.  There are descriptions and pictures of some of the key animal species found in the city as well as tips on how to conserve biodiversity in a school grounds or garden.

 Download the biodiversity resource poster