Climate Change : An International Issue

As climate change is a global problem it must be addressed at a global level.

If we do not make significant changes now in our attitude towards climate change, the consequences will be devastating.

The purpose of this article is to make everybody aware of what has happened in Ireland and other countries in recent years because of Climate Change and how it affects our environment and how we can protect it and reduce the damage.

 What is Climate Change?

Climate change is a significant change in the average weather that a region experiences. Climate change can be caused by natural factors such as variations in solar intensity or volcanic eruptions. However, the term climate change is now generally used to refer to changes in our climate due to the build up of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. This build up of GHGs is caused by excess emissions due to certain human activities, like burning fossil fuels for energy, transport and heating.

The climate has always varied in the past. How is this any different?

Throughout Earth’s history the climate has varied, sometimes considerably. Past warming does not automatically mean that today’s warming is therefore also natural. Recent warming has been shown to be due to human industrialization processes.

This graph, based on the comparison of atmospheric samples contained in ice cores and more recent direct measurements, provides evidence that atmospheric CO₂ has increased since the Industrial Revolution.  

How does climate change affect Ireland?

The Irish weather conditions have suffered significant changes in recent years. The average temperature has increased by 0.7 ºC during the period 1890-2004. It continues to rise.

There is also a general trend of significant increase of rainfall in Ireland along the north and west coasts, and only slight increases along the east and south coasts. 

Rising sea levels are also of concern for Ireland, as waters have been rising by 2 - 4mm each year.

These changes bring milder winters and warmer summers which Ireland has been experiencing in recent years.

If climate change continues at such a high rate, Ireland is likely to be affected by the following.

• Air temperature will rise by 1.5-2 degrees by 2080
• Rainfall will increase in winter and decrease in summer
• Sea temperatures may rise by 2 degrees by the end of the century, causing intense, aggressive storms
• Flooding and erosion from extreme weather conditions
• Altered agricultural practices, especially crop growing, to cope with weather changes

Effects of climate change at a global level

1-     Rising Seas, Higher Sea Levels

As the Earth heats up, sea levels rise because warmer water takes up more room than 
colder water, a process known as thermal expansion. Melting glaciers compound the
problem by dumping even more fresh water into the oceans.

Rising seas threaten to inundate low-lying areas and islands, threaten dense coastal
populations, shorelines, damage property and destroy ecosystems such as mangroves and
wetlands that protect coasts against storms.

 2- Stronger Storms and Hurricanes

 

Scientific research indicates that climate change will cause hurricanes and tropical storms to become more intense, lasting longer, unleashing stronger winds, and causing more damage to coastal ecosystems and communities.

Scientists point to higher ocean temperatures as the main culprit, since hurricanes and tropical storms get their energy from warm water.

  3- Increased Risk of Drought, Fire, etc.

Higher temperatures increase the amount of moisture that evaporates from land and water, leading to drought in many areas. Lands affected by drought are more vulnerable to flooding once rain falls.

4- Higher Temperatures

Heat-trapping gases emitted by power plants, automobiles, deforestation and other sources are warming up the planet.

High temperatures are to blame for an increase in heat-related deaths and illness,rising seas, increased storm intensity, and many of the other dangerous consequences of climate change.

5.- Wildlife at risk

  Rising temperatures are changing weather and vegetation patterns across the globe, forcing animal species to migrate to new, areas in order to survive. (cooler areas in particular).

Eight basic tips to help stop climate change

Here are eight, simple, everyday things that each of us can do to help stop climate change. 

Change a light. Replacing a regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent one saves 150 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

Drive less. Walk, bike, take mass transit. All of these things can help reduce gas consumption and one pound of carbon dioxide for each mile you do not drive.

Recycle more and buy recycled. You can save up to 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide each year just by recycling half of your household waste. By recycling and buying products with recycled content you also save energy, resources and landfill space.

Use less hot water. It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Reducing the amount used means big savings in not only your energy bills, but also in carbon dioxide emissions.

Avoid products with a lot of packaging. When you purchase products with the least amount of packaging, not only do you save money, but you also help the environment! Reducing your garbage by 10% reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 1,200 pounds.

Plant a tree. A single tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

Turn off electronic devices when not in use. Simply turning off your TV, computer and other electronic devices can save each household thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

Stay informed. Use the Earth 911 Web site to help stay informed about environmental issues, and share your knowledge with others.

Boglands & Wetlands : Our Natural Protection

Introduction

We are writing this report to highlight how important of bogs and wetlands, and protecting them.

A bog, quagmire or mire is a wetland that accumulates acidic peat, a deposit of dead plant material—often mosses or, in Arctic climates, lichens.

Bogs occur where the water at the ground surface is acidic, either from acidic ground water, or where water is derived entirely from precipitation, when they are termed ombrotrophic (rain-fed). Water flowing out of bogs has a characteristic brown colour, which comes from dissolved peat tannins. Bogs are very sensitive habitats and are of high importance for biodiversity.

 

The problem in Ireland

 

Ireland only has about 10% of our original bogs left, and they are still being actively destroyed.
We have heard from many things that are getting affected by (or affecting) climate change, but I have not yet heard one of the wetlands. We want to put our attention to something we didn’t know we were losing. “Peatlands are being destroyed at a rapid pace. Although drainage and fires lead to huge CO^₂ emissions, the problem is still largely ignored in climate mitigation strategies.”

 

Brazil: The Pantanal: World's Largest Wetlands

The Pantanal is a tropical wetland. It is one of the world's largest wetlands of any kind. Most of it lies within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, but it extends into Mato Grosso and portions of Bolivia and Paraguay, sprawling over an area estimated at between 140,000 square kilometres (54,000 sq mi) and 195,000 square kilometres (75,000 sq mi).  The Pantanal region includes essential sanctuaries for migratory birds, critical nursery grounds for aquatic life, and refuges for such creatures as the yacare caiman, deer, and jaguar. 

Flood control is major value of the Pantanal. The Pantanal has a regulatory effect on the Rio Paraguay, extensively reducing and delaying the height of the flood peak and thus reducing the flood risk downstream.
About 80% of the Pantanal floodplains are submerged during the rainy seasons, nurturing an astonishing biologically diverse collection of aquatic plants and helping support a dense array of animal species.

Pantanal preservation

Although large areas of the Pantanal remain untouched, it is threatened by expanding human settlement, unsustainable farming practices, illegal mining, hydroelectric power plant construction and unregulated tourism.

When compared to other wetlands in the world, the Pantanal is regarded as the most preserved, but still less than 2% are under government protection.

How are Bogs and Wetlands Protected?

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC), a non governmental organisation formed in 1982 aims to ensure the conservation of a representative sample of peatland types in Ireland. They work with Dúchas, the state agency responsible for nature conservation, to ensure that all blanket bogs of nature conservation importance are protected. This is the long-term goal of IPCC's peatland conservation strategy.

Dúchas protect blanket bogs in three different ways. Buying blanket bogs ensures full protection and Dúchas currently own 37,000ha of blanket bog. They survey blanket bogs and designate important conservation worthy sites as Natural Heritage Areas, which are protected under the Wildlife Act. Surveys have been underway since the 1980's and today most of the atlantic blanket bogs have been discovered and made into NHAs. Mountain blanket bogs have not been completely surveyed especially in the southern half of the country. This is something that needs to be done as a priority and IPCC are campaigning on this issue. 

Lastly, in meeting our European obligations under the Habitats Directive, Dúchas designate a representative sample of our blanket bogs as Special Areas of Conservation. To date Dúchas have designated 135,000ha of blanket bog habitat as SACs. With incomplete information on mountain blanket bogs, the number of sites being included by Dúchas in the SAC network is not representative. IPCC have undertaken independent research on blanket bogs and have shown Dúchas and EU officials in our Bogs and Fens of Ireland Conservation Plan that it would be possible for Ireland to designate another 12,500ha of blanket bog to include the full range of variation in the habitat in Ireland. This is a very important issue and it is one that must be resolved between Dúchas, IPCC and the EU.

Blanket Bogs to Visit in Ireland

• Connemara National Park, Co. Galway
• Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal
• Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
• Mayo National Park, Co. Mayo
• Wicklow National Park, Co. Wicklow

Sources of Information

Dúchas - The Heritage Service, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2. Telephone (01) 6472360 Web Site: www.heritagedata.ie
Irish Peatland Conservation Council, 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1. Telephone (01) 872 2397. Web Site: www.ipcc.ie

Water Quality & Fisheries

      Why is clean water important?

   For starts, even though it is an obvious information, this article wants to emphasize the fact that water is very important to our lives.

   Waterways are a big attraction for recreation and tourism, and the aquatic environment is home for lots of different species that enhance our ecosystem.

  In most countries, the drinking water usually comes from lakes, rivers and artificial reservoirs, particularly those used for public water supplies.

   Water plays also an important part in the Industrial system (water use includes using water for such purposes as fabricating, processing, washing, diluting, cooling, transporting a product;  or for sanitation needs within the manufacturing facility) and in Agriculture.


 

  However despite all of the natural advantage, clean water is becoming scarce. In theory, we receive enough water from rainfall to meet the needs of the population, but there is an imbalance in the demand for and the distribution of water.

Water quality in Ireland

   The Irish island is surrounded on every side by water and it has one of the highest water availability rates in Europe.

 

Unfortunately according to the latest figures, one third of Irish rivers are polluted.
  
 There are lots of ways to pollute a river: Excess fertilisers seeping from forestry or

farmland; leakage from septic tanks, along with other sewage treatment works;  pesticides from forestry and agriculture .

 
 

 Unfortunately, the water sector in Ireland has no consistent policies, no standards, no consumer protection and no economic regulation.

Water quality in Brazil

  Like in Ireland, the water resources are vast in Brazil. We have lots of lakes, rivers, and groundwater sources. However, the pollution is also a big problem.

   Beside problems already mentioned (leakage, pesticides…) we also pollute the lakes and rivers directly by throwing all sorts of rubbish in them. 

   

Our protection policies are not consistent at all. Plus, the demand for water is increasing side by side with the population, the agriculture and industrial system.

Conclusion    

  A really big effort to change the way things are done is needed and by stopping pollution our waters would be able to restore healthy aquatic ecosystems and plentiful fish. 

  If we managed to do all of our activities - from building to farming, from industry to forestry - in a way that ensures the restoration of good water, its quality would increase. The streams and rivers would benefit and society could continue to enjoy the services that they provide.

Trees of Life

Without trees, there would be no life on Earth – at least, not one habitable by humans. One of the many reasons for this simple life-and-death equation is the highly significant roles that trees play in the Earth’s eco-system:  they provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and are extremely important for maintaining our planet. 

Trees are being cut down all over the world and used mainly as a source of fuel and timber for building and furniture. When trees are cut down stored carbon is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and contributes to climate change.

Living trees and woodlands provide many benefits. Their contributions to us include their roles in reversing climate change; decreasing pollution; preventing floods, droughts, and other natural disasters; providing food, medicine, a habitat for wildlife and a more sustainable agriculture; and creating a healing, inspiring, and recreational space for human body and soul. 

Native woodlands represent a unique and valuable cultural, ecological and economic resource. They were once intimately associated with our culture but are now in danger of becoming a forgotten legacy of our past. We will be presenting some useful information about trees and tradition in Ireland, Brazil and Russia.

IRELAND

For thousands of years the landscape of Ireland was covered by a mosaic of forest composed of oak, ash, elm, hazel, yew and other native trees, but only a tiny fraction of these trees remains today.  Trees played a central role in the practical daily and spiritual lives of the Irish people. They served as landmarks and bastions of family and clan identity, and their importance can be measured by the great number of tree-based place-names in Ireland – out of 16,000 town lands in Ireland, 13,000 are named after trees.

Derrycunnihy Oak Woods, County Kerry

Over the centuries, Ireland experienced a near-total destruction of its forests mainly because of human activity and a deterioration of the climate: from an initial forest cover of around 80% to less than 1%. Ireland is the only country in Europe where such complete forest destruction took place.

As a result of reforestation projects supported by the Irish government and the European Union, Ireland’s forest cover rose to 10%, but much still needs to be done.

BRAZIL

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical forest in the world. The majority of the forest is contained within Brazil and the country still has 63% of vegetal cover. Trees have been extremely important to Brazil's history and cultural aspects. The country itself was named after a tree known as "brazilwood", or "pau-brasil" in Portuguese, because this tree was the main commercially exploited product after Brazil was discovered and claimed by Portugal. Many cities and some states had also been named after trees.

The most common trees in Brazil are: glory brushes, trumpet tree and cedar.

Trumpet tree, also known as Ipê

Deforestation is a very serious problem all over the world, but mostly in Brazil. Almost 17% of the forest have been cut down because of timber and mainly cattle. The Brazilian government has recently achieved a very significant goal by reducing deforestation rates.

RUSSIA 

 In Russia, people follow the famous saying:

“If you are thinking a year ahead, sow seed.
If you are thinking ten years ahead, plant a tree.
If you are thinking one hundred years ahead, educate people.
By sowing seed once, you will harvest once.
By planting a tree, you will harvest tenfold.
By educating people, you will harvest one hundredfold.”

- Anonymous Chinese poet, 4th Century BC


 
Russians consider trees the heart of all the important issues of our time: ecological, economic, social and spiritual. They are the basis upon which human life and civilization stand, and they are absolutely crucial for our survival and prosperity.

Since the true nature and many values of trees are not widely understood, in Russia, a holistic education that includes the following elements is provided:


Exploring the Creative Intelligence in Nature 
 
For too long, science and academia have functioned within an entirely materialistic paradigm, denying any intelligence at work in nature despite all evidence to the contrary. Following the pioneering work of forward-thinking scientists and other visionary individuals, the Russians are exploring the Creative Intelligence within Nature and the possibility and benefits of working with that intelligence.  

In Russia, there are some native tree species that would be also found in Ireland.They are:    

Alder: A tree commonly seen near water, alder is very tolerant of wet conditions (though prefers flowing to stagnant water). A medium sized, fast growing tree, reaching 20m at maturity, it is quick to colonize new ground. The wood is slow to rot, and was often used to make sluice gates in canals. It is a relative of the birch.  

 

Ash: is a large, common deciduous tree, probably the most common farmland tree. It is late to come into leaf (hence the Irish tradition that potatoes can be planted until you can no longer see through the tree). The wood is traditionally used to make hurleys. They can grow up to 45m high. 
  

    

        


Birch: There are two species of birsh in Ireland, silver birch and downy birch. Birch is a colonising tree, and is thought to be one of the first trees to have made it to Ireland after the last ice age; they are more tolerant of poor soils than most trees, and can act as a nurse species to other species which take longer to establish. They are quick growing, short lived, and grow to around 25 metres.          
   

In conclusion, we would like to say that all countries should be concerned about these issues and not only the countries we mentioned in this post. Future generations should be brought up and educated to be both aware, sensitive and responsible towards their own surroundings. It is particularly important that children understand the importance of nature even if they live in modern urban life.

Only with the implementation of a fully sustainable system can we ensure the successful future of our world.

The Essential Nature of Boglands & Wetland Areas

Ireland is famous for its boglands, they are also a part of the culture and the heritage. The boglands are home to a unique group of plants and animals. Some examples of animals living in the Irish boglands are the hare (who like to eat bog plants), the red grouse, and also different species of the dragonfly and of the butterfly. Plants that you may find in Irish boglands are Heathers, Sundew and Bog cotton.

Peat bogs are build up of Sphagnum mosses that are like sponges. What is so special about these peat bogs is that they absorb water. These “sponges” can absorb up to 20 times their weight, when they are dry. After, let’s say, heavy rain the peat bogs release the water slowly so that the water have time to depart to watercourses without causing problem. They help societies from flooding.

The Sphagnum mosses relay on water to stay alive, they need to be wet most of the time to survive.  So when the human’s drain the bogs, the sphagnum mosses die and can no longer help us when that heavily rain comes.

Ireland has about 10% of their natural bogs left. We need to stop draining peat bogs, otherwise water is going to be our enemy because of our own actions.

To keep and protect those bogs and wetlands that still remain is an important task. Something that several countries already do is that they are creating new once. The wetlands are the most useful and inexpensive way to prevent our societies from flooding.

Peat, also known as turf, is used as fuel, therefore people are cutting the peat down. As they cut the peat down, the bog gets pretty much useless.

Bogland covers about 15% of Ireland and the peat used to be the source of heating and cooking for centuries, it is still used for heating in some areas.

It is during the summer time that the “turf” is cut and set in stacks to dry. When it is dry, the turf burns very easily and with a smoky and pleasant smell.

The information comes from a few different sources, for more information go to the links below

• noticenature.ie

• iwt.ie
• natsys-inc.com

By: Cathrine

The Otter in Ireland

The Otter in Ireland

This blog is about the otter population in Ireland and it's habitat.

The European otter is one of Ireland's oldest mammals, and lives in Ireland since the last ice-age.

It is adapted to water life very well and is an excellent swimmer. Therefore it has webbed feat, and a streamlined body of 80-90 cm length with brown fur.
The European otter belongs to the the family of the weasels (Mustelidae) and the subfamily of the otters (Lurtinae).

Population

Ireland has always been considered as a strong-hold for the otter in Europe, but recent surveys have shown a certain decrease of the population.

Different national surveys showed a decrease in otter presence from 1980, where otters could be found in 88% of the country, to 2004, where the population had decreased to 70%.

The current population is estimated ad about 12,000 individuals.

This decrease is explained due to poor water quality, loss of habitat and roadkill. 

Habitat

Otters need clean water sources to live, usually lakes or rivers, also the are depended to places to hide. Otters usually maintain their territories and even defend them. The size of this territories depends of the environment, In lowland rivers and lakes the territories are small (1-2km), but on smaller rivers, where less food is to be found, a otter territories can stretch to 15km.

Food

Otters usually hunt fish and other water-living animals e.g. eels and crayfish. They also eat smaller mammals, dead animals and even water birds. The way an otter eats is very significant, it holds the food in its front paws while eating.

Breeding

Otters breed in spring and summer. After 9 weeks of pregnancy the females give birth to 2-3 cubs in a quiet and secure place. The cubs are fed for 4 weeks and live their mother after 6 to 12 months.

Otters start breeding in their 3 year and usually live for 5 years in the wilderness.

Spotting Otters

Otters are quite difficult to spot. The are usually active in the dawn and dusk and are very elusive.

Common signs of an otter presence are small pathways to the water and collections of fish remains.

Further Information can be found on:

 noticenature.ie,

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otter 

and otter.org

All pictures can be found at otter.org

A very warm welcome to anyone who has stumbled upon this blog. This is a project which has been put together by the Advanced level students here at the Galway Cultural Institute, located in sunny Salthill on the west coast of Ireland.

The aim of this blog is to share interesting information, links, pictures and ideas which we discover as we study, party, explore and enjoy our time in Ireland.

We hope that you enjoy what we have to offer and we really hope that you will investigate some of the things we talk about a little further.

Any comments or questions? Please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Bats in Ireland

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about bats? 

Blood-suckers?            Evil creatures?                   Batman? 

Well, we are not really sure about these ones, but one thing that we are really sure about is that bats are not as scary as you may think.

Brown Long-eared Bat

Now, you are probably thinking that bats have nothing in common with you, but we are actually more alike than you think. Bats are mammals, and so are we. That means bats have warm blood, give birth (rather than laying eggs) and feed their babies with milk as well.

 In Ireland, you can find nine different bat species and all of them belong to the Bat Sub-order Microchiroptera. All of the Irish bat species consume only insects, so you don't need to worry about your blood! Bats are nocturnal creatures, which means they always go out during the night and that's why superstitious people invented the myths and legends about evil bats.

Bats are usually spotted in trees, caves and old buildings and bridges. It is possible to find bats in residential areas, hidden in roofs and holes. They leave traces such as droppings and remains of the insects they've eaten.

In case you find bats in your house, there is no need to panic. These are some myths that we want to break:

• Bats do not spread diseases
• Bats do not get caught in your hair
• Bats are not blind
• Bats do not chew cables or wood
• Bats do not bring nesting material into houses
• Bats are more closely related to humans than to mice

 If you want to see bats in Ireland you can go to the Renville Woods, only 5 miles away from Galway, especially around dusk (sunset). Other places to go watch bats could be local areas of freshwater and trees – such as rivers or canals.

You can also find out more about bats in Ireland through this link for Bat Conservation Ireland  HERE and a leaflet HERE.

The Galway Bat Group is organising walks around Galway for those who are interested in bats. You can check their schedule through this LINK.

All these information were found though the Notice Nature WEBSITE and along with very useful LINKS.

Lesser Horseshoe Bat

Bat Helpline: 1800 405 000

 By Cathrine and Samanta (March 2012)

Make the difference

About us

We are students from GCI - Galway Cultural Institute - and we have been living here in Galway for a couple of months, enough time to learn about the natural diversity in Ireland and this blog aims to present to you a few interesting topics related to organisations created to preserve and protect animals and nature.

We hope that after you become familiar with these important subjects you can stand up and make a difference. You can help preservation / conservation organisations by making donations or help in any way possible (such as volunteering or fundraising) to share the important messages that these associations provide and work for.

About the organisations

Follow bellow you will see 3 major organisations that we have chosen due their important contribution to Ireland.


Animal Rescue and Rehab 

It`s a small family business that provides this rescue and rehabilitation at their own cost as they do not receive any grant or government aid.

Displaced, sick, injured or orphaned wild animals need to regain full health and acquire the skills needed to function normal and efficient lives. The successful return of the wild animals to their natural habitat is the result they try to achieve.


Services

• School Visits

It is important to educate our next generation to appreciate our wildlife heritage. The best way to learn about nature is through an up close personal experience and they have a multitude of animals that they use as ambassadors of the animal kingdom.

The lessons add to the pupils' appreciation and knowledge of natural history, arouse their curiosity, promote respect and create a desire to get out and see animals in their own natural environment.

• Road Show

Providing a range of wildlife and natural history road shows for libraries, Schools and Colleges and other Organizations. Specifically designed to both educate and entertain any age group. Each Visit can be tailored to suit specific projects, be it conservation, care, or awareness of nature.

• Animal Workshops 

Learn how to handle and care for a wide range of animals, with an informal talk and lots of hands on. These sessions can be tailor-made, to suit your own individual requirements.

Animal workshops also cater for Special Needs Groups and have experience working with Autistic children and adults, JCSP and VEC schemes, the Prison Service and other groups.

• Mini Zoo

 Providing a static display consisting of small mammals, raptors, amphibians and arachnids giving you and your customers the opportunity to see and handle a diversity of creatures and to learn more about their lifestyles.

• Parties

 A truly unique party experience that will enthrall and fascinate any age group they will make the day one to remember, a unique experience. During this fascinating interlude you will meet a selection of highly trained friendly and well mannered animals and birds, from reptiles, mammals, raptors, to amphibians’ insects and arachnids.

• Falconry

Offering either one or two day falconry courses, designed to provide a brief insight into the world of the Raptor for people with busy lifestyles who may never get the chance to become a falconer.

On Falconry course you will be given a brief history of falconry and meet the birds commonly used in Falconry. You will also learn the basics of the initial training and they will touch on the housing and husbandry, giving advice on suitable birds.

• Camera Club

At Animal Magic they give you the opportunity to visit, with your cameras and you can be sure of getting that magical picture. With a huge variety of Raptors, including many of our Irish Birds of Prey  who will be only to pleased to pose for the camera, either for stills or for action shots, You can photograph owl, hawks, falcons, vultures and even a Golden Eagle, rabbits, chinchillas, polecats, ferrets, rats, degus, arachnids, amphibians and more.

Irish Landscape Institute

The Irish Landscape Institute, as the professional body representing landscape architects in Ireland, has a Constitution and a Code of Professional Conduct. The Institute has a membership of 160, made up of full members, graduate members, student members, and well as honorary members and Fellows. ILI is a registered member of both EFLA (European Foundation for Landscape Architecture) and IFLA (International Federation of Landscape Architects)


Eco UNESCO

ECO-UNESCO is Ireland's Environmental Education and Youth Organisation affiliated to the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA).ECO-UNESCO’s aims are:

•to raise environmental awareness, understanding and knowledge of the environment among young people

•to promote the protection and conservation of the environment

•to promote the personal development of young people through practical environmental projects and activities

•to promote the ideals of UNESCO