National Biodiversity Week 2026 takes place across Ireland from 15th to 24th May, bringing together communities, organisations and environmental groups to celebrate and protect Ireland’s natural environment.

This year’s theme, Acting Locally for Global Impact, highlights the growing importance of local action in supporting biodiversity, sustainability and long-term environmental resilience.

While biodiversity is often discussed in relation to wildlife and conservation, it also plays a significant role in climate resilience, healthy ecosystems, food systems and sustainable business practices.

Why Biodiversity Matters

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms and ecosystems that support life across our environment. In Ireland, this includes peatlands, rivers, forests, wetlands, coastlines, pollinators, marine habitats and native species.

Healthy ecosystems provide essential services including:

• Pollination
• Water purification
• Flood management
• Soil health
• Carbon storage
• Climate resilience

However, many ecosystems and species are under increasing pressure from climate change, habitat loss, pollution and urban development.

Ireland’s Biodiversity Initiatives

Ireland has introduced a range of national and community-led initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring biodiversity.

These include:

• The National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
• The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan
• Peatland restoration programmes
• Marine biodiversity protection initiatives
• Local community woodland and wetland projects
• Natura 2000 protected areas

Citizen science programmes, biodiversity surveys and community environmental projects are also helping increase awareness and participation across the country.

Biodiversity and Organisations

Businesses and organisations increasingly recognise that sustainability extends beyond carbon emissions alone.

Biodiversity is becoming an important part of broader ESG and sustainability discussions, with organisations exploring practical ways to support local ecosystems and environmental initiatives.

Examples include:

• Creating pollinator-friendly spaces
• Native tree and wildflower planting
• Supporting local biodiversity initiatives
• Reducing pesticide use
• Community volunteering activities
• Integrating biodiversity considerations into sustainability strategies

Organisations looking to develop biodiversity initiatives can also explore programmes such as Business for Biodiversity Ireland, which helps businesses incorporate nature-focused strategies into sustainability planning.

Even small local actions can contribute to wider environmental impact over time.

National Biodiversity Week Events Across Ireland

Hundreds of events are taking place across Ireland during Biodiversity Week 2026, including:

• Community biodiversity workshops
• Guided woodland walks
• Whale watching events
• Biodiversity talks and educational sessions
• School activities and citizen science programmes

The full calendar of events is available through Biodiversity Week Ireland:
https://biodiversityweek.ie/

Acting Locally for Global Impact

National Biodiversity Week serves as an important reminder that protecting biodiversity is a shared responsibility involving communities, organisations and individuals alike.

At GreenFeet, we believe sustainability initiatives are strongest when practical local actions combine with longer-term environmental awareness and engagement.

We encourage organisations to explore how biodiversity initiatives, environmental awareness and sustainability activities can become part of their wider ESG journey.