Environmentalists unite: Slow down, Go Further is the paradoxical title of this year's Convergence Festival, the annual forum for debate and discussion on environmental issues.
Running from April 22nd to May 2nd, the gathering attracts both committed environmentalists and those seeking a healthier, fairer world. Highlights this year include an ecumenical celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd, a conference on genetically modified foods, a discussion on community investment in renewable energies, a debate on waste management and a two-hour walking tour of Dublin's city centre, ending in a "slow food" banquet. Feasta, the sustainable economics foundation, is also hosting a conference entitled, Debt, Climate Change and Global Justice. For details, tel: 01-6746415 or see www.sustainable.ie
Wildlife spotting
There's more to Clare than just the Burren. Habitats, such as limestone pavement, sea cliffs, wet meadows and bogs, and species, such as whopper swans and lesser horseshoe bats, are just a sample of the rich biological diversity in the county. Spot the 101 Habitats and Species in Clare: Biodiversity in Clare, published this week, is part of the development of a local biodiversity action plan. Clare is one of the first counties in Ireland to have a local action plan, a requirement of the 2002 National Biodiversity Plan.
Global warming in focus
Every year, natural healthcare company Aveda highlights an environmental issue. This year's campaign will focus on global warming. Customers of its worldwide network of spas, salons and retail outlets will be encouraged to switch to renewable energy sources, become energy efficient, plant trees and car-pool or use public transport more often. Customers will also be encouraged to make a donation to Aveda Earth Month partners. In Ireland, the campaign will support projects in the National Ecology Centre, Sonairte, Co Meath. It will fund a "carbon gym" - an interactive computer programme developed by the Centre for Alternative Technologies in Wales which measures carbon levels and shows how to reduce emissions in your home. Contact Sonairte, the National Ecology Centre, the Ninch, Laytown, Co Meath on 041-9827572. www.sonairte.com
Save the dolphin
A Cornish fisherman is leading a campaign to end the slaughter of dolphins as a result of bass pair trawling. "The number of dolphins killed by mid-water bass fisheries is unacceptable and cannot continue. There's no defence. It has to stop," says Sam Lambourn, chairman of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation. Cornwall Wildlife Trust will submit more than 40,000 signatures to the European Parliament in June in an attempt to ban the practice.