GM crop failure: Europe's biotechnology firms have cancelled millions of pounds worth of research into genetically modified crops over the past four years, according to a new study.
The European Commission has admitted that nearly two-thirds of the EU's biotech companies have cancelled GM research projects, mainly because of the controversy over the safety and labelling of GM crops and consumer resistance. The number of applications for GM field trials fell by 76 per cent last year, from a high of 250, submitted in 1998. An opinion poll found that while 44 per cent of Europeans believed medical biotechnology would improve their lives, only 36 per cent supported GM foods.
Eco-lifestyle festival
The 4th Convergence Festival takes place from May 16th to 25th in venues around Dublin city centre. An annual celebration of eco-lifestyles, this event brings together many of the country's sustainability enthusiasts with lectures on natural health, eco-tourism, slow food, renewable energy, eco-design and community building. Highlights this year include a slow food banquet (see also Ecoweb), the Earth fair, a conference on the eco-economy, a symposium on human rights and more. For details, contact Cultivate Sustainable Living Centre, Essex St, West Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 6746396 or info@sustainable.ie
Open season on deer
Tens of thousands of wild deer are to be culled in Britain after biologists warned that the animals are destroying woods and threatens road safety. Herds of deer are now spreading into city suburbs and green-belt areas and undermining attempts to restore the country's forests, according to a report in the London Independent on Sunday. Government agencies in Britain have been running shy of admitting publicly that widespread culling is necessary, because of an expected outcry from animal lovers. Without culling the number of deer could double in the next 10 years.
Conservation education
Interested in learning more about conservation and environmental management? If so, check out the new UCD courses in World Heritage Management which begin in October. Organised and implemented by the Conservation Education Trust, with the help of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris, the courses are a one-year full-time Higher Diploma/Diploma course or a two-year Master of Science course.
Application forms and further information from Continuing Professional Education, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4 or tel: 01-7168712. Closing date for receipt of applications is June 30th.
Composting workshop
The Irish Wildlife Trust is holding a composting workshop tomorrow in the garden of their premises on 21, Northumberland Rd, Dublin 4. The workshop runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and participants will be given a free composting start-up kit.
Last minute bookings on tel: 01-6604530. Cost €25.