From Conor McKinney - Chair of Wild Belfast
Dear Belfast,
I am thrilled to welcome you to Conservazone, this is our home for all the people and organisations that are working to make Belfast a wilder, richer city. This part of our site aims to showcase all of the remarkable people and projects that are helping to combat the decline of urban biodiversity and create a more liveable city for us.
In this first blog post, I'm going to introduce you to Wild Belfast where I am proud to serve as Chair, and I want to share with you the profound importance of community conservation and how we aspire to help in a pivotal time.
A Changing Climate and Declining Biodiversity
The world around us is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a reality we face daily. Our wildlife, too, is in peril. Species are disappearing at an alarming rate, and habitats are shrinking. In Belfast, we are not untouched by these challenges. But here's the thing: our city, our community, holds the power to make a change. It's in our hands to plant the seeds of a richer, wilder future for our city.
Why Community Conservation Matters
Community conservation, in simple terms, is the collective effort of individuals, local groups, and organizations working together to protect and restore nature. And it will be a game-changer for Belfast.
1. Grassroots Action: Our community knows our city best. By rolling up our sleeves and taking action at the grassroots level, we can drive change where it's most needed.
2. Local Knowledge: The beauty of community conservation is that it thrives on local knowledge. We understand our city's ecosystems, from its parks and rivers to its hidden corners.
3. Connection and Education: Community conservation builds connections among people who share a love for nature. It's a place for education, learning, and exchanging ideas to create a more informed and empowered community.
Wild Belfast's Aspiration: A Biodiverse City
Our dream is clear: we aspire to make Belfast a biodiverse city. Here are some of the exciting initiatives we're working on:
1. Ecological Recording: We can't protect what we don't know about, one of our key actions is therefore to improve our knowledge of the remarkable wildlife throughout our city, and help others to record what they see as well.
2. Urban Greening: We're advocating for improving the wildlife value of green and grey infrastructure throughout our city. From installation of swift bricks to improving the distribution of green space, and it's biodiversity value.
2. Wildlife Corridors: We're advocating for measures to create pathways for wildlife to thrive. By connecting habitats through the creation of "Wild Belts" we're wanting to play our part in improving the ecological permeability of Belfast by helping species to move, adapt, and flourish within the city.
3. Education and Engagement: Through community events, workshops, and citizen science projects, we're engaging and inspiring residents to join the conservation movement.
4. Collaboration: Our organisation collaborates with local schools, businesses, and government bodies to ensure a united front for the city's biodiversity.
How can you be part of the change?
- Get Involved: Join us in our community conservation efforts. Volunteer your time, plant a tree, or help clean up our local green spaces.
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about Belfast's biodiversity and the challenges it faces. Knowledge is the first step to making a change.
- Spread the Word: Share the importance of community conservation with your friends and family. Encourage them to join our cause.
Conclusion: Our Collective Legacy
As we face the harsh realities of climate change and biodiversity decline, it's crucial to remember that the power to change the course of history lies within the hands of our community. Our actions today will shape Belfast for generations to come, so let's work together to transform Belfast into a biodiverse city.
Yours with hope and determination,
Conor McKinney, Chair of Wild Belfast.