Skillnet Ireland’s Climate Ready Academy has announced the launch of a new Biodiversity Leaders Programme at the University of Limerick’s Sustainability Practitioners Conference. Led by broadcaster, ecologist, and Climate Ready Programme Lead, Anja Murray, the eight-week course aims to guide businesses in adopting responsible and sustainable practices to promote and enhance biodiversity. The programme will help professionals across all sectors implement Biodiversity Action Plans, a requirement of the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Murray highlighted the urgent need to address the biodiversity crisis in Ireland, stating that many valuable habitats are in poor condition, rivers are polluted, and over 60% of wild bird species are in decline. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing biodiversity in business agendas to reverse the loss and restore ecosystems.
Paul Healy, CEO of Skillnet Ireland, expressed the organization’s commitment to expanding sustainability programs across the enterprise sector. Skillnet Ireland is working with various industry sectors and companies to ensure they have the necessary green skills to drive the sustainability agenda.
Representatives from companies such as Astellas Pharma, Irish Rail, ABP Food Group, Uisce Éireann, Nestlé Wyeth Nutrition, and Repak attended the conference, showcasing the impact of their participation in the Climate Ready Academy and Lean & Green Skillnet programs. Ken Stockil, CEO of 20FIFTY Partners, which collaborates with Skillnet Ireland, praised the positive impact made by sustainability practitioners in these companies. He urged other companies to quickly build their capabilities in-house to embrace responsible and sustainable practices for the decarbonized economy and prepare for the opportunities that the CSRD will bring.
The Biodiversity Leaders Programme is a significant step towards addressing the pressing issue of biodiversity loss in Ireland. By empowering businesses to adopt sustainable practices, the program aims to create a sea-change in how biodiversity is prioritized and protected. The upcoming CSRD will require companies to implement Biodiversity Action Plans, making the Biodiversity Leaders Programme a valuable resource for professionals across all sectors.
The involvement of prestigious companies in the Climate Ready Academy and Lean & Green Skillnet programs demonstrates the growing recognition of the importance of sustainability in business operations. These companies serve as role models for the rest of the industry, showcasing the positive impact that can be achieved through responsible and sustainable practices.
As the urgency to address the biodiversity crisis grows, initiatives like the Biodiversity Leaders Programme are crucial in equipping professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a positive impact. By fostering a culture of biodiversity conservation within businesses, Ireland can work towards reversing the decline and restoring ecosystems for a more sustainable future.