Nature can be f ixed, Goodall tells assembly
NATURE is resilient and biodiversity must be given a chance to return to environments, world-renowned conservationist Jane Goodall told the final meeting of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss.
Dr Goodall made her comments in a virtual address to the 99 assembly members yesterday.
Best known for her 60-year study of wild chimpanzees, Dr Goodall said practices such as habitat destruction, pollution and intensive agriculture have caused extensive biodiversity loss. But she added that proper environmental management and other initiatives would allow nature to display its resilience and thrive.
Assembly chair Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, said: ‘Over the last six months we have had 80 individual speakers address the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, and it was an immense privilege and extremely appropriate that our final guest was Dame Dr Jane Goodall, one of the best-known advocates for nature.
‘Her inspiring address to the assembly was one full of optimism that we can address biodiversity loss and that hope is always around the corner. I am confident that the members of this assembly will produce a strong set of recommendations that will outline the steps the State should take in addressing biodiversity loss.’
The outcome of a vote by assembly members on draft recommendations are expected to be known by lunchtime today.
A final report will be sent to both Houses of the Oireachtas for their responses.