Irish Environmental Network

The Earth is already speaking to us—through record-breaking temperatures, more intense wildfires, extreme storms and glaciers disappearing before our eyes. 2026 reminds us that we still have time to change course.

Today is International Day for Biological Conservation. We’re losing biodiversity – plants, animals, invertebrates and their habitats – at an unprecedented rate. This year’s theme “Acting locally for global impact is a reminder for us all - individuals, communities, organisations and governments – to take action to protect and enhance our natural environment.

Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) and the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) have launched the CHANGE (Collaborative Horizons for All-Island Nature and Governance Enhancement) PEACEPLUS project.

The CHANGE project brings together environmental NGOs, public bodies and researchers from both sides of the border to better understand shared environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater quality, and marine protection, and to co-develop practical, evidence-based solutions and strategies to address them.

Through developing practical, evidence-based solutions, strategic action plans and data-sharing, CHANGE aims to support strengthened cross-border environmental governance and resilience, enabling more coordinated responses to pressing environmental challenges.

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “The work between these two agencies reflects a clear and shared understanding of the environmental challenges we face across the island of Ireland and the need to address them together.

“Supported through PEACEPLUS, the CHANGE project recognises that effective environmental governance depends on cooperation. It relies on trust between institutions, openness in sharing knowledge, and the involvement of communities. It also requires persistence, as meaningful change takes time and careful work. Projects such as CHANGE show how that cooperation can be organised, supported and put into practice.”

Read more: www.seupb.eu/latest/news/peaceplus-change-project-launched-strengthen-cross-border-environmental-cooperation

Fantastic to launch the PEACEPLUS CHANGE project to strengthen cross-border environmental cooperation with our colleagues in Northern Ireland Environment Link

The CHANGE (Collaborative Horizons for All-Island Nature and Governance Enhancement) project is a major cross-border initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB.

The CHANGE project brings together environmental NGOs, public bodies and researchers from both sides of the border to better understand shared environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater quality, and marine protection, and to co-develop practical, evidence-based solutions and strategies to address them.

Find out more https://www.ien.ie/peaceplus-change-project-launched-to-strengthen-cross-border-environmental-cooperation/

Dive into from 15th-24th May. Learn more about the wonderful nature and wildlife in our rivers and ponds by choosing the 'Rivers and Ponds' category in the events calendar on www.biodiversityweek.ie

Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams are hotspots for biodiversity, providing key habitats for many plants, animals and insects. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the biodiversity of our rivers and ponds during . Find out more at www.biodiversityweek.ie Irish Environmental Network National Parks and Wildlife Service The Heritage Council

Lots for all the family to do during . Explore the rich variety of wildlife in Ireland with a host of wonderful free events and activities for the whole family. Discover wildlife near you with a host of events celebrating nature around us - whale watching, farm walks, bat walks, biodiversity cycle tours, field trips, nature walks, wildlife watching and woodland workshops. More at www.biodiversityweek.ie National Parks and Wildlife Service The Heritage Council

There is so much to see and do during Biodiversity Week 2026. With more than 300 events planned all around the country, there is something for all the family enjoy. Check out www.biodiversityweek.ie to see what’s happening near you Irish Environmental Network National Parks and Wildlife Service The Heritage Council

Find out about the fascinating world of bats this

Explore the world of bats this Biodiversity Week! See them on the wing, discover their roosts and learn about their habits and needs. Choose the 'Bats' category to find an event near you. https://www.biodiversityweek.ie/events/

Irish Environmental Network National Parks and Wildlife Service The Heritage Council Conservation Ireland Donegal Bat Group Bat Group Limerick Bat Group

Closing date for applications for two roles at IEN is 5pm tomorrow, Wednesday 13 May.
• Senior Programme Officer for our CHANGE project
• Digital Officer for our CHANGE project
Apply: CV and a covering letter to [email protected]
More info on the Collaborative Horizons for All-island Nature and Governance Enhancement (CHANGE) project and the roles at https://www.ien.ie/about/vacancies/

⏰ Reminder: Just 3 days left to apply for two great roles at the IEN!

· Senior Programme Officer for our CHANGE project

· Digital Officer for our CHANGE project

The Collaborative Horizons for All-island Nature and Governance Enhancement (CHANGE) project is a cross-border initiative designed to strengthen environmental governance and cooperation in response to increasing regulatory divergence and shared ecological challenges in a post-Brexit context.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 5pm Wednesday 13 May

APPLICATION AND ENQUIRIES: CV and a covering letter to [email protected]

Vacancies - Irish Environmental Network Vacancies at the IEN and our Member Organisations

Fantastic day at the launch of National Biodiversity Week 2026 with Cork County Public Participation Network. Great lineup of speakers and lots of practical info on how to enhance and protect biodiversity, nature and wildlife in the community. Rounded off with a guided walk through Harpers Island Wetlands with Birdwatch Ireland