Trinity Centre for Biodiversity Research Launches Dublin Biodiversity Audio Tour

Posted on: 28 November 2012

The Trinity Centre for Biodiversity Research (TCBR) has produced an audio tour on the biodiversity of Dublin as part of Dublin City of Science 2012.

The audio tour comprises a series of free-to-download podcast clips which describe the biodiversity and on-going research at 11 sites around Dublin city, from community gardens and city parks to collections in museums and botanic gardens. The aim of the tour is to raise awareness and understanding of Dublin’s biodiversity, to showcase biodiversity research in Dublin and to encourage biodiversity-friendly activities.

The audio tour was launched in Trinity by TV presenter, Colin Stafford-Johnson, who specialises in wildlife documentary-making, as a cameraman, director and presenter. His work has taken him all over the world, but he is passionate about the wealth of biodiversity here in Ireland. Launching the audio tour, Mr Stafford Johnson said: “Even though biodiversity is a difficult word for people to understand, it’s important that everyone, not just children, engages with it and appreciates its worth. The audio tour developed by the TCBR is a great way to get the message out there that we need to conserve nature in our own country, even in the city, not just in far-flung exotic places”.

Colin Stafford-Johnson launching the TCBR’s Dublin Biodiversity Audio Tour

Biodiversity, the variety of life on earth, is fundamental for human survival and well-being, providing food, fuel, raw materials, clean water and many other crucial ecosystem services.

TCBR Director, Dr Jane Stout, School of Natural Sciences commented: “Urban biodiversity is important for urban dwellers, and can benefit both their mental and physical health. This is particularly important as global populations become increasingly urbanised and urbanisation encompasses an increasing footprint on the wider landscape.”

Commenting on the role of the TCBR, Dr Stout added: “Biodiversity research is increasingly inter-disciplinary, involving biologists, social scientists, economists and health scientists. The TCBR brings together researchers from across Trinity to address future challenges including sustainable food production, adapting to climate change, and developing the green economy”.

Aoife O’Rourke, postgraduate student in Botany, is the voice of the audio clips, which were produced and edited by Sharon Phelan and Aidan Delaney of Trinity’s School of Drama, Film and Music. T

Funding for the Audio Tour was received from Dublin City of Science 2012 and School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin.