Blessington Community College is proud to host the county's inaugural Youth Biodiversity Conference, organised by the school’s Student Environmental Council. Students from first to fifth year have been actively engaged with a range of environmental topics, and this conference aims to further these efforts by involving even more students. Wicklow County Council is supporting the event, which will take place on Wednesday, 2nd April, from 10:30am to 1:30pm.

Invitations have been extended to three additional secondary schools — Coláiste Bhríde from Carnew, Scoil Chonglais from Baltinglass and St. Kevin’s Community College from Dunlavin — to encourage broader participation in biodiversity initiatives across the county. Various political representatives, community groups, and policymakers have also been invited to join the event.

The primary objective of the Youth Biodiversity Conference is to amplify the voices of young people, empowering them to speak out about the ongoing biodiversity crisis and inspire further action. The organising committee has carefully selected key topics to ignite passion and foster a lasting commitment to sustainability among attendees. As part of the process the students of Blessington Community College will have a number of Biodiversity workshops on various biodiversity topics, where students from the committee can present their own findings with conference participants.

Education plays a critical role in addressing the biodiversity loss affecting our county, and related topics such as climate change are now integrated into Ireland’s educational system, including the Leaving Certificate curriculum. Climate and biodiversity literacy has evolved from a peripheral concern to a central focus, shaping public opinions, policy decisions, and behaviours related to environmental protection.

This conference seeks to raise awareness among younger generations about the far-reaching impacts of biodiversity loss on socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, and climate change. It will also highlight actionable solutions to mitigate these effects. Additionally, the conference provides an annual platform for youth to engage with policymakers at local and national levels, fostering meaningful dialogue on biodiversity conservation and related issues.

The conference will include discussions with young people on various topics with presentations from key speakers including:

• Anja Murray, an ecologist, broadcaster and author.
• Eanna Ni Lamhna, Irish biologist, environmental consultant, radio and television presenter.
• James Carolan, senior lecturer and associate professor at Maynooth University, he is also the leader of the Biodiversity on the campus
• Declan Murphy, nature writer who has published two books, A life in the trees, and spirit of the river. Declan has worked with BirdWatch Ireland.

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul O’Brien, commended Blessingtons principal, Kieran Burke and the Assistant Principal, Tanya Twyford-Troy for agreeing to hosting the event. “In a world where environmental challenges seem to grow by the day, initiatives like this give us hope for the future. It is inspiring to see young minds coming together to learn, share, and take action on one of the most pressing issues of our time—the preservation of biodiversity. By hosting this conference, you are not just raising awareness; you are empowering the next generation of environmental stewards, leaders, and innovators.”

School Principal Kieran Burke said that “Blessington Community College is delighted to host the county’s first Youth Biodiversity Conference. Our planet is facing unprecedented challenges, from habitat loss to climate change, and it is up to us to help develop the next generation of leaders, innovators, and activists—to find solutions that ensure a sustainable future for all living things. This conference is a unique opportunity for us to learn, collaborate, and share ideas that can inspire real change. Together, we can help create a world where biodiversity thrives for generations to come.”