The value of Ireland’s biodiversity

Building the knowledge base on Ireland’s biological diversity is important as the goods and services provided by biodiversity are estimated to contribute a minimum of €2.6 billion per annum to the Irish economy. This natural capital is the foundation upon which our agriculture, forestry, fisheries and tourism sector depends and is vital for sustaining vital societal services such as clean water, productive soil and clean air. As the Irish economy seeks ways to revitalise itself, gaining a greater understanding of Ireland’s biodiversity and protecting Ireland’s natural capital should be one of the building blocks of that recovery.