We will be hosting an online webinar to provide a background to the Kerry Biosphere reserve. The webinar will focus on the designation of the reserve, the significance of the designation, and functions of the Biosphere.
The Biosphere Officer, Brendan Kirwan will host an ‘Introduction to the Kerry Biosphere’ webinar on the evening of Monday 18th November at 19:00. The webinar will be aimed at the Biosphere’s Advisory Comhairle, but everyone is welcome to attend. The aim of the webinar is to provide an insight into the background of the Biosphere reserve, the functions of Biospheres, and how Biospheres are important contributors to local communities.
Biosphere reserves are designated internationally by UNESCO (United Nations Educational. Scientific, and Cultural Organisation). Once designated by UNESCO, Biospheres are managed nationally. There are 748 Biospheres globally, with just two occurring in Ireland, the Kerry Biosphere Reserve and Dublin Bay Biosphere Reserve.
The Kerry Biosphere Reserve was founded as Killarney Biosphere Reserve back in 1982. The Killarney National Park Biosphere Reserve functioned from 1982 until a periodic review of the Biosphere in 2017. Following the periodic review process, the area of the Biosphere was extended to allow for a buffer zone and transition zone in the reserve, as per criterion outlined by UNESCO. The Killarney National Park remained as the core area of the Biosphere.
The core area of a Biosphere reserve is strictly protected, and managed for Biodiversity. The Killarney National Park forms the core area of our Biosphere reserve, and area approximately 10,000ha in extent. The buffer zone occurs outside the core zone. This zone is used for experimental research and are used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training and education. The Macgillycuddy’s Reeks occur in the western extent of the Biosphere, forming the buffer zone along with the Paps Mountains in the east. The transition zone occurs outside the buffer zone and is an area where communities’ foster socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable economic and human activities. Our transition zone comprises small villages such as Kilcummin and Barraduff, and Killarney Town, occurring adjacent to the core zone.
Join us on the evening of Monday, 18th November where we will further discuss the role of the Biosphere, it’s function, and how the designation can support communities in the region. The webinar will be broadcast on Zoom and will be approximately one hour in duration.
The link to join the meeting is as follows:
https://skdp-net.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DHj3Z0NkT-WGZCfAF23dsg
Please visit www.kerrybiosphere.ie or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
