Environmental protection was needed now more than ever with Ireland and other EU member-states showing signs of a resumed economic upturn, according to the director general of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Addressing the opening session of a international conference in Dublin, Dr Mary Kelly said a renewed commitment to research, technological development, and innovation would play a key role in ensuring sustainable development.
"Ultimately, we have more to lose than to gain if economic development is divorced from environmental sustainability," she said, adding that maintaining equilibrium was "crucial to protect what is arguably our most valuable asset".
Saying the EPA had to be "conscientious in our role as policy advisers and resilient in enforcement", Dr Kelly noted that the new Office for Environmental Enforcement is seeking to "stamp out breaches of environmental legislation".
Attended by more than 300 environmental experts from 37 countries, the three-day conference will seek ways to produce environmental information efficiently and in a timely manner, to close the gap between policy and practice.
Though much of its focus is on the communications gap between policy and research, Dr Kelly said experts would have to communicate more effectively with the public.
"Our messages are too important not to be understood". Under the title "Bridging the gap - Information for action," the conference is one of the major environmental events of Ireland's EU presidency. It aims to build on progress made since previous gatherings in London (1998) and Stockholm (2001).
The conference was officially opened yesterday morning by Mr Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, in the absence of the Minister, Mr Cullen, who is at a UN meeting in New York.
"Protection of our environment and achieving the goal of sustainable development is a priority for Government," Mr Gallagher said.
