Biodiversity Awareness Understanding & Impact of its Loss

Biodiversity Awareness Understanding & Impact of its Loss A Barometer Survey Prepared for Prepared by Martha Fanning May 00 J.95

Introduction J.385

Introduction OBJECTIVES Market research was required to measure consumer awareness, understanding and interest in biodiversity. RESEARCH APPROACH TECHNICAL DETAILS TIMING An agreed questionnaire, measuring awareness, understanding and impact of its losss in the April No. wave of B&A s Barometer survey. Barometer is a nationally representative survey of the adult population, aged 6+, quota controlled on gender, age, social class and region to correctly reflect the known demographics of the Republic of Ireland. It comprises of,000 interviews. Fieldwork took place between 3 th nd April, 00. 3

Awareness of Biodiversity and Impact of its Loss J.385 4

Awareness of the Term Biodiversity 007 EU Average Ireland 7 00 Ireland I ve heard of it and I know what it means 35 8 6 30 I ve heard of it but I do not know what it means 30 I have never heard of it 35 5 5 No significant change in Irish awareness versus 007. 007 Data Source Flash EuroBarometer No. 9 5

Awareness of the Term Biodiversity GENDER Total Male Female U5 AGE 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ I ve heard of it and I know what it means 8 4 9 9 4 I ve heard of it but I do not know what it means 30 3 8 35 7 30 34 3 I have never heard of it 5 46 58 53 54 49 48 6 6

Awareness of the Term Biodiversity CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls I ve heard of it and I know what it means 8 4 3 8 6 5 7 6 6 I ve heard of it but I do not know what it means 30 37 3 38 33 36 4 5 8 3 I have never heard of it 5 39 64 44 50 49 60 49 56 47 * Caution low base 7

Meaning of the Phrase Loss of Biodiversity - Spontaneous EU Average 7 Ireland 007 Ireland 00 Change of the climate Certain animals and plants are disappearing/ will disappear 4 Certain animals and plants are/ will become endangered Decline in natural habitats Forests will disappear/ decline Problems with the clean air, water/co emissions Loss of natural heritage like nature parks etc 30 5 0 0 8 7 6 9 4 0 6 5 4 Significant increase in Irish association of loss of biodiversity with climate change. 007 Data Source Flash EuroBarometer No. 9 8

Meaning of the Phrase Loss of Biodiversity - Spontaneous Change in climate Certain animals and plants are disappearing/will disappear Certain animals and plants are/will become endangered Decline in natural habitats/less variety in general Forests will disappear/decline Problems with the clean air, water/co emissions Loss of natural heritage like nature parks/ endemic species/natural Loss of potential for producing medicines, food and fuel Problems for the economy/loss of material wealth Problems in my garden Less opportunities for tourism Don't care about this issue Others Don't know 30 0 7 6 5 3 3 3 3 30 9

Meaning of the Phrase Loss of Biodiversity - Spontaneous GENDER A G E Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Base: 006 498 508 6 4 7 48 Change in climate 30 3 9 3 7 3 34 3 Certain animals and plants are disappearing/will disappear 8 5 6 6 Certain animals and plants are/will become endangered 0 8 0 0 7 Decline in natural habitats/less variety in general 7 8 7 9 8 8 4 6 Forests will disappear/decline 6 6 6 0 7 5 7 Problems with the clean air, water/co emissions 5 6 4 4 6 6 4 3 Loss of natural heritage like nature parks/ endemic species/natural landscapes 4 3 0 4 Loss of potential for producing medicines, food and fuel 3 3 3 4 5 3 Problems for the economy/loss of material wealth 3 3 0 7 Problems in my garden 3 3 4 Less opportunities for tourism 4 3 Don't care about this issue 3 0 Others 3 4 3 3 4 Don't know 30 7 33 7 3 5 8 43 0

Meaning of the Phrase Loss of Biodiversity - Spontaneous CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin Leinster Munster Conn Ulster Base: 006 434 495 77 67 75 88 76 636 370 Urban Change inclimate 30 33 8 6 35 8 4 49 3 8 Certain animals and plants are disappearing/will disappear Certain animals and plants are/will become endangered Decline in natural habitats/less variety in general 30 7 3 6 3 0 8 4 8 0 4 7 7 3 5 0 9 7 4 8 8 7 6 8 6 0 Forests will disappear/decline 6 9 3 0 9 4 5 7 8 3 Problems with the clean air, water/co emissions Loss of natural heritage like nature parks/ endemic species/natural landscapes Loss of potential for producing medicines, food and fuel Problems for the economy/loss of material wealth 5 7 3 6 6 4 7 7 4 7 4 4 0 4 3 5 7 3 0 5 3 3 6 3 4 3 Problems in my garden 3 3 3 3 3 Less opportunities for tourism 4 4 0 3 Don't care about this issue Others 3 4 3 3 4 3 Don't know 30 9 38 38 6 43 8 7 35 Rural

Meaning of the Phrase Loss of Biodiversity - Spontaneous Total BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Heard & Know Heard & Never Heard Base: 006 84 95 57 Change of the climate 30 4 35 3 Certain animals and plants are disappearing/will disappear Certain animals and plants are/will become endangered 3 6 6 0 7 7 3 Decline in natural habitats/less variety in general 7 40 8 9 Forests will disappear/decline 6 3 Problems with the clean air, water/co emissions 5 6 7 0 Loss of natural heritage like nature parks/ endemic species/natural landscapes Loss of potential for producing medicines, food and fuel 9 3 6 4 Problems for the economy/loss of material wealth 3 7 Problems in my garden 3 5 4 Less opportunities for tourism 6 Don't care about this issue Others 3 5 5 Don't know 30 3 6 48

How Informed do you Feel About the Loss of Biodiversity? 007 00 EU Average Ireland Ireland 7 Not informed at all 37 39 Not well informed 4 36 40 Well informed 33 8 Very well informed 5 0 3 0 0 Marginally lower level of awareness than in 007. 007 Data Source Flash EuroBarometer No. 9 3

How Informed do you Feel About the Loss of Biodiversity? GENDER AGE Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Not informed at all 35 30 40 34 3 3 38 4 7 Not well informed 36 40 3 36 33 4 37 8 Well informed Very well informed 6 7 6 8 3 9 4 4 7 9 7 8 7 3 5 4

How Informed do you Feel About the Loss of Biodiversity? CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls Not informed at all 35 8 4 38 3 34 4 3 35 35 Not well informed 36 4 3 37 39 39 33 9 38 3 Well informed Very well informed 6 0 3 3 4 7 7 9 4 0 4 3 6 8 7 8 6 9 7 3 * Caution low base 5

How Informed do you Feel About the Loss of Biodiversity? BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Total Heard & Heard & Never Know Heard 5 Not informed at all 35 34 4 5 Not well informed 36 55 46 5 Well informed Very well informed 6 6 8 6 5 6 6 6

Attitudes to Biodiversity Biodiversity is indispensable for the production of goods such as food, fuel and medicines Our well being and quality of life is based upon nature and biodiversity as it provides pleasure and recreation It is a moral obligation because we have a responsibility as stewards of nature Europe will get poorer economically as a consequence of the loss of biodiversity EU7 07 0 EU7 07 0 EU7 07 0 EU7 07 0 Very much agree 50 5 57 55 58 54 6 56 50 44 4 46 Rather agree Rather disagree Very much disagree 34 33 39 35 3 43 3 33 9 6 6 3 4 0 3 03 00 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 Increased agreement versus 007 on economic issues, alongside reduced agreement on softer issues. 48 3 5 8 3 4 45 0 0 007 Data Source Flash EuroBarometer No. 9 7

Attitudes to Biodiversity Our well being and Biodiversity is indispensable for the production of goods such as food, fuel and medicines quality of life is based upon nature and biodiversity as it provides pleasure and recreation It is a moral obligation because we have a responsibility as stewards of nature Europe will get poorer economically as a consequence of the loss of biodiversity Very much agree 4 43 40 33 3 Rather agree Rather disagree Very much disagree 9 6 0 34 38 0 4 0 0 5 9 Mean Score 3.53 3.5 3.48 3.36 8

Biodiversity Is Indispensable For The Production Of Goods Such As Food, Fuel And Medicines Level Of Agreement GENDER AGE Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Very much agree 4 4 4 40 4 44 44 37 Rather agree Rather disagree Very much disagree 9 3 8 9 30 8 3 3 0 0 0 0 4 0 6 4 8 7 8 3 7 0 34 Mean Score 3.53 3.5 3.55 3.50 3.57 3.50 3.54 3.53 9

Biodiversity Is Indispensable For The Production Of Goods Such As Food, Fuel And Medicines Level Of Agreement CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls Very much agree 4 49 38 33 54 48 3 3 44 39 Rather agree Rather disagree Very much disagree 9 0 6 33 3 5 5 0 35 39 4 0 4 7 0 8 7 9 0 38 37 7 34 3 0 0 8 7 5 Mean Score 3.53 3.53 3.56 3.38 3.64 3.54 3.46 3.40 3.57 3.46 * Caution low base 0

Biodiversity Is Indispensable For The Production Of Goods Such As Food, Fuel And Medicines Level Of Agreement BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Total Heard & Know Heard & Never Heard Very much agree 43 47 54 33 5 Rather agree Rather disagree Very much disagree 34 0 45 0 3 4 Mean Score 3.53 3.45 3.60 3.5 8 3 5 0 40

Our Well Being And Quality Of Life Is Based Upon Nature And Biodiversity As It Provides Pleasure And Recreation Level Of Agreement GENDER AGE Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Very much agree 43 4 44 43 44 44 44 4 Rather agree 34 37 3 34 3 38 36 9 Rather disagree Very much disagree 0 8 0 0 3 3 0 0 6 8 0 8 Mean Score 3.5 3.49 3.56 3.54 3.54 3.48 3.5 3.58

Our Well Being And Quality Of Life Is Based Upon Nature And Biodiversity As It Provides Pleasure And Recreation Level Of Agreement CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls Very much agree 43 50 39 36 5 45 35 39 44 4 Rather agree Rather disagree Very much disagree 34 0 36 0 3 4 0 0 8 36 3 0 4 6 3 0 0 3 40 33 37 00 0 0 0 0 Mean Score 3.5 3.54 3.5 3.45 3.57 3.50 3.5 3.48 3.53 3.5 * Caution low base 3

Our Well Being And Quality Of Life Is Based Upon Nature And Biodiversity As It Provides Pleasure And Recreation Level Of Agreement :,000 BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Total Heard & Heard & Never Know Heard Very much agree 43 5 55 34 33 Rather agree Rather disagree Very much disagree 34 0 4 33 4 Mean Score 3.5 3.50 3.60 3.47 0 0 3 4

It Is A Moral Obligation Because We Have A Responsibility As Stewards Of Nature Level Of Agreement GENDER AGE Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Very much agree 40 40 4 37 38 4 4 4 Rather agree 38 40 35 39 40 40 36 9 Rather disagree Very much disagree 0 0 8 0 0 0 3 3 6 0 0 0 7 Mean Score 3.48 3.46 3.5 3.47 3.45 3.48 3.49 3.55 5

It Is A Moral Obligation Because We Have A Responsibility As Stewards Of Nature Level Of Agreement CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls Very much agree 40 45 38 8 47 4 34 39 4 38 Rather agree Rather disagree Very much disagree 38 0 0 4 0 3 5 0 00 8 39 38 0 4 7 36 0 0 30 39 35 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 Mean Score 3.48 3.49 3.50 3.36 3.5 3.47 3.47 3.45 3.50 3.45 * Caution low base 6

It Is A Moral Obligation Because We Have A Responsibility As Stewards Of Nature Level Of Agreement BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Total Heard & Know Heard & Never Heard Very much agree 40 50 48 33 Rather agree Rather disagree Very much disagree 38 0 0 46 0 4 Mean Score 3.48 3.5 3.53 3.43 40 0 0 34 0 3 7

Europe Will Get Poorer Economically As A Consequence Of The Loss Of Biodiversity Level Of Agreement GENDER AGE Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Very much agree 33 3 33 35 3 3 35 30 Rather agree Rather disagree Very much disagree 3 34 9 30 9 5 5 3 6 6 0 0 9 3 3 6 3 35 3 8 6 0 4 6 3 3 0 37 Mean Score 3.36 3.3 3.40 3.46 3.33 3.8 3.39 3.43 8

Europe Will Get Poorer Economically As A Consequence Of The Loss Of Biodiversity Level Of Agreement CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls Very much agree 33 38 3 9 43 33 4 8 36 9 Rather agree Rather disagree Very much disagree 3 5 9 34 7 9 8 47 5 00 36 34 30 7 9 3 7 7 33 3 0 39 33 4 33 36 9 6 4 0 8 30 Mean Score 3.36 3.34 3.39 3.9 3.43 3.3 3.34 3.33 3.39 3.3 * Caution low base 9

Europe Will Get Poorer Economically As A Consequence Of The Loss Of Biodiversity Level Of Agreement BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Total Heard & Know Heard & Never Heard Very much agree 33 38 44 5 8 Rather agree Rather disagree Very much disagree 3 5 9 45 30 5 8 0 9 0 5 4 Mean Score 3.36 3.3 3.48 3.9 30

How Serious Is The Decline And Possible Extinction Of Animal Species, Flora And Fauna, Natural Habitats And Ecosystems In Ireland? 007 00 Not a problem at all Not a serious problem EU Average Ireland Ireland 7 8 4 4 0 9 Fairly serious problem 45 44 45 Very serious problem 43 8 3 4 Marginal increase in sense that this is a serious issue. 007 Data Source Flash EuroBarometer No. 9 3

How Serious Is The Decline And Possible Extinction Of Animal Species, Flora And Fauna, Natural Habitats And Ecosystems In Ireland? Level Of Agreement GENDER AGE Not a problem at all Not a serious problem Total Male 3 3 3 5 3 5 3 6 9 Female U5 3 3 5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ 4 4 Fairly serious problem 37 38 37 39 38 35 38 37 Very serious problem 6 4 8 6 5 7 9 3 7 6 9 8 9 4 4 3 Mean Score 3.04.97 3. 3.05 3.06 3.00 3.07 3.04 3

How Serious is the Decline and Possible Extinction of Animal Species, Flora and Fauna, Natural Habitats and Ecosystems in Ireland? Level Of Agreement CLASS REGION Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls Not a problem at all 3 5 3 6 4 3 4 Not a serious problem 6 6 6 6 5 8 9 7 4 AREA Fairly serious problem 37 4 3 5 35 40 37 37 3 45 Very serious problem 6 8 6 4 40 9 0 5 3 7 7 7 7 0 5 0 Mean Score 3.04 3.09 3.0.9 3.7.87.9 3.0 3.0.94 * Caution low base 33

How Serious is the Decline and Possible Extinction of Animal Species, Flora and Fauna, Natural Habitats and Ecosystems in Ireland? Level Of Agreement Not a problem at all Not a serious problem BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Total Heard & Heard & Never Know Heard 3 0 6 6 9 6 5 Serious Not Serious 5 GLOBAL 9 Fairly serious problem 37 49 43 30 47 6 5 Very serious problem 6 7 9 33 4 7 3 6 4 3 4 Mean Score 3.04 3. 3.09.98 3.5.76 0 34

How Serious is the Problem Globally? Not a problem at all Not a serious problem 007 00 EU Average Ireland Ireland 7 4 4 Fairly serious problem 5 3 36 Very serious problem 69 69 59 3 Weakening concern here. 007 Data Source Flash EuroBarometer No. 9 35

How Serious is the Problem Globally? Level Of Agreement GENDER AGE Not a problem at all Not a serious problem Total Male Female 4 5 3 4 3 0 5 3 0 4 U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Fairly serious problem 9 3 6 34 9 6 3 Very serious problem 48 46 50 43 47 53 49 45 9 7 7 0 4 6 9 Mean Score 3.53 3.48 3.58 3.45 3.54 3.55 3.5 3.58 36

How Serious is the Problem Globally? Level Of Agreement CLASS REGION Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls Not a problem at all 4 0 4 4 0 4 0 0 4 4 03 Not a serious problem 6 5 Fairly serious problem 9 8 6 8 3 3 3 36 37 49 AREA Very serious problem 48 56 45 69 55 3 4 47 38 3 9 4 7 7 6 8 9 Mean Score 3.53 3.59 3.50 3.33 3.74 3.49 3.34 3.47 3.6 3.38 * Caution low base 37

How Serious is the Problem Globally? Level Of Agreement Not a problem at all Not a serious problem Fairly serious problem Total Heard & Heard & Never Serious Not Know Heard Serious 4 0 3 0 5 0 0 3 9 BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS 8 33 6 30 IRELAND 8 39 Very serious problem 48 67 50 4 67 7 9 7 3 3 3 Mean Score 3.53 3.67 3.53 3.46 3.68 3.03 38

Do You Think That The Decline And Possible Extinction Of Animal Species, Flora And Fauna, Will Have An Impact On You Personally? 007 00 Yes I am already affected by the loss of biodiversity Yes it will have an effect on me, but not now, later on EU Average Ireland Ireland 7 9 3 35 3 36 No, not on me personally but my children 35 40 36 No, it will not have an effect 9 4 5 3 Some increase; mostly in anticipated impact rather than current impact. 007 Data Source Flash EuroBarometer No. 9 39

Do You Think That The Decline And Possible Extinction Of Animal Species, Flora And Fauna, Will Have An Impact On You Personally? Yes I am already affected by the loss of biodiversity Yes it will have an effect on me, but not now, later on Total Male GENDER Female 0 0 8 9 9 9 3 7 U5 37 33 AGE 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ 7 3 5 No, not on me personally but my children No, it will not have an effect 9 7 30 8 3 9 5 34 30 5 35 7 0 0 9 4 6 5 5 40

Do You Think That The Decline And Possible Extinction Of Animal Species, Flora And Fauna, Will Have An Impact On You Personally? 9 34 CLASS 5 3 33 REGION Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls Yes I am already 4 0 3 9 8 5 0 7 affected by the loss of 8 3 biodiversity Yes it will have an effect on me, but not now, later on 5 7 3 9 AREA 9 No, not on me personally but my children No, it will not have an effect 9 0 30 0 3 8 8 5 4 5 5 6 9 39 4 3 4 9 6 8 9 9 5 5 3 9 * Caution low base 4

Do You Think That The Decline And Possible Extinction Of Animal Species, Flora And Fauna, Will Have An Impact On You Personally? Yes I am already affected by the loss of biodiversity Yes it will have an effect on me, but not now, later on No, not on me personally but my children No, it will not have an effect Total Heard & Heard & Never Serious Not Know Heard Serious 0 6 5 9 5 3 9 9 0 BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS 4 6 6 8 3 34 7 6 6 8 6 38 3 IRELAND 33 8 Serious Not Serious 3 36 34 7 8 9 9 GLOBAL 6 47 5 4

Which Species Do You Feel Are Endangered In Ireland? Birds Fish 9 Rabbit Owl Squirrel 9 Cuckoo Fox 5 Hedgehog Badger 5 Butterfly Eagle 4 Bat Wildlife/Animals 4 Insects Corncrake 4 Frog/Toad Flowers/Plants/Greenery 4 Cod Bee/Wasp 3 Hare Deer 3 Hawk Lake/River/Sealife Bogs/Bogland Salmon Trout Trees/Woodland/Forests Snail (All others less than ) 43

Species Feel Are Endangered In Ireland Consolidated Birds Animals 3 3 Fish Insects/Spiders Plants Sealife Trees Bat Amphibians Bogland Mollusc/Snail None 5 4 5 Don't know 49 44

What Threatens Biodiversity The Most? All adults 6+:,000 Pollution of air/water Climate change Intensification of agriculture, deforestation and over-fishing Man made disasters Land use change and development Plants and animals introduced into our ecosystems Other Don't know 7 8 6 9 3 3 8 6 7 4 8 0 8 0 3 0 0 3 0 4 EU Europe 7 007 00 No significant change here in the Irish response. 007 Data Source Flash EuroBarometer No. 9 45

What Threatens Biodiversity The Most? Pollution of air/water Climate change 6 3 Intensification of agriculture, deforestation and over-fishing Man made disasters 6 Land use change and development 8 Plants and animals introduced into our ecosystems 3 Other 0 Don't know 4 46

What Threatens Biodiversity The Most? GENDER A G E Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Base: 006 498 508 6 4 7 48 Pollution of air/water 6 5 6 4 8 8 5 Climate change 3 4 3 5 4 3 Intensification of agriculture, deforestation and over-fishing 6 8 5 4 0 5 8 3 Man made disasters 8 4 3 Land use change and development 8 9 7 5 0 8 7 7 Plants and animals introduced into our ecosystems 3 3 3 5 4 3 Other 0-0 - - 0 - - Don't know 4 6 4 5 0 47

What Threatens Biodiversity The Most? CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin Leinster Munster Conn Ulster Urban Rural Base: 006 434 495 77 67 75 88 76 636 370 Pollution of air/water 6 30 7 7 33 7 6 0 34 Climate change 3 4 9 3 4 0 6 7 6 Intensification of agriculture, deforestation and over-fishing 6 9 4 0 9 9 Man made disasters 0 9 4 0 4 Land use change and development 8 8 7 6 6 0 9 7 9 Plants and animals introduced into our ecosystems 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 Other 0-0 - - - 0-0 - Don't know 4 7 8 8 3 7 3 4 48

What Threatens Biodiversity The Most? BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS IRELAND GLOBAL Total Heard & Know Heard & Don t know Never Heard Serious Not Serious Serious Not Serious Base: 006 84 95 57 639 0 773 46 Pollution of air/water 6 36 9 0 8 6 9 8 Climate change 3 5 5 4 3 5 3 Intensification of agriculture, deforestation and over-fishing 6 0 5 0 8 Man made disasters 3 7 3 4 Land use change and development 8 8 7 9 8 9 8 Plants and animals introduced into our ecosystems 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 Other 0 - - 0 0-0 - Don't know 4 0 7 5 0 5 8 49

Awareness of Organisations J.385 50

Awareness of the Natura 000 Network? All Adults 6+ I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area EU Average 7 6 007 Ireland 4 00 Ireland 9 I have never heard of it/them 80 94 89 Modest increase in Irish awareness versus 007. 007 Data Source Flash EuroBarometer No. 9 5

Awareness of I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are National Parks and Wildlife Service 7 9 8 33 49 Heritage Week The Heritage Council SACs Special Areas of Conservation 5 Natura 000 Network 38 40 73 I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area I have never heard of it/them 34 5 5 8 7 44 8 5

Awareness of National Parks and Wildlife Service GENDER AGE Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are 49 50 48 37 47 54 56 47 I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area 34 35 33 38 33 3 34 34 I have never heard of it/them 7 0 3 5 5 6 8 8 0 7 4 6 53

Awareness of National Parks and Wildlife Service CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are 49 57 4 53 4 35 55 73 45 55 I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area 34 3 36 37 36 48 9 34 33 I have never heard of it/them 8 5 4 4 8 9 0 7 5 3 0 6 7 4 6 4 8 0 * Caution low base 54

Awareness of National Parks and Wildlife Service BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Total Heard & Heard & Never Know Heard IRELAND Serious Not Serious GLOBAL Serious Not Serious I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are 49 49 7 4 55 46 53 33 I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area 34 35 35 43 30 3 5 I have never heard of it/them 6 8 5 5 3 3 6 0 5 0 7 5 4 4 6 55

Awareness of Heritage Week GENDER AGE Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are 33 34 3 8 9 40 43 3 I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area 38 38 38 44 37 36 38 36 I have never heard of it/them 7 3 0 4 9 4 8 8 8 0 5 5 9 56

Awareness of Heritage Week CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are 33 43 5 34 8 9 6 8 4 59 I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area 38 34 40 4 37 50 39 38 38 I have never heard of it/them 7 8 6 5 0 6 9 6 5 5 4 4 0 7 0 7 5 * Caution low base 57

Awareness of Heritage Week BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Total Heard & Heard & Never Know Heard IRELAND Serious Not Serious GLOBAL Serious Not Serious I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are 33 35 38 7 37 4 6 I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area 38 39 39 44 45 37 36 I have never heard of it/them 8 3 8 7 5 4 9 9 3 8 0 0 7 5 7 9 58

Awareness of The Heritage Council GENDER AGE Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are 8 8 7 4 7 3 35 7 40 I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area 40 4 39 36 4 44 40 I have never heard of it/them 5 3 7 39 7 0 7 4 7 8 7 8 0 6 4 9 59

Awareness of The Heritage Council CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are 8 37 9 3 4 3 49 4 34 I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area 40 38 4 45 35 56 36 40 4 3 I have never heard of it/them 5 9 7 5 30 9 0 3 30 34 6 5 6 7 4 7 9 4 * Caution low base 60

Awareness of The Heritage Council BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Total Heard & Heard & Never Know Heard IRELAND Serious Not Serious GLOBAL Serious Not Serious I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area 8 30 40 58 50 6 40 3 34 43 39 40 4 34 I have never heard of it/them 5 7 5 5 6 3 34 0 33 3 6 5 6 9 6

Awareness of SACs Special Areas of Conservation GENDER AGE Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area 9 0 8 5 8 9 8 4 5 4 5 7 9 9 I have never heard of it/them 44 4 46 6 48 46 37 33 0 4 3 4 6

Awareness of SACs Special Areas of Conservation I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area I have never heard of it/them 9 3 5 44 8 40 0 CLASS Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls 3 49 6 38 4 36 9 5 47 0 REGION 5 9 30 48 50 4 7 0 6 4 46 7 AREA 30 5 4 4 * Caution low base 63

Awareness of SACs Special Areas of Conservation BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Total Heard & Heard & Never Know Heard IRELAND Serious Not Serious GLOBAL Serious Not Serious I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area 9 9 5 45 9 4 4 35 5 6 9 3 5 I have never heard of it/them 44 3 4 38 55 40 5 4 5 8 8 6 5 9 64

Awareness of Natura 000 Network I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area Total Male GENDER Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ 7 6 9 8 7 7 9 6 AGE I have never heard of it/them 73 7 74 78 7 70 73 7 8 7 9 3 0 7 8 65

Awareness of Natura 000 Network CLASS REGION Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls I ve heard of it/them 3 4 3 and I know what it 7 9 6 4 8 0 9 7 8 9 is/they are I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area AREA I have never heard of it/them 73 7 7 78 7 8 73 60 73 7 8 7 0 0 0 5 7 9 6 * Caution low base 66

Awareness of the Natura 000 Network? All Adults 6+ I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area EU Average 7 6 007 Ireland 4 00 Ireland 9 I have never heard of it/them 80 94 89 Modest increase in Irish awareness versus 007. 007 Data Source Flash EuroBarometer No. 9 67

Awareness of Natura 000 Network I ve heard of it/them and I know what it is/they are I ve heard of it/them but I do not know what it is/they area BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Total Heard & Heard & Never Serious Not Serious Not Know Heard Serious Serious 0 0 0 7 9 4 3 6 5 9 9 9 6 IRELAND GLOBAL I have never heard of it/them 73 60 77 74 7 83 74 70 8 5 4 7 5 5 68

Sources of Information about Biodiversity such as Threats, Losses etc All adults 6+ EU Average 7 Ireland 007 Ireland 00 Television news and documentaries Newspapers & magazines Internet Radio Publications/ books/ brochures Family/ friends School or university Events Other Don't know 54 54 5 49 4 33 35 3 8 9 9 4 7 8 3 3-5 7 3 3 - - 3 - Internet is down significantly, suggesting personal / active interest has diminished. 007 Data Source Flash EuroBarometer No. 9 69

Sources of Information about Biodiversity such as Threats, Losses etc GENDER A G E Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Base: 006 498 508 6 4 7 48 Television news and documentaries 54 57 5 50 5 55 56 6 Newspapers & magazines 3 3 3 30 33 40 35 Internet 8 7 30 40 36 33 8 6 Radio 4 6 4 Publications/books/brochures 7 7 7 8 4 5 9 Family/friends 3 4 3 3 5 4 3 School or university 3 3 0 Events 0 Other 4 0 3 Don't know 8 7 9 7 6 7 9 70

Sources of Information about Biodiversity such as Threats, Losses etc CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin Leinster Munster Conn Ulster Base: 006 434 495 77 67 75 88 76 636 370 Urban Television news and documentaries 54 5 55 60 46 59 64 47 55 53 Newspapers & magazines 3 33 30 38 44 5 40 3 3 Internet 8 33 6 7 39 5 35 6 3 Radio 4 4 4 4 0 8 8 Publications/books/brochures 7 8 6 7 0 6 4 0 8 6 Family/friends 3 3 3 5 3 3 8 3 5 School or university 3 6 4 4 3 Events Other 6 0 3 Don't know 8 5 0 7 6 4 5 6 8 8 Rural 7

Sources of Information about Biodiversity such as Threats, Losses etc Total BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS IRELAND GLOBAL Heard & Know Heard & Don t know Never Heard Serious Not Serious Serious Base: 006 84 95 57 639 0 773 46 Not Serious Television news and documentaries 54 53 6 5 55 65 56 59 Newspapers & magazines 3 37 4 5 35 30 35 3 Internet 8 3 7 8 3 5 3 8 Radio 4 7 6 4 4 6 Publications/books/brochures 7 0 6 7 9 4 8 Family/friends 3 5 3 3 4 3 School or university 3 6 4 3 3 Events 3 0 0 Other 3 Don't know 8 3 3 5 7 5 9 7

Personally Make an Effort to Protect Biodiversity All Adults 6+ 007 00 EU Average Ireland Ireland 7 Yes I do 34 4 Yes, but I would like to do even more 33 7 7 3 No, because I do not know what to do No, for other reasons 5 0 6 No significant change in Irish awareness versus 007. 007 Data Source Flash EuroBarometer No. 9 73

Personally Make an Effort to Protect Biodiversity GENDER AGE Total Male Female U5 5-34 35-49 50-64 65+ 6 Yes I do 4 3 5 3 8 5 7 6 Yes, but I would like to do even more 7 8 6 8 30 7 9 No, because I do not know what to do No, for other reasons 3 3 3 4 30 7 33 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 0 9 8 7 74

Personally Make an Effort to Protect Biodiversity CLASS REGION AREA Total ABC CDE F* Dublin LeinsterMunster Conn/ Urban Rural Uls 6 Yes I do 4 5 4 4 8 33 7 Yes, but I would like to do even more 7 3 3 7 35 3 7 7 6 No, because I do not know what to do 3 8 34 34 7 33 40 4 3 3 No, for other reasons 5 4 6 4 3 7 5 9 4 8 5 4 4 4 0 * Caution low base 75

Personally Make an Effort to Protect Biodiversity BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS Total Heard & Heard & Never Know Heard IRELAND Serious Not Serious GLOBAL Serious Not Serious Yes I do Yes, but I would like to do even more No, because I do not know what to do No, for other reasons 4 7 3 5 45 39 0 4 9 0 35 37 5 5 8 36 6 9 3 34 3 3 47 8 6 33 7 6 4 4 7 8 9 34 7 4 76

Profile of Respondents - Biodiversity SEX TOTAL Heard & Know BIODIVERSITY Heard & Don t know Never Heard Male 49 60 53 44 Female 5 40 47 56 AGE U5 7 0 7 5-34 4 0 3 35-49 7 33 7 5 50-64 9 0 8 65+ 4 7 SOCIAL CLASS ABC 4 55 5 3 CDE 5 37 39 6 F 8 8 0 7 REGION Dublin 8 5 3 7 Leinster 6 3 5 Munster 8 6 3 Conn/Ulster 8 6 5 7 AREA Urban 6 55 58 65 Rural 39 45 4 35 77

Profile of Respondents People Making Effort SEX TOTAL PEOPLE MAKING EFFORT Yes No Male 49 49 50 49 Female 5 5 50 5 AGE U5 7 4 6 5-34 3 5 35-49 7 3 4 3 50-64 9 0 0 5 65+ 4 3 4 SOCIAL CLASS ABC 4 46 37 36 CDE 5 46 56 55 F 8 8 8 8 REGION Dublin 8 3 6 9 Leinster 6 7 7 3 Munster 8 33 4 Conn/Ulster 8 4 6 AREA Urban 6 59 6 68 Rural 39 4 39 3 78

Key Findings J.385 79

Key Findings. Awareness of Biodiversity and Impact of its Loss There is no real changes in awareness of biodiversity since 007 awareness is broadly steady across demographics A significant shift has occurred in how loss of biodiversity is interpreted: Climate change is now very strongly associated with the term (6 30) In addition, Ireland having been below the EU7 average in 007 in terms of associating various issues as connected to loss of biodiversity have seen a significant improvement, with Ireland now on par with the EU7 average: Certain animals/plants becoming endangered Decline in natural habitats Loss of natural heritage And Ireland has in fact moved ahead of the EU7 007 average on: Forests will disappear Problems with clean air/water/emissions 80

Key Findings Only two in ten Irish people feel they are well informed about the loss of biodiversity; no change versus 007, which is well short of the EU average of just under four in ten. In terms of attitudes to biodiversity there is increased agreement versus 007, on the economic impact with decreased agreement on softer, recreational issues this could suggest that the softer side of biodiversity was a boomtime luxury, but in our challenging economic environment, this is not longer as relevant. When considering the extent to which loss of biodiversity is a problem or not, there is a marginal increase in those who feel there is a very serious problem (8 3). On the global issue, there is actually a decrease in those who rate it as a very serious problem, evidence of the sense that there are greater global concerns at present (69 59). In terms of impact of loss of biodiversity, the proportion claiming to be already affected is steady ( 3), but there is an increase in those who expect to be affected (3 36). 8

Key Findings When asked which species they feel are endangered in Ireland, half of all adults say they don t know. Birds generally register highest at followed by fish 9, squirrel 9, foxes 5, badgers 5, eagles 4, wildlife/animals generall6 4, corncrakes 4 and flowers/plants/greenery generally also at 4. Air/water pollution (6) and climate change (3) are considered to be the greatest threats to biodiversity, with no change since 007.. Awareness of Organisations There is a marginal increase in awareness of Natura 000 Network (5 ). Looking at awareness levels across the various organisations, National Parks and Wildlife Service registers highest at 49 aware and familiar with what they do, Heritage Week and the Heritage Council perform reasonably well at 33 and 5 respectively. 3. Demographic Analysis Across the data set, age, region and area have the most significant influence on attitudes, 35-49s are typically most engaged with the issue, Dubliners are concerned, while Connaught/Ulster acknowledge the impact of biodiversity loss. 8

Thank you 83