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Rachael Salik
time period the Irish population was devastated due to issues with biodiversity. The figure
below gives more information about the potato famine. This is a prime example of how
biodiversity and cultural diversity are intertwined with one another. There were threats to
biodiversity in the 1800s and as a result Ireland began to lose a major crop that the
country heavily relied on. Without this crop Irelands population suffered and
consequently so did their culture.
Biodiversity also plays a major role in the world of tourism in Ireland. This is a
country with a lush landscape and a variety of ecosystems that are host to many different
species of plants, animals, and other forms of life. These unique environments attract
both local and international tourists, which brings in revenue for Ireland. In 2013 tourism
had a revenue of about 5.7 billion in Ireland, which is roughly around 6 billion US
dollars (Tourism). Below is a map of Ireland that shows various refugees, national parks,
and reservations all of which may attract tourists.
Rachael Salik
One part of Irish culture that is fairly well known around the world is St. Patricks
Day. This well-known day and Irish holiday may never have happened without
biodiversity. The legend behind this famous day is that snakes invaded Ireland and St.
Patrick was the one to drive the snakes into the sea, saving Ireland and so in
commemoration of this heroic act a holiday was formed to recognize St. Patrick
(ORaifeartaigh). These snakes were present in Ireland due to biodiversity and so this
cultural legend and custom formed as a result of this factor of biodiversity.
Rachael Salik
There are multitudes of ways in which cultural diversity and biodiversity are
intertwined. From customs to legends, and tourism to food the connections are endless.
In order to have biodiversity cultural diversity is also needed. These two types of
diversity, as different as they may seem, heavily coincide with one another. In addition,
they both reciprocate the positives and negatives effects of their partner.
Rachael Salik
Sources
Biodiversity in Ireland. (n.d.). Retrieved April 9, 2015, from
http://www.greenschoolsireland.org/biodiversity/biodiversity-in-ireland.366.html
Kennedy, S. (n.d.). Loss of Biodiversity Infographic. Retrieved April 9, 2015, from
http://www.distancelearning.org/resources/loss-of-biodiversity-infographic/
Lucey, J., & Doris, Y. (n.d.). Retrieved April 9, 2015, from
http://epa.ie/pubs/reports/biodiversity/EPA_Biodiversity.pdf
O'Raifeartaigh, T. (n.d.). Saint Patrick. Retrieved April 9, 2015, from
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/446636/Saint-Patrick
Tourism. (n.d.). Retrieved April 9, 2015, from http://www.dttas.ie/tourism