To celebrate Bioeconomy Ireland Week, the Marine Institute is collaborating with 26 county librarians across the country to highlight the opportunities and solutions provided by the blue bioeconomy and its development in Ireland. Expert talks, workshops for primary school students and visual displays will take place at selected branches between the 14^th and 20^th October 2024.

The blue bioeconomy refers to the sustainable use of aquatic resources from sectors such as fisheries, seaweed harvesting, and aquaculture to make products such as food, bio-based materials, and energy. It is a growing area that is key to supporting employment and business opportunities in coastal communities, transitioning to climate neutrality, enhancing food security, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute said, “Bioeconomy Ireland Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of the bioeconomy, its relevance to communities and the diversity of solutions it provides. Through our national library campaign, the Marine Institute aims to increase understating of how marine and other resources can be sustainably harnessed to benefit local communities and the environment.”

The library campaign will deliver a range of activities including: 

• Expert talks: Specialists from the Marine Institute, other state agencies and local authorities, universities, businesses and community groups will present talks on a range of topics. For details on the expert talks visit https://arcg.is/0rinOy0 
• Primary school student workshops: The Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme will deliver hands-on blue bioeconomy workshops for primary school students in selected libraries on Friday 18^th October. Students will learn about the bioeconomy, marine resources and bio-based solutions. One public workshop will be held in Ballina, Co. Mayo on Saturday 19th October for children 8 - 12 years of age. 
• Book and digital displays: Books related to the bioeconomy and blue bioeconomy will be featured and accompanying digital displays will provide visual insights into the bioeconomy. 
• Family-friendly resources: The Marine Institute’s Children’s Activity Book, Seaweed Identification book (via Irish Seaweed Consultancy), fact postcards, maps and bookmarks have been distributed to 26 libraries to help foster awareness and engagement.

Bioeconomy Ireland Week is led by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, supported by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, state agencies and other bioeconomy stakeholders across Ireland. Running from the 14^th – 20^th October 2024, the week of events offers a unique platform to showcase how biobased solutions can drive environmental and economic sustainability across a range of sectors including fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, and agriculture.

Visit www.irishbioeconomy.ie for the programme of events and follow #IrishBioeconomy and #BIW2024 online.•

Visit https://arcg.is/0rinOy0 for more information on expert talks and workshops. This StoryMap was designed by Dr Jesko Zimmermann, Department of Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Teagasc Ashtown Research Centre.

For further details contact:
Sheila Byrnes, Communications, Marine Institute. [email protected] M +353 (0)87 815 5271
Sinéad Coyne, Communications, Marine Institute. [email protected] M +353 (0)87 947 7090

About the Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders and users.