This is the data hub for the Data 4 Nature workshop, organised and hosted by Natural Capital Ireland on May 11th, 2021. Thanks to the 100+ attendees who joined us in taking a closer look at the state-of-play for nature-related data in Ireland.

​

Two examples of challenges faced in collating, accessing, analysing and formatting data for nature research included:

• Data analyst Lisa Coleman of INCASE is working with over 200 datasets from different agencies in order to accurately map the various forms of natural capital we find at catchment level in Ireland.

• The Demeter project has over 60 European partners with 6,000 farmers working on a project to bring the agri-food sector through the rapid adoption of data science and smart farming for long-term viability and sustainability.

 

The workshop was funded under the Open Data Engagement Fund of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with additional funding from the Office of Public Works.

​

As a final output, a report was produced for the Minister for State with Responsibility for Communications Ossian Smyth that provides recommendations for improving the availability, accuracy, usability, accessibility, reproducibility and discoverability of data to support nature research and conservation.
 

5 key recommendations are:

• Develop one central dashboard for Irish nature data

•  Establish robust data gathering protocols

• Harmonise formats

• Publicise and promote

• Ensure open & equal access for all 

​

Click below to read the final report: