Special message from Mary Robinson on our marvellous meet-up for Earth Day

Watch the inspiring video from Mary Robinson recorded specially for our Cork screening of a new documentary about the life and work of the former President and an extraordinary campaigner for climate justice and human rights.

Thanks to all who joined us at Nano Nagle Place on April 22 for a watch party of the Mrs Robinson film by Irish director Aoife Kelleher, followed by a lively panel discussion and Q&A on the work and legacy of Mary Robinson, with Laura Cook who works closely on the climate justice project Project Dandelion with Mary, and Theo Dillon of co-organisers The Environmental Forum joining NCI Executive Coordinator Deirdre Lane.

They shared their thoughts on the hot topic of where we go from here to spread the word on climate and biodiversity loss in a hopeful way, one that can bring together different people and sectors to work as one, something we have always aimed for at Natural Capital Ireland, since the natural capital approach can provide a common language and framework to demonstrate the value of nature to all.

Thanks to the attendees who wrote thoughts and messages for Mary including Cork's Lord Mayor Dan Boyle. Thanks also to My Goodness Food for their scrumptious clean-eating treats. Below is a gallery of snaps from a brilliant event, where you'll see us pinning the dandelion badge on our guests as a way of 'deputising' them into sharing the word on nature and climate action far and wide, much as dandelion seeds spread.

In her special recorded message for our guests, above, Mary said: "Thank you for spending an evening not just watching the film about my life but also thinking about how we can move forward together and with hope. I want in particular to thank The Environment Forum and Natural Capital Ireland for hosting this special project online screening of Mrs. Robinson...

"We really have very serious climate and nature crisis and it's slipping off the agenda - we need to make sure it gets put back front and centre. Alongside this challenge is an opportunity to act, to connect to be part of a global community and a family of people committed to what is needed to give us a safe future for our children and grandchildren."

A gallery of images from the event - the first, Project Dandelion's Laura Cook & NCI's Deirdre Lane

Mary added: "At Project Dandelion, we like to say that we're useful nuisances and I want all of you who have been pinned this evening with that lovely dandelion to feel that you are also useful nuisances and commit to wear your pin with pride - a sign of your commitment to climate conversations in your communities."

As Environmental Forum's Bernie Connolly commented afterwards: "We pinned dandelions and committed to all being 'Useful Nuisances' (some of us definitely already are) - using our power in whatever way we can for a safer climate and to look after nature."

Don't forget our next NCI public event is coming up on International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22, in Maynooth University with Dr Maria Fitzpatrick and Deidre Lane hosting an interactive talk on the natural capital approach for biodiversity - info HERE.

We'll also be hosting a panel and stand at the annual Mary Robinson Climate & Nature Conference 'Courage in Crisis' in Ballina, Co Mayo, on May 26-27. More info here.