An Gairdín Beo in Carlow Hosts 'Earth Charter' Event

SWIFTS are considered an endangered species in Ireland, so when they swooped around An Gairdin Beo during a recent community gathering, it was a stark reminder of the impact that people have on the environment.

The gathering, organised by County Carlow Environmental Network (CCEN), introduced the Earth Charter, a framework for putting nature first and creating social justice and global peace.

Cathy Fitzgerald introduces the 'Earth Charter' in An Gairdín Beo

Conor Graham of Energy Art Ireland baked pizzas for a large group as Dan McInerney and Sr Mary Carmody, long-time environmental activists and founders of An Gairdin Beo, gave a guided tour of the cosmic walk, a special area of the garden that explains the universe.

When Cathy Fitzgerald, founder of Haumea Ecoversity, opened the talk on the Earth Charter, two of her collaborations stood out. Irish artist Phoebe Cope translated the children’s version of the charter into Irish for her own children, and Angelina Foster of Blueway Art Studio helped with the Earth Charter’s framework.

A keynote speaker at the event was Peter Blaze Corcoran, Professor Emeritus of Florida Gulf Coast University and founder-director of the Center for Environmental and Sustainability Education.

The Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s Carlow branch was also present, sharing information on how to support efforts to stop the genocide in Gaza. They hold vigils every Tuesday night at Potato Market.

According to the source: carlow-nationalist.ie.