This project is dedicated to empowering local communities across Ireland’s magnificent coastline to actively engage in and contribute to coastal protection and climate adaptation strategies.
With a focus on the sustainable use of beaches and dunes, our goal is to equip community leaders and groups with the essential knowledge and skills needed to mitigate climate change impacts and enhance the resilience of our coastal environments.
This goal will be achieved through the development and delivery of a toolkit and educational workshops aimed at enhancing community knowledge and skills. These efforts are directed towards enabling communities to take proactive and informed actions in response to the various challenges posed by climate change.
The project specifically focuses on training community groups and leaders on how best to utilize beaches and dunes as a form of coastal protection. The approach involves hands-on learning, providing participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve and maintain their local beach-dune habitats. This initiative is seen as a resilient, long-term solution to the problems of coastal flooding and erosion.
Leave No Trace Ireland is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor practices. With a focus on education and advocacy, the organization works towards preserving natural landscapes and minimizing human impact on the environment. Their commitment to environmental stewardship makes them an ideal leader for this project.
The Atlantic Seaboard North Climate Action Regional Office is a key entity in coordinating and implementing local government responses to climate change in the northwest region of Ireland. They play a crucial role in bringing together diverse stakeholders and driving forward regional climate action plans, emphasizing adaptation strategies and community resilience.
The Geography Dept. at the University of Galway has two coastal geomorphologists [Dr Kevin Lynch and Dr Eugene Farrell] with comprehensive expertise in sand dunes, who work with stakeholders at all levels to ensure these natural resources are utilised in a sustainable way.
The Geography Dept. offer a range of BA and BSc programmes that reflect contemporary societal challenges: sustainability, climate change, natural resource management, urban and rural development, and geopolitics. It delivers the master’s level programmes: MSc in Marine and Coastal Environments, MA in Environment, Society and Development, and MA in Rural Futures Planning.
The MSLETB offers a range of educational services and training programs in the Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim areas. Their involvement ensures that the project’s training and educational components are accessible, comprehensive, and tailored to the needs of local communities. Their expertise in adult education and community development is invaluable in fostering community engagement and skill development.
Beaches & Dunes
Leave No Trace Ireland
Castlebar Street, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 KD63
Tel: +353 (0) 1 9059009
Email: [email protected]
The Community Climate Action Programme: Climate Education, Capacity Building and Learning by Doing (Strand 2) is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Environment Climate and Communications.
