New Beaches & Dunes Forum to Strengthen Coastal Conservation Efforts

The Beaches & Dunes Forum will officially launch at the 3rd Annual Sand Dune Gathering this Saturday, 17th May 2025, in Galway and is inviting members to join its mission to protect Ireland’s coastal landscapes.

Developed from the 2024 Beaches and Dunes Climate Adaptation Project and the Protect Our Dunes Campaign, the Forum aims to enhance collaboration, share knowledge, and develop projects to safeguard Ireland’s fragile dune systems. Key partners include the Atlantic Seaboard North Climate Action Regional Office (CARO), Leave No Trace Ireland, University of Galway’s Department of Geography, LIFE on Machair, and the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, working alongside Clean Coasts a Accelerating Change Together (ACT).

Centred around Dunes.ie, the Forum will provide a national platform for networking, climate education, research, and best practice into nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. With a strategic, collaborative approach, it will unite stakeholders to ensure the long-term protection of Ireland’s beaches and dune ecosystems.