Efforts in to promote and protect local plants and wildlife in Seafield has received a boost with support for a Biodiversity Action Plan.
Seafield Conservation Forum will work with experts, the local community and land-owners to implement actions which not only respond to the biodiversity emergency – but will also provide a template to help protect the natural resource of Seafield Sand Dunes for people of all ages.
With the new support Seafield Conservation Forum is developing a Community Biodiversity Action Plan for Seafield Sand Dunes and will organise a Nature Day post the development of the plan to help share its contents with the wider community.
The project is being support by a unique partnership between Government and Philanthropy with funding being provided to communities across the country from donors to Community Foundation Ireland as well as the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Over the past three-years more than 200 communities have been supported to take action.
Welcoming the announcement Caroline Egan, Co-Moderator of Seafield Conservation Forum said: “Seafield Sand Dunes has been a haven for bird life and an abundance of nature for millennia. Given the biodiversity and climate crisis that threatens unique sand dune habitats, we are delighted to receive funding support to bring on board the necessary expertise to help us protect nature in the Seafield area. The sand dune system has protected our homes and community from coastal flooding all these years.
It’s our turn to find ways to help the sand dune system to withstand the coastal erosion and biodiversity challenges ahead. The funding awarded by Community Foundation Ireland to develop a Community Biodiversity Action Plan is very much appreciated. It will provide us with the blueprint we need to protect Seafield Sand Dunes into the future.”
Congratulating Seafield Conservation Forum Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, said: “These grants are uniquely impactful because they connect community groups with scientific expertise, helping them to better understand their local biodiversity. Successful grantees work with ecologists to create a Community Biodiversity Action Plan and can then seek funding to implement it. All of the data they collect is shared with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, making a valuable contribution to citizen science in Ireland.
“This partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Ireland began as a ‘Seed for Nature’ at the 2019 National Biodiversity Conference, so it’s particularly special to see it flourish and deliver so much impact all across the country, with 213 Action Plans in place and more to come.”
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added: “This is a pioneering partnership between Government and philanthropy which has provided leadership in responding to the biodiversity emergency. While the challenge is great, what is hugely encouraging is the interest, energy, and enthusiasm of the full spectrum of local groups now taking action to protect our plants and wildlife. On behalf of our private donors, I wish each group every success in their continued efforts.”
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service added: “NPWS is delighted to partner with Community Foundation Ireland on the Biodiversity Fund and to support the work of community groups in restoring and protecting nature in their local area. Science and expertise can guide us but must be translated into action by and with local communities.”