Some more good news for nature today as I announced more than €450,000 funding for local community groups under the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 2024. This scheme will support 36 innovative, pioneering projects for nature led by local community groups and organisations across Ireland.
Led by the National Parks & Wildlife Service in my department in collaboration with local community groups, the PNCES supports initiatives for the conservation and revitalisation of Natura 2000 Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas as well as all peatland areas. Peatlands act as the primary reservoir of carbon in the Irish landscape and hold a pivotal role in Ireland's endeavours to combat climate change. Restoring peatlands also improves biodiversity, water quality and flood mitigation.
The scheme draws on the local community’s deep connection with our natural heritage, empowering them to safeguard our precious ecosystems. I was really impressed by the diverse and creative initiatives put forward by such active community and volunteer groups and environmental organisations.
Projects to benefit from this funding in 2024 span 16 counties across Ireland and include local projects such as winterage events in Galway, sand dune restoration in Waterford and seabird monitoring in Clare along with two nationwide projects. More details including a full list of projects can be found here.
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