UCD takes ecological lead as Ireland’s marine ecosystems get €25m to protect biodiversity
Posted 16 October, 2024
Professor Tasman Crowe, UCD Vice President for Sustainability, and Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD Credit: Maxwell Photography
University College Dublin will lead the ecological aspects of a new €25m initiative focused on conserving and restoring the biodiversity of Ireland’s marine ecosystems.
The LIFE project aims to develop a comprehensive network of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) across the country, and is a part of wider efforts to strengthen Ireland’s resilience against climate change.
It is a collaboration between the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and three research partners from the third-level sector.
A proven tool to protect marine wildlife and aid ecosystem restoration, Ireland is committed to having 30% MPA coverage by 2030, in line with the Programme for Government, EU strategy and related UN framework. Currently 10% of Irish waters are designated as protected areas.
UCD will lead on the ecological aspects of the project, in collaboration with the University of Galway.
Speaking at the launch of LIFE, Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, said the project comes as “significant progress” has been made on the long-awaited MPA Bill, which will establish a legal framework for the creation and management of the conservation areas.
“It is essential that the process of identifying and managing MPAs is evidence based and transparent and involves proper engagement with stakeholders as well as experts, so that the full range of perspectives and knowledge can be taken into account and to help foster a proper sense of shared stewardship,” said (opens in a new window)Professor Tasman Crowe, UCD’s Vice President for Sustainability, who led the advisory group that reported to government as it devised the Bill.
“Ireland has a significant opportunity to make very impactful changes to protect and restore precious marine ecosystems and enable them to thrive. The changes will need to be carefully designed to ensure that they are effective and that the benefits and costs are shared as fairly as possible.”
He added the MPA network needs to both draw on and shape international best practice to maximise environmental benefits and ensure the equitable distribution of socio-economic benefits and costs.
Minister Noonan expressed his belief that Ireland needed “a comprehensive and modern process for the designation and effective management of Marine Protected Areas”.
“That is why we have been working on a Bill that will combine robust strategic targets for marine environmental protection with real and meaningful stakeholder and public participation.
“Given the significant - and much needed - change that is envisaged by this Bill, the process towards publishing it has become protracted but we absolutely have to get the legal framework right if we are to have a final piece of legislation which will be a game changer for marine protection.
“I truly believe that with the huge investment of time and effort in this to date - by my Department, other Government Departments and the Attorney General’s Office – we already have the firm foundations for a truly remarkable Bill and I hope to have the final draft published by the end of the year,” he continued.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations (with materials from Patrice Harrington, (opens in a new window)UCD Sustainability)
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
