Ireland's leading environmental NGOs and networks coalition, Fair Seas, has welcomed the announcement of €25 million in new funding for the protection of Irish seas. The European Commission has allocated €15 million, which is matched by €10 million from the government, to support the implementation of the EU's environmental and climate ambitions under the European Green Deal. These funds are part of a €233 million strategic investment to mobilise substantial additional funds from other EU sources, national governments and private sector investment.
Fair Seas has been campaigning for the protection of 30% of the seas around Ireland by 2030, including an EU Biodiversity Strategy recommended target of 10% strict protection. The coalition's coordinator, Dr. Donal Griffin, welcomed the funding and said, "At a time when the focus of legislators and civil society is on getting the Marine Protected Areas Bill published in the Dáil as soon as possible, it's an important reminder that without adequate resources the forthcoming Bill won’t achieve what we need it to achieve."
Dr Griffin was recently interviewed about the effects of government plans for marine protection on watersports by Afloat here
Dr. Griffin added, "We estimate that overall, €55 million is needed to deliver a network of objective-driven, well-managed, monitored and enforced MPAs. Therefore, securing almost half of this resource in early 2024 is highly encouraging."
Fair Seas published the first Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Finance Report in Europe last year, highlighting the cost to conserve and restore vital marine ecosystems. The report estimates that €55 million is required to adequately fund MPA designation and ongoing management until 2030.
Emma Armshaw, Marine And Coastal Policy Officer with the Sustainable Water Network, spoke on behalf of the Fair Seas Coalition and said, "A strong and ambitious MPA law that is well implemented is an incredibly important contribution to achieving the state's biodiversity targets and delivering healthy seas. Therefore, protecting our marine environment properly is a double win, especially as we are in the midst of a twin biodiversity and climate crises. But time is running out, we need a strong and ambitious MPA law as soon as possible."
A Puffin with a loaded, colorful beak with half a dozen fish to feed her chick Photo: Peter Loughlin
The MPA legislation was expected to be introduced before the Dáil summer recess in July 2023 and again before the end of 2023, but both targets were missed. The latest update from the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform confirmed that drafting is at an advanced stage and is expected to be ready for publication this quarter.
The funding awarded to these twelve strategic projects will support Bulgaria, Czechia, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Lithuania, Austria, Poland and Finland to reach their national environmental and climate targets as they ramp up their contributions to the EU's green transition.
For more information about Fair Seas here
