Rewarding Experience for Young People in Loughs Agency’s Foyle & Carlingford Summer Ambassador Programme

20th August 2023

Young Ambassadors investigate the freshwater ecosystem at Ness Country Park in July Credit: Loughs Agency

The Foyle & Carlingford Ambassador Programme took place across the Foyle Catchment area throughout the month of July.

Young Ambassadors attended a series of educational workshops, reviewed natural environments and studied environmental preservation techniques.

This highly rewarding experience brought lots of wonderful memories, with Ambassadors developing their self-confidence, overcoming fears and, most importantly, creating new connections and friendships.

The series of events in the programme included an introductory workshop at the Everglades Hotel followed by a boat trip on the River Foyle; an angling CAST Taster with the Foyle River catchment Outdoor Group (FROG) at Ballyheather Fishery; a river habitat study and eco-fishing demonstration at Ness Country Park; an exploration of marine biodiversity at Culdaff Beach in Donegal; and a day of surfing with the Long Line Surf School at Benone Beach in Donegal.

To gain the John Muir Discovery Award, Ambassadors must complete four challenges — discover a wild place; explore its wilderness; conserve and take responsibility; and share your experiences — and document them throughout the programme.

One participant shared the following: “I shared my experiences with my family when I got home by describing in detail what I did and learned that day! I LOVE the outdoors. I want to help preserve it so that future generations can experience it too!”

The Loughs Agency gives a huge thank you to all staff who helped with preparation and delivery of the programme.

Published in Loughs Agency, Environment

Published in Loughs Agency

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.