Displaying items by tag: Duncan Stewart

2nd April 2022

Corrib Beo Community Partnership Hosts First TY "Ecoadvocates" Field Trip in the West

Community partnership Corrib Beo has initiated a series of educational field trips as part of its mission to promote the sustainable development of the Lough Corrib catchment in the west.

Transition year (TY) students from Coláiste Iognáid participated in the first such field trip with architect, environmentalist and broadcaster Duncan Stewart.

The TY course, named Eco Advocates, is an initiative of EcoEd4All, the environmental pillar of Corrib Beo.

Corrib Beo is a coalition of communities, environmentalists and voluntary groups dedicated to the care protection and sustainable development of the Corrib, its catchment landscapes, rivers and canals.

During the first field trip, the Coláiste Iognáid students joined Stewart and Eco Advocate course leader Jen Cunningham on the banks of the waterway, where Stewart discussed the importance of engaging with the key environmental themes of biodiversity, climate change, circular economy and water/air Pollution.

A water quality sampling session was led by Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology marine biology students, Molly Curran and Joseph Donnelly.

Galway National City Park founder Brendan ‘Speedie’ Smith, who is a committee member and content contributor to EcoEd4All, also spoke to students about the importance of the circular economy and the Galway National Park City initiative.

All school enquiries for TY bookings on the EcoAdvocate scheme should email [email protected] or phone 087 7660818.

Published in Marine Science

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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.