Ireland’s “blue economy” and the opportunities for Gaeltacht communities will be debated at a marine “webinar” hosted by State agency Udarás na Gaeltachta on Thursday to mark world maritime day.
Offshore renewable energy, standards for sustainable harvesting of both wild and farmed seaweed, and how to secure added value from same are among themes which will be discussed at the Lá Mara “webinar”.
A third-generation lobster fisherman and climate scientist will outline how community, culture, the coast and climate change have equal importance on the infamous islands of Maine, USA, in “crafting a roadmap for further developing Maine’s economy”.
Hosted by Údarás na Gaeltachta, Lá Mara is in its second year, following its first such event at Páirc na Mara in Cill Chiaráin, south Connemara, in 2019.
The State agency says that “uncertain times have brought into sharp focus the importance of the marine industry and its vital role for Irish and Gaeltacht communities”.
“The sustainability of vital natural resources that have sustained and nourished Irish communities deserve significant attention and innovation. Within one generation, life on the coast of Ireland has changed from not just nourishing a household but to one that can generate a decent living and a thriving and sustainable business,” it says.
The webinar will be held on Thursday, September 24th 2020 from 12.00 – 16.30 and those who wish to attend can register here
