The Community Wetlands Forum (CWF) CLG, is holding a workshop to explore land access for community wetland projects in the Íontas Theatre, Castleblayney, on Thursday 27th June. The workshop which begins at 11am, will explore the role of accessing land in enabling community groups to undertake projects to conserve and manage wetlands. All are welcome to attend, especially existing community groups and landowners with an interest in community projects to protect and promote wetlands.
Attendees will hear from members of the Community Wetlands Forum who own sites, have successfully negotiated leases with landowners, and others who have successful collaborative arrangements with local farmers and landowners. It will also hear from those who have faced challenges and barriers when seeking to purchase, or obtain access to sites to further conservation objectives.
As well as members of the CWF, the workshop will hear the perspectives of academics, NGOs and semi-states working in the space. There will also be a group discussion where attendees will be asked to collectively and collaboratively identify and address challenges and opportunities for a community focused model of land access and stewardship for wetland conservation.
According to CWF Development Officer, Mícheál Callaghan, “Without access to land, whether it be community ownership, a lease or an informal collaborative arrangement with an existing landowner, community wetland conservation projects can’t happen. Ensuring communities are empowered to undertake conservation, management and stewardship of wetlands is a crucial part of the jigsaw needed to protect these important habitats.” Callaghan added that, “there is huge potential for community groups to partner with landowners on a win win basis, and this is something we will be exploring on the day”.
There will be a light lunch provided. After the workshop attendees will be guided on a biodiverstiy walk of Lough Muckno park by local community group, Friends of Lough Muckno. To register or find out more go to the eventbrite page here, or e-mail [email protected]
