A national event to address the severe threats facing our coastal dunes is set to take place in Sligo next week.

The event will be held at the National Surf Centre in Sligo on Tuesday, 25th June between 9:30am and 3:30pm is organized by Leave No Trace Ireland, the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO), the University of Galway, and the Mayo Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB).

It marks the first time that government agencies, local community groups, national environmental organizations, academics, and local councils will come together to address the severe threats facing out coastal dunes due to amenity pressures, climate change and the need to protect our coastline from flooding and erosion.

Dr. Kevin Lynch from the University of Galway said: “After the pandemic, local community groups felt particularly isolated in trying to save their local sand dunes. We have been working to connect them with local and national agencies responsible for managing our coast,”

Over the past few months more than 100 people took part in five training events, held over two-day workshops in Donegal, Sligo, Donegal, Mayo and Galway. These training events included both classroom sessions, diving into topics such as coastal erosion, Sand dune systems, and how local communities can take action to save their dunes, as well as practical activities, such as marram grass planting and chestnut fencing.

 “Sand dunes give us so much for free: protection from coastal storms, grazing land for over-wintering livestock, recreational amenity and incredible biodiversity. It is all these shared values that can sometimes prevent any single authority from taking effective action to ensure the health of our dune systems. Therefore, getting everyone together in this sort of positive problem-solving event is essential, and urgently needed.” Dr Lynch added.

Rachel Shawe, Leave No Trace Ireland said: “Irish beaches and dunes have become so popular that they are being put under tremendous pressure. Where beaches can take a lot of coming and going, dunes are much more fragile. The tough plants that bind dunes in place are not suited to being walked on and die back quickly with human trampling. The sand is then free to be blown away.”

“In the past, some may have thought sand dunes were just nice places for the plants and animals.  There is a growing realization they can be a big part of our fight against climate change and storm impacts. Coastal dunes are an excellent, flexible coastal protection,” she added.

The event will also be an opportunity for course participants and community members to discuss the achievements and learnings from the project.

Sue O Toole from CARO (Climate Action Regional Offices) commented: “Participants can look forward to a range of expert speakers and presentations covering various aspects of coastal environment protection. The event will conclude with a field trip to a local beach, allowing participants to observe and discuss practical applications of the project’s teachings.”

Spaces for this event are limited, and prior registration is required.

For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/training-event/world-sand-dune-day-25th-june-2024/

Ends

Media Contact: Julie Carr: T: 089 205 6760 [email protected]

Ireland’s only outdoor ethics programme, which promotes the responsible use of the outdoors. Through education, research and partnerships, Leave No Trace Ireland enables and supports individuals, communities, organisations, and companies in reducing the environmental impact of outdoor activities.

The University of Galway is a public research university located in the city of Galway, Ireland.

The Climate Action Regional Offices (CARO)

The mission of the Climate Action Regional Offices is to coordinate and support local government to lead transformative change and measurable climate action across our cities and counties.

Pobal works on behalf of Government, with communities and local agencies, to support social inclusion and local and community development.

Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board is the leading provider of education and training in the region, delivering educational services to children, young people, and adults through our Further Education and Training Centres, Youthreach Centres and Training Centres.

Education for Sustainability is a nonprofit social enterprise aimed at increasing climate literacy and fostering behaviour change in Ireland.