Climate and Environment boost ahead of COP26
One million Dublin inner-city bees, small forests planted at Kildare Fire Stations, Solar powered bikes in Mayo, increased advocacy on climate as well as top level research into fuel poverty are among a range of climate and biodiversity projects going ahead because of an anonymous donation.
The Community Foundation for Ireland is confirming the funding for communities, campaigners and researchers responding to the crisis in both climate and biodiversity. Confirmation of the plans come as world-leaders gather for COP-26 in Glasgow.
Overall funding of €217,000 is being made available by the donor through The Foundation which has a strong focus on providing support to communities working on promoting the circular economy as well as the protection of local biodiversity.
The grants are being made under three themes:
· Environmental Education and Empowerment
· Establishing Strong Roots
· Shaping a Brighter Future
Seven projects are going ahead as a result of the funding.
Bee-8 at the Robert Emmett Inner City CDP plans to manage a million new bees in the Liberties area of Dublin with support for 20 new hives as well as training for volunteers and employment of beekeepers. This new investment will see a doubling of existing hives which are currently in place at 12 locations across the community. Sustainable funding will be maintained through the production and sale of honey.
Pocket Forests working with local fire-fighters are planting small forests at five fire stations in Co Kildare. Intended as a gesture of thanks for first responders during the Covid-19 Pandemic as well as forest and bush fires. The healing properties of healthy green spaces have been proven to help with stressful work such as responding to accidents and fires and will create sanctuary spaces for frontline responders.
Mulranny, Co Mayo is developing an e-bike scheme which will be powered by solar panels placed on the local tourism office. For use by locals and visitors a like the scheme will be both innovative and sustainable.
The ESRI in partnership with The Community Foundation for Ireland is to carry out extensive research on fuel poverty. The Economic and Social Research Institute will conduct research into fuel poverty, its causes and effects.
Friends of the Earth and Stop Climate Chaos Ireland will form a new advocacy alliance which aims to provide briefings and analysis as the Government progresses the Climate Action Plan. Both organisations will also be engaging with key actors regarding the design of the carbon budgets and facilitating a broad civil society response to Government proposals.
Community Law and Mediation is developing an Environmental Justice project working with communities and support groups. Workshops, training as well as legal support for those experiencing disadvantage will be provided to ensure the protection and vindication of environmental rights including jobs, food & energy costs, housing, and health.
The Irish Environmental Network is being supported to improve the capacity and ability of its members in terms of collaborations, advocacy and communications.
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland, announcing the partnerships said:
“The Climate and Biodiversity emergencies are the biggest challenges we face. These grants cover a broad range of initiatives working at both a national and community level. We are seeing local areas undertaking very tangible projects which will have impact. In addition to local projects delivering tangible results for local people we will see real contributions to the national debate on how we respond to the challenges before us.
In terms of advocacy and research we will see significant bodies of work undertaken to ensure that all voices are heard and contribute to our response as a country. We look forward to seeing the results.”
ENDS