An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, has unveiled the resounding success of its groundbreaking Legacy4Life programme, which has surpassed all expectations in its mission to promote organic farming and environmental stewardship across the Emerald Isle. The two-year initiative, generously co-funded by the EU LIFE Programme, the European Climate Foundation, and the government's Climate Action Fund, has yielded remarkable results, as detailed in the organization's final report published on Tuesday, June 11.
The Legacy4Life programme, which commenced in 2021, encompassed three distinct projects aimed at enhancing biodiversity, safeguarding the environment, and advancing climate mitigation efforts. These projects focused on promoting ponds as reservoirs of biodiversity, advancing the EU Farm to Fork strategy, and developing low carbon town plans. Each project has made significant contributions to Ireland's natural environment, fostering ecosystem resilience and promoting sustainable practices.
An Taisce's biodiversity for ponds project has been instrumental in raising public awareness about the value of ponds, water quality, and climate mitigation benefits. Through a series of projects, public engagement initiatives, workshops, and national collaboration, the organization has successfully established seven demonstration sites across Ireland on public land, working hand in hand with community groups who will continue to monitor these sites in the future. The project has also highlighted the pressing need for an All-Ireland Pond Plan, akin to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, to ensure the long-term protection and enhancement of these vital ecosystems.
The 'Advancing Farm-to-Fork' project, a cornerstone of the Legacy4Life programme, focused on promoting organic agriculture and exploring emission reduction options for the agricultural sector. The project sought to educate and advocate for the opportunities presented by the Farm to Fork alternative to current intensification-based policies, engaging both farmers and consumers in the process. A comprehensive survey of 405 participants shed light on the challenges faced by farmers transitioning to organic farming, with soil health, weeds, pests, disease, and increased labour input emerging as the most significant hurdles. Other challenges identified included costs and profitability, access to information, and current regulations and policies.
To support conventional farmers considering the switch to organic farming, An Taisce developed a booklet showcasing best practice examples across all farm enterprises, along with detailed information on relevant state supports. The organization also printed and distributed 900 booklets for children through the Green Schools network, fostering environmental awareness and appreciation among the younger generation.
The final strand of the Legacy4Life programme focused on developing a template for low carbon community plans, catering to both urban and rural areas. The resulting handbook aims to engage citizens in the planning of their future, empowering them to vote for their preferred decarbonisation activities. Additionally, the Green Communities Carbon Calculator allows users to manipulate levers to lower their carbon emissions at a community level, promoting grassroots action and collective responsibility.
The resounding success of An Taisce's Legacy4Life programme is a testament to the organization's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and the power of collaborative efforts. By bridging the gap between the farming community and environmental/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Ireland, the programme has highlighted the farming community's genuine interest in nature-based practices and biodiversity restoration. Many farmers have even utilized materials from the ponds programme to create ponds on their own land, contributing to improved water quality and biodiversity outcomes.
