Coastal Nature Protection, Management & Restoration with a focus on Seagrass habitat & the Nature Restoration Law

Contact: Karin Dubsky // Tel.: +353 (0)86 8111 684 // KDubsky@coastwatch.org

We have entered a key year for biodiversity. In 2023 reports by the Citizen Assembly on biodiversity loss and then the Joint Committee on the Env and Cl Action were published. The EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) should pass in February/March and the Irish Marine Protected Area (MPA) law follow soon afterwards.  The Nature Restoration Law and ongoing measures to designate, manage and restore Natura 2000 sites, offer new opportunities for public participation and citizen science. 

This Coastwatch seminar will provide an opportunity to review these initiatives against  the needs in the coastal zone, where Nature is struggling. Two sessions will focus on seagrass, as one  critically important inshore habitat. The keynote address by Dr. Marcial Bardolet, Head of the Posidonia Seagrass Surveillance Service, (IBANAT) Balearic Islands, Spain; should inspire and help us explore what we can do with new law and management approaches to make seagrass thrive and become a symbol of coastal biodiversity recovery. 

DRAFT AGENDA –  1 til 5.30 pm,  followed by coastal biodiversity celebration with music.

12.30 pm Sign in -  Foyer Museum Building, TCD, coffee

1.0 pm Welcome: Prof Brian Caulfield, Head of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering TCD. 

1.10 pm Coastal zone dynamics and nature based solutions: Prof Iris Moeller, Head of Geography TCD. 

NATURE RESTORATION LAW

Status of the EU Nature Restoration Law, Irish MEP positions as the NRL goes back to the European Parliament and next steps; Fintan Kelly IEN 

     

SEAGRASS INTERNATIONAL 

Seagrass, its importance and place in Conventions and laws. 

Key Note Address: The Mediterranean MPA network and Seagrass protection. 

Surveillance, pressures and law enforcement to underpin it; Dr Marcial Bardolet, IBANAT

THE IRISH MPA BILL 

Designation and management with public participation. Dr. Tim O’Higgins, Scientific Policy Adviser, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage tbc 

Conclusions and recommendations 

SEAGRASS IN IRELAND AND IN TRANSBOUNDARY  AREAS  

Coastwatch Seagrass campaign latest results. Introduction and chair Dr Robert Wilkes EPA.

Seagrass habitat locations, mapping, Bed Types, Pressures, Damage and Recommendations

Pressure and restoration case studies - Part II (+ recap of Part 1 presented on Dec 11th 2023)

PRIORITY ACTION SESSION 

Divide into groups to explore action for coastal biodiversity recovery. Agree some key recommendations and how to pursue these. 

NB - Final order of the 5 sessions tbc on Friday 12th Jan.  Registration essential.  Please note: the room is bright and dividable for the interactive session, but unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.