Natural Environment  

The Natural Environment work of An Taisce focuses on the conservation of Ireland’s rich and often undervalued natural heritage.  Important aspects of our natural heritage include clean air and water; ecological communities (ecosystems) like woods, wetlands; lakes, and rivers; the variabilty among all types of living organisms (biodiversity); green spaces shared by people and wildlife; and Irelands wonderful coastline. 

 

Many global and Irish ecosystems are in a steady decline.  This trend is recognised by the UN, the European Community, and the Irish Government as having far reaching consequences for humankind and the natural world upon which we depend.  This predicament can only be tackled through significant changes in policies and practices.  Making this happen is in all of our hands, and is central in our responsibility to future generations. 

 

Communication and education about biodiversity, ecosystems, threats facing our natural heritage, and how to operate more sustainably, is vital to our work.  These issues are central to sustainable development, which is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  As an independent non-governmental organisation, An Taisce are constant and proactive in advocating sustainability, through plans and policies both at the local, national, and European level. 

 

Our long standing commitment to environmental protection in a wide range of issues gives us a unique insight in to the key activities affecting our natural environment.  Keeping our finger on the pulse of these issues is essential to instigating the changes that are needed to minimise and control damage to our natural heritage. An Taisce work closely with many institutions and organisations of both shared and diverging objectives in order to support and instigate improved policies and practices for a better environment.

 

An Taisce are well recognised for acting for the protection of valued natural heritage sites that are under threat. We often carry out this element of our work in conjunction with local communities, facilitating awareness and involvement at a local level.  In every instance, we depend on existing national and European policy or law to protect Ireland’s heritage and natural resources.  We also provide assistance and respond to instances of serious and often illegal environmental degradation throughout the country.

 

As we carry out all this valuable work without any state funding, your assistance in the form of membership, volunteering, and financial contributions is vital to enable us to continue this work. Time and dedication alone is not enough, we need to raise resources in order to keep our finger on the pulse of ever increasing environmental issues and developments around the country.  Operating in the most proactive, relevant, and up to date manner requires funds.

 

An Taisce need improved resources to tackle the full range of issues that we deal with on a daily basis more effectively.  Whilst being actively involved at local and national levels of policy development, influencing and strengthening local, regional, and national development plans, new and existing legislation and parliamentary bills, implementation of European Legislation, and so on, we are constantly under pressure to intervene in serious issues and environmental threats on the ground.  These activities, in addition to meeting our statutory prescribed role under the 'Planning and Development Acts', the Forestry Acts, pollution control and waste legislation, 'Dumping at sea permits', and aquaculture licensing, make for a challenging array of responsibilities for our Natural Environment Office.  With your help we can garner the resourced needed to effectively achieve improved policies and practices towards Ireland’s natural heritage, and leave a better legacy for future generations.