Ours To Protect with John Morley (ep 46)

Ours to Protect is a unique and exciting audio project – a collaboration of local and regional broadcasters from across the country who have come together to tackle climate change, champion climate action, and inform and educate audiences all over Ireland about how they can make a difference.

Today on ‘Ours To Protect’ John Morley talks to Dr Noel Doyle, Project Lead from Leave No Trace Ireland about how best to protect our coastlines from pollution.

Did you know…

• Leave No Trace Ireland have launched a new course to empower local communities to protect their coast in Galway.
• The course will visit Dog’s Bay in Roundstone, Galway on the 27^th April and the 18^th
• The ‘Beaches & Dunes for Climate Adaptation course’ will emphasize the vital role of sand dune ecosystems in coastal protection and habitat preservation.

Why is it important for communities to protect their coastlines from pollution?

• Pollution harms delicate marine ecosystems, disrupting food chains and harming wildlife. Clean coastlines mean healthy fish populations and a thriving natural environment.
• Polluted water can be unsafe for swimming and other activities, posing a risk of illness. Clean beaches are essential for safe recreation and tourism.
• Coastlines with healthy sand dunes and natural vegetation act as barriers, protecting communities from flooding and erosion caused by storms and rising sea levels.

What can I do to help protect my community’s coastline from pollution?

• You can sign up to Leave No Trace’s course to learn more about protecting your community’s coastline. In addition to the Galway course, there are two courses in Co. Donegal, as well as one in Sligo and Mayo respectively.
• Reduce your impact on your coastlines by always packing out all your rubbish and avoid leaving anything behind on the beach and sticking to designated paths on beaches and avoid trampling on sand dunes or delicate vegetation.
• Many organizations hold regular cleanups. Lend a hand and make a direct impact on your coastline.

Here’s a few websites if you want to know more!

https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/ – Leave No Trace Ireland

https://cleancoasts.org/ – Clean Coasts

https://www.epa.ie/ – Environmental Protection Agency