Go Green Project wraps up in Westport
We are thrilled to wrap up an impactful week in Mayo with the final Go Green Training Course hosted by Leave No Trace Ireland! Ivana Connor, our Project Administrator, led engaging sessions focused on communication, social engagement, and environmental education. We had a packed agenda, from insightful talks by Dr. Karina Dingerkus and Dr. John Scahill to inspiring field trips around Castlebar and Westport.
Highlights included learning about the One Westport project and our Beaches and Dunes initiative, aimed at preserving Ireland’s stunning coastline. We also explored local sustainability policies with ASPEA and gained hands-on experience at the Community Gardens with Gemma Hennessy.
Our commitment to education and community involvement was further emphasized by presentations from Rewild Rangers and discussions with Tidy Towns Westport. Plus, we were honoured to meet the Croagh Patrick Ambassadors. Volunteer Thomas Haughton shared his reasons for joining the program, while David Doyle and Frank McMahon discussed the path restoration project on Croagh Patrick, highlighting their three years of efforts to create a safe path and protect the mountain’s integrity. and learn about their dedication to preserving this iconic landmark.
As we discussed future plans on Friday, we’re excited about the momentum and grateful for the opportunity to showcase Mayo’s fantastic projects. Huge thanks to all involved! Let’s keep working together to leave a positive impact on our environment
Leave No Trace Ireland is one of six partner institutions involved in the ‘GoGreen – Local Action for the EU Green Deal Project’. Included are three municipalities in Portugal, Belgium, and Spain, two environmental NGOs (ASPEA – Portugal, Leave No Trace – Ireland) and a research centre in Cyprus that will lead the project.
The Go Green partner organisations are:
- Synthesis Centre
- Município de Lousada
- Gemeente & OCMW Zoersel
- ASPEA Associação
- Ayuntamiento Soto del Real
- Leave No Trace Ireland
The European Green Deal aims to transform the 27-country block from a high- to a low-carbon economy, without reducing prosperity and while improving people’s quality of life, through cleaner air and water, better health and a thriving natural world.
The green deal will work through a framework of regulation and legislation setting clear overarching targets – a bloc-wide goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and a 50%-55% cut in emissions by 2030 (compared with 1990 levels) are supposed to be at the core – alongside incentives to encourage private sector investment, with action plans for key sectors and goals such as halting species loss, cutting waste and better use of natural resources.
