SDG Stories: Croagh Patrick Ambassadors
The aim of the programme is to drive public awareness of the importance of care and respect for our natural heritage, to empower positive behavioural change and develop skills around outdoor recreation so that locals and visitors can continue to enjoy and protect Croagh Patrick and its surrounds.
Over 120,000 people climb Croagh Patrick annually. However, the mountain currently does not have any statutory or legal conservation protection or status. The increase in visitor numbers has resulted in many negative impacts on the mountain, the most visible of which is the path erosion on privately-owned land.
Through identifying the issues with local stakeholders, Volunteer Ambassadors will be recruited to engage with visitors to Croagh Patrick. Leave No Trace Ireland will deliver the Ambassador Training Programme to the selected Ambassadors, working with Mayo County Council to ensure that visitors to Crough Patrick appreciate the importance of preserving the mountain’s distinct natural, cultural and religious heritage through sustainable use. This training programme will also provide guidance on the most effective means for volunteers to engage with visitors to the mountain, whether local or visiting on how to engage in responsible stewardship of Croagh Patrick. The Croagh Patrick Ambassdor Programme has been funded by the Heritage Council.
The Croagh Patrick Ambassador Programme fits into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and community engagement around one of Ireland’s most iconic natural sites. Here’s how it aligns with specific SDGs:
- SDG 4: Quality Education 📚
The programme provides education on Leave No Trace principles, teaching participants how to minimize their impact on the environment. By raising awareness and providing hands-on learning experiences, it fosters a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility. - SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- By promoting sustainable tourism, the programme contributes to local economic development, creating opportunities for community involvement and supporting local businesses while ensuring tourism practices are sustainable and culturally respectful.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 🏙️
The programme encourages sustainable tourism and responsible visitation practices at Croagh Patrick, helping to preserve the site for future generations while supporting local communities. - SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionThe programme emphasizes sustainable tourism practices that reduce waste, promote recycling, and encourage responsible behavior among visitors, aligning with responsible consumption and minimizing environmental impact.
- SDG 13: Climate Action 🌍
Through education and advocacy, the programme emphasizes the importance of reducing human impact on natural environments. By promoting low-impact practices, it contributes to broader climate action efforts. - SDG 15: Life on Land 🌱
The Croagh Patrick Ambassador Programme directly supports the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems by educating visitors on how to reduce erosion, manage waste, and protect biodiversity at the site. - SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals 🤝
The programme relies on collaboration between local communities, environmental organizations, and volunteers. These partnerships are key to its success in promoting sustainable practices and achieving broader conservation goals.
The Department of Environment Climate and Communications (DECC) provided us with an access to an SDG assessment tool called the Accelerating Action Tool. The Accelerating Action Tool is designed to help organizations assess and align their activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It enables users to evaluate their current contributions to the SDGs, identify gaps, and find opportunities to accelerate progress on specific goals.
