COMMUNITIES in Kerry that are committed to protecting biodiversity and wildlife are being offered an opportunity to work with an expert ecologist under additional grant supports.
The supports are being offered by The Community Foundation for Ireland, in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, as part of a joint community and nature fund.
Groups in Kerry are being invited to apply under three strands, each with the aim of developing actions which will deliver real results with a community biodiversity plan. Communities will work with an ecologist to draw up a community biodiversity action plan within their local community or with up to five local landowners.
The aim is to contribute towards reversing a crisis which has seen nature and biodiversity under severe threat and grants of up to €10,000 are available.
Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan
Minister of State for Heritage at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Housing, Malcolm Noonan, said community involvement on the ground in Kerry can have a big national impact.
“Initiatives at local level can have a hugely positive impact on nature in Ireland, while helping people to get to know the biodiversity in their area and understand what to do to protect and enhance it.
“Communities have an important role to play in addressing the biodiversity crisis, and we need their help to create new habitats, restore existing ones, tackle invasive species and raise awareness of nature locally, which in turn has a regional and national effect.
Full details of the application process are available at www.communityfoundation.ieand the closing date is November 12.
