World Wetlands Day Celebration Cloonlarge 2019

A large crowd gathered in Kilteevan today to celebrate World Wetlands Day 2019.

The glorious sunshine shed light on one of our most valuable natural habitats- our boglands.

The theme this year was Wetlands and Climate Change-highlighting the role of Wetlands as a natural solution to reduce the impact of climate change.

We walked, talked and shared stories and memories about the bog.

We learned lots, far too much to cover here, but we were asked to bring home a few key points which we wish to share:

Wetlands function as a natural and extremely efficient carbon sink.

Peatlands cover only 3% of land mass yet they absorb and store twice the amount of carbon of the world’s forests combined. Unbelieveable!

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There are Management Plans for the conservation and restoration for our Special Areas of Conservation. We look forward to witnessing that development in the future.

It is vitally important to send records of rich biodiversity to Biodiversity Ireland.

A new national heritage plan - Heritage Ireland 2030 is being drawn up. This new and ambitious strategy for Ireland will value and protect our built and natural heritage for future generations. We can all help to shape this strategy. #heritageireland2030

This is our chance to let the government know our thoughts.  As many submissions as possible are needed to make a good case for heritage at government level. Every submission will help.

You can have your say online  click on the link below

http://www.chg.gov.ie/heritage/heritageireland2030/

Sincere thanks to our excellent guides Catherine Seale, Water and Communiities, Laura Gallagher NPWS,  Nollaig Feeney Heritage Officer, Roscommon Co Council and Niall Cribbon NPWS. Thanks also to Noreen Shryane Water and Communities for attending.

Back at the Community Centre there was further information sharing and an opportunity to view a specialist taxidermist’s wildlife display.

Then we enjoyed a welcome cupán tae and home-made refreshments provided by Kilteevan Tidy Towns.

A beautiful, informative and relaxed morning was then wrapped up by gentle songs and music provided by members of Knockcroghery Ukulele Group.

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