Natural Capital Ireland

Contribution of healthy rivers to the SDGs  🌏 Healthy rivers and connected wetlands are critical to achieving global sustainability goals, yet their contributions are often underestimated. Rivers have supported human civilizations for centuries, providing essential resources that form the backbone of resilient societies. Today, these waterways remain crucial for addressing many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from hunger reduction to climate resilience. Rivers play a direct role in addressing Zero Hunger (SDG 2) by supporting fish populations that serve as primary protein sources for millions. Unobstructed rivers are vital for migratory fish, ensuring food security for communities dependent on these resources. For Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), rivers help recharge aquifers and sustain wetlands that deliver clean, sustainable water supplies. Healthy rivers are also pivotal for reducing disaster risks through flood mitigation, aligning with Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) by helping protect people and infrastructure from climate-induced hazards. Rivers also contribute to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by promoting ecotourism and providing job opportunities rooted in local culture. In the environmental sphere, rivers support Climate Action (SDG 13) by buffering against floods and droughts and preventing coastal erosion, while also maintaining critical habitats for biodiversity, aligning with Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15). These are just a few examples of how rivers serve as vital, interconnected ecosystems supporting multiple SDGs. Prioritizing river health and connectivity offers a powerful pathway to achieving sustainable development across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Source: WWF #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange #climateaction #sdgs #sustainabledevelopment

“A loss of place, anxiety, frustration…” How would you feel if you lived by the sea and witnessed your favourite beach disappear - or the coastline advance on your neighbourhood? This week at the UCD Earth Institute seminar, ‘Navigating the Community Impacts of Coastal Change’, Dr Tomas Buitendijk spoke about his research exploring the community impacts of coastal erosion in Ireland. He has worked with communities in Louth and Wicklow, Ireland’s east coast being most affected. A postdoc at UCD Earth Institute, Tomas is a member of MESSAGE - the Marine and Energy Social Sciences and Humanities Interdisciplinary Research Group. His research highlights the emotional and cultural impacts of erosion on local communities - and recently received UCD Sustainability seed funding. Other speakers at the seminar, the latest in UCD Earth Institute’s Democracy and Environment Policy series - and held in the MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland Ireland - were Dr Shauna Creane, PhD., postdoc and marine geoscientist; Katherine Cronin, PhD, marine policy advisor at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; and Xavier Monteys, senior geologist at Geological Survey Ireland. Catch Dr Tomas Buitendijk next at the Green Foundation Ireland seminar, 'The Irish Sea: Ecological, sociocultural and economic insights', on Monday, 11th November, 2pm, in UCD/on Zoom. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dNGaYufx Eoin O'Neill Fergus McAuliffe iCRAG - SFI Research Centre in Applied Geosciences Louise Griffin Geertje Schuitema Mark Coughlan UCD Earth Sciences UCD Marine & Energy Social Sciences & Humanities Interdisciplinary Research Group Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland Patrice Harrington Will Fitzmaurice Elizabeth B. Caitriona Devery #SDGsIRL #sustainability #coastalerosion

Under this current #EIP #Agri call – the sixth under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan 2023-2027 – interested parties are invited to #submit #proposals for #projects which could include: Innovative approaches in farming to address: 👉climate mitigation and climate adaptation at farm level, 👉farming in coastal areas, 👉farming within the organic and horticulture sectors; 🥗Food sustainability, security and the role of short supply chains Regenerative agriculture 🧑🌾 🌍Protecting and restoring soils and their sustainable use; 🐄🌾Sustainable farming systems for intensive agriculture at local and landscape levels; ♻️Innovative approaches within the bioeconomy / circular economy at a locally-led level.