Environmental Awareness Strategy 2016 – 2020 · 2018-08-20 · Environmental Awareness Strategy 2016 – 2020 1 Introduction The EU’s environment policy is termed The 7th Environment

Environmental Awareness Strategy

2016 – 2020

Contents

KEY OBJECTIVES IN THE STRATEGY

1 Climate Change

2 Sustainable Living

3 Anti-Litter Awareness

4 Water Conservation

5 Protection of Our Freshwater and Coastal Environments

6 Protect Our Biodiversity

7 Research

8 General Education and Awareness

9 Appendix

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Environmental Awareness Strategy 2016 – 2020 1

Introduction

The EU’s environment policy is termed The 7th Environment Action Programme (EAP) and is validuntil 2020. It aims that as EU citizens we live well within the planet’s ecological limits and that ourprosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative, circular economy where nothing iswasted. It aspires to being a society where natural resources are managed sustainably andbiodiversity is protected, valued and restored. The objective of the Environmental Awareness Strategy is to promote environmental awareness inall societies throughout all regions of Cork County.It desires to increase environmental knowledge in the general public, specifically target our youth,local communities, businesses and industry, NGOs and educators.An increase in environmental awareness can be achieved through a range of communications andby supporting community actions and behavioural change programmes. Ultimately these actionswill drive our society towards an ecologically sustainable life style and sustainable work practices.The five year strategy (2016-2020) outlines key areas of focus from climate change to sustainableliving to protection of natural environment and litter pollution – areas that all require integration intoeducation programmes.The objectives proposed in the Environmental Awareness Strategy work in harmony with otherCouncil policies and action plans. The strategy is driven by the Council’s priorities as identified inthe Corporate Plan, Litter Plan and the Southern Region Waste Management Plan.Successful implementation will bring about a positive relationship between local government andcivil society, a collective responsibility for our environment and an ethic of partnership building.It will have promoted local actions that support consideration of the local environment includingsocial and economic impacts. Citizens will be environmentally educated, more aware of theirenvironmental impact and conscious that behavioural change is key: “Taking care of the

environment is taking care of ourselves".

The strategy is a guide to the general public on key environmental awareness issues being promotedin Cork County and areas for their participation. It is intended for internal use by Council staff andits networking partners. The Environmental Awareness & Research Unit will lead the implementationof this strategy.

2 Environmental Awareness Strategy 2016 – 2020

1 Climate Change

To keep climate change below dangerous levels, the international community agrees that theaverage global temperature must not rise more than 2°C above the pre-industrial temperature. As European Community citizens we are requested to assist in the cutting our own countries' carbonemissions.For 2020 the European Commission (EU) has set binding measures designed to cut the EU’sgreenhouse gas emissions to at least 20% below 1990 levels. There is to be an increase to 20%for energy consumption coming from renewable sources. In the longer term, much deeper cuts in world emissions will be needed to prevent dangerousclimate change. Therefore EU countries are committed to reducing their emissions by 80-95% of1990 levels by 2050.The European Commission has published a document “A Roadmap for moving to a competitivelow carbon economy in 2050”http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2050/index_en.htmThe issue of climate change is a very complex one, covering all areas of life, involving all sectorsand all aspects of the environment. Climate change presents an immediate and significant threatto our natural and built environment and to the ways of life which co-exist with this environment. For most people their contribution to reducing climate change emissions is not fully understood. Ageneral lack of knowledge about the impacts of their daily life actions on the natural environmentmeans that people continue unabated with increasing their carbon emissions.

Promoting awareness on energy conservation and climate change initiatives.(Photos Billy Magill & Dr Mary Stack)


Climate Change Objectives

Promoting sustainable travel at work (Photos Dr Mary Stack)

Issue To reverse the increase of carbon emissions in the provision ofCork County Council public services. Lack of awareness in the general public as unknowingcontributors to increasing global carbon emissions.

Target Groups Corporate, schools, business, general public, Council staff.

Strategy Objectives To assist in the provision of public awareness programmes•on climate change.To assist with the implementation of the National Climate•Change Strategy in Cork County. To participate in EU lead research and action programmes•at local community level.Through regulatory actions, via planning and licensing•policies and authorisations, the Council will promote asustainable society in Cork County and implement nationaltargets for climate change reduction. The Council shall reduce CO2 emissions from Council•owned public buildings and promote the use of renewableenergy sources and in the delivery of services.Disseminate information regarding best practice e.g. in•relation to climate change actions and supportdemonstration projects undertaken by the community /NGO groups / stakeholders.Provide energy awareness, green circular economy•information and assistant to the public via the Council’sEnvironment Directorate and in partnership withgovernment agencies.


2 Sustainable Living

Cork County Council promotes waste prevention and water and energy conservation across itsown organisation and advises communities and businesses on how to conserve their resourcesand reduce negative impacts on their environment. The Council advocates resource efficient useof all materials and seeks to eliminate waste before it is produced in the first instance. The primaryaim is to RETHINK an action prior to undertaking it. Reduction of any waste at source is the priority,followed by reduce, reuse, repair, recycling. A guide to managing your household waste, to encourage upcycling, the reuse of household items,environmentally friendly gardening and the conservation of water is published by the Council.Supporting this guide is an extensive network of recycling centres, civic amenity sites, bottle banks,charity clothes banks and kerbside collections provided by private waste contractors. Commercialcentres provide takeback schemes for WEEE household equipment and batteries. Cork County Council is a member of the Southern Waste Region (SWRO), which comprises 10southern local authorities, covering 42% of Ireland’s landmass. There is one waste managementplan for this region. The Southern Waste Region hosts a number of events throughout the year forbusinesses and communities. A regional PR campaign promoting sustainable actions is supportedby Cork County Council.Additional guidance and advice is available via public events supported by the EnvironmentalAwareness & Research Unit throughout the year. Additional guides and updates are available onthe Council’s web site www.corkcoco.ie and www.southernwasteregion.ie .

To achieve a sustainable lifestyle, either

at home or at work, we must adopt these

five principles:

Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle


A Guide to Managing Your HouseholdWaste & Domestic Water Usage

Environmental Awareness Objectives for Sustainable Living

Issue To assist with the implementation of EU and National policies onwaste management and supporting measures through whichIreland will make the further progress necessary to become asustainable society, with a clear focus on resource efficiency andthe virtual elimination of landfilling of municipal waste.

Target Groups Domestic householders, businesses, schools, community groups,NGOs and Council staff.

Strategy Objectives Promote the waste hierarchy of waste avoidance and•elimination.Encourage and support the recovery and reuse of waste.•Promote the use of repair and reuse stores.•Promote the use of online exchange networks for the reuse•of goods e.g. www.GiveorGet.ie for households, SMILEExchange for businesses.Assist in educating the public, Council staff and commercial•entities in waste minimisation, substitution of harmfulchemicals, diversion of hazardous waste streams and thecorrect separation of waste, including food waste.Promote upcycling through the Council’s "Pride in the•Community School Garden Competition" run by CorkFederation of Muintir na Tire.Promote energy and water conservation practices.•Promote smarter travel to work and life events.•Promote the preparation and use of maps displaying•sustainable services / facilities in towns and villages.

May is compost awareness month and isacknowledged via an exhibit in County Hall. (Photo Dr Mary Stack)


3 Anti-Litter Awareness

The Council supports national anti-litter initiatives through local litter management plans. Theseplans aspire to raise public awareness that littering in any form – chewing gum, dog fouling, flytipping– is an antisocial behaviour.

General Anti-Litter Awareness Objectives

Issue Litter is present along rural and urban roads, foreshores, amenityparks and most areas utilized our residents and visitors. Alongwith the unsightly visual affect, litter is polluting our environmentand poses health and safety issues.

Target Groups Residents, businesses, schools, community groups and NGOs.

Strategy Objectives Increase awareness of the problems associated with litter.•Support the education of our children on anti-litter initiatives•via the Green Schools programme.Municipal District Councils to work in partnership with local•community organisations e.g. Tidy Towns groups,encouraging neighbourhood cleanups and reporting of illegaldumping and participation in the Council’s Anti-litterChallenge initiative for towns and villages.Encourage day trippers to beaches, parks and public places•to take their rubbish home and their participation in nongovernment organisation programmes e.g. Leave no Traceand Clean Coast.Support national initiatives on chewing gum pollution.•

Supporting anti-litter initiatives is the key

to a clean environment.

Green Dog Walkers anti-litter campaignpromoting behavioural change and raisingawareness of dog fouling as a litter offence.(Photo Billy Magill)

Green Schools Award for Litter Prevention. (Photo Billy Magill)

National Spring Clean Launch with theassistance of Glounthaune Tidy Towns. (Photo Billy Magill)

Pet Fouling Awareness Objectives

Issue A pet faeces deposit in a public place is an aesthetic nuisance andspoils our enjoyment of the environment. It is also a health hazardto the public and is seen as a significant environmental problem.Pet fouling in public places is a breach of the Litter Act.

Target Groups Pet owners, residents groups, pet stores and food suppliers,veterinarian clinics, dog / cat organisations, schools.

Strategy Objectives Increase the public’s awareness of the problems associated•with pet fouling.Increase awareness on the use of pet faeces disposal bins•provided by Municipal District Councils and the County Council.Encourage pet owners to collect and correctly dispose of•faeces. Encourage the use of any bag and bin policy.Encourage responsible pet ownership.•Encourage participation in awareness programmes •e.g. Green Dog Walkers.

Cork County Council’s Regional Park,Ballincollig, spear-heading a clean environmentfor the general public. (Photo Billy Magill)



4 Water Conservation

Cork County has an abundant supply of natural water which may be abstracted for potableconsumption. Due to Cork County’s extensive land mass and long coastline, surface and estuarinewaters are used extensively as an amenity for recreational and commercial activities but also provideimportant habitats for plants and animals. Cork County Council is continuously working to conservedrinking water sources while protecting and facilitating improved management of water resources.Householders, schools and businesses must play their part in the conservation and protection ofthis precious natural resource.

Potable Water Conservation Objectives

Issue Water is a finite resource and vast quantities of treated purified waterare needlessly wasted. A conservation awareness programme isneeded across all sectors of society in Cork County. A greaterappreciation for this finite resource as a necessity for life is required.Water for potable consumption must meet strict EU standards. Toprepare, store and distribute water to the end user incurs a cost. The‘user pays’ principle addresses this associated cost.

Target Groups Domestic and non-domestic users, including schools.

Strategy Objectives Education, information and public awareness initiatives are•essential in the support of water source management andpotable water conservation.Promote the reporting of leaks to the local authority (service•provider for Irish Water in Cork County).Promote education programmes on the sustainable use of•water in all sectors.Support the water conservation module of the Green Flag•Programme in schools.Support the EPA’s BeGreen suite of activities and programmes•for the commercial sector.Promote sustainable recreational waterborne sporting activities.•Support Global Action initiatives on sustainable practices in the•home.Promote rainwater harvesting.•Encourage sustainable gardening practices.•


Water Conservation Guide for Schools inCork County, developed by Dr Mary Stack.

Water purification plant in Cork County. (Photo Dr Mary Stack)

Measuring flow rates in school taps. (Photo Dr Mary Stack)

Promoting our Blue Flag Beaches.

Water Conservation Guide for Farms.

5 Protection of Our Freshwater

and Coastal Environments


Cork, with a land area of 7,453 sq. km, has 1,200 km of main channel rivers. Major rivers includethe Bandon, Blackwater, Glashaboy and the Lee. There are 2,000 km of streams and many lakes,the largest lakes being Carrigadrohid and Inniscarra. The water quality in most estuarine, coastalwaters and bathing waters remains high. The protection of our water’s heritage must be a priorityfor citizens of this county.

Freshwater & Coastal Environment Objectives

Issue The lack of awareness of the frailty of our water ecosystems, itsvulnerability to pollution and the requirement to protect aquawildlife habitats and abstraction sources for drinking watersupplies, is evident across all sectors of society.Nutrient enrichment causing eutrophication is a significant threatto Cork’s rivers and some coastal areas.

Target Groups General public, licensee and permit holders, schools, businesses,farmers, NGOs, anglers, yacht clubs, Harbour Authority.

Strategy Objectives Support the public participation in awareness-raising•programmes and initiatives.Support the EPA river water management plans of the South•West River Basin District and the Local Authority Water andCommunities Office (LAWCO).Promotion of water protection measures that can be•undertaken on farms, in businesses and commercial sectors.Promote the reporting of pollution incidents to the Local and•Harbour Authorities and Fisheries Board.Promote the correct disposal by householders of hazardous•household and gardening chemicals.Promote pollution awareness initiatives and voluntary•accreditation schemes, for clubs / individuals and commercialentities, where water is used by them for recreational purposes.

Educational programmes are vital tools in the protection

& management of our water resources.

Environmental Awareness Strategy 2016 – 2020 11Environmental Awareness Strategy 2016 – 2020 11

Cork County Council has responsibility forharbours and piers in the County. Items ofmarine waste are identified for segregation,reuse, upcycling and safe disposal at Union HallHarbour. (Photo Dr Mary Stack)

Segregation of marine waste in Union HallHarbour. (Photo Dr Mary Stack)

Highlighting the impact of marine pollution. (Photos Billy Magill & Dr Mary Stack)

The “Fishing for Litter” initiative encouragesfishermen to bring ashore any litter they catch.(Photo BIM)

Our water ecosystems are vulnerable topollution. (Photo Cork County Council Staff)

Protecting our water courses for futuregenerations. (Photo Robbie Murphy)


6 Protecting Our Biodiversity

Healthy ecosystems can help us cope with the impact of climatechange but we depend on our healthy environment for food,energy, air, water and raw materials. Ecosystems make lifepossible on earth and drive our economy. Biological diversity (biodiversity) is the scientific term for the varietyof life on Earth. Everywhere on this earth species live and dependon one another, including man. This has evolved in complex networksof interdependent relationships, which are called ecosystems.Biodiversity is the key indicator of the health of an ecosystem.Healthy ecosystems purify our water and air, recycle nutrients,provide food and maintain our soil. They are the foundation stonefor life and sustaining our economies. We could not live withouta healthy ecosystem. When certain species are affected by pollution, climate changeor human activities, our whole ecosystem may adapt and survivewhen a wider variety of species are present. But the extinction ofa species may have unforeseen impacts. Ireland, along with otherMember States, is committed to protecting Europe's richbiodiversity and halting biodiversity loss in the EU by 2020. TheBirds Directive and the Habitats Directive forms the backbone ofbiodiversity policy.The EU’s Flash Barometer survey reports an increase of 9%,since the last report, of Irish citizens who say that biodiversityloss in their country is a serious problem.1

In Cork County, citizens’ understanding and awareness ofbiodiversity and their knowledge of invasive alien species hasincreased through their participation in the Council’s educationprogrammes. Examples are green schools, schools gardencompetition, community allotments and composting awarenessevents. The Council gives wide support to NGOs for events andprogrammes such as bird watching, Leave No Trace and AnTaisce's school woodland project in Ballygarvan and through grantaid to communities via the Local Agenda 21 environment fundand community amenity grants.1EU Flash Eurobarometer 379 Attitudes towards biodiversity (2013)

Pesticides have a negativeimpact on wildlife. (Photo Dr Mary Stack)

Japanese Knotweed requiresprofessional intervention to haltthe spread of this non-nativeinvasive species. (Photo Robbie Murphy)

Non-native coastal daisy nowfound growing in the wild.(Photo Dr Mary Stack)


Protecting Biodiversity Objectives

Issue Lack of awareness of the impact of our citizen’s daily actions ontheir local ecosystem-environment and the threat of habitat lostfrom their locality.

Target Groups Schools, domestic householders, commercial, community groups,NGOs, Enterprise Boards and Council staff.

Strategy Objectives Promote the development of local biodiversity initiatives in•the Council’s biodiversity plan through partnership andsupport of community groups and other local organisations.Promote education, information and public awareness•initiatives which support local biodiversity actions.Promote the reporting of alien species to the National Parks•& Wildlife Service, National Roads Authority or LocalAuthority.Promote the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020. •Support the biodiversity module of the Green Flag•Programme in schools. Promote the improvement of wildlifehabitats in schools and increase their awareness of invasivealien species.Support NGOs and Local Enterprise Offices in community•awareness events and actions, on biodiversity and invasivealien species.Promote sustainable recreational land, air and waterborne•recreational activities. Support initiatives to reduce the use of chemical herbicides•and pesticides in the environment.Encourage sustainable gardening practices. •Provide guidance documents on biodiversity-friendly land•management practises, such as the control of invasivespecies and hedgerow management.

Farmers are playing their part in supportinghedgerow management. (Photo Dr Mary Stack)

Biodiversity thrives in a balanced ecosystem. (Photo Dr Mary Stack)


7 Research

The Environmental Awareness and Research Unit will participate and contribute to research ideasand programmes, enabling the Environment Directorate to focus and target resources on researchpriorities. The driver for this research will be to comply with EU and national requirements.Participation will increase the public’s awareness of the Directorate’s functions and the protectionof their environment.

Environmental Research Objectives

Issue Environmental Awareness and Research Unit shall develop anddisseminate innovative and effective research programmes thatwill provide assistance to the Council, the Directorate and ourcustomers. To participate and support Regional, National and EUresearch proposals in line with Corporate policy.

Target Groups Corporate, schools, business, general public.

Strategy Objectives Engage in EU research programmes such as the EU Strategy•on Adaptation to Climate Change.Participation in Ireland-Wales Co-operation programme in•support of the Adaptation of the Irish Sea and coastalcommunities to climate change and promoting climatechange adaptation, risk prevention and management.EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) shall be•supported in the implementation of research initiatives forlocal solutions of marine litter.As a member of the EPA’s Local Authority Prevention•Network (LAPN), develop new methods to make communitiesmore sustainable.Encourage partnerships with associates in academia, state•agencies, research institutions, the business sector, non-governmental organisations and other local authorities in bothin Ireland and EU states.



8General Education

and Awareness

Many actions can be employed to educate and raise environmental awareness in the community.These actions will empower people to participate effectively in democratic change towards a betterenvironment for all. Recognition on the complexity of environmental issues will be realised and theneed to develop solutions collectively accepted. In environmental education everyone hassomething to learn and something to contribute.Regular interaction with community groups and other relevant stakeholders is required to promotelocal environmental projects and local initiatives. It is important to mobilize and build on learner’sknowledge and competencies.Financial support via grants schemes for projects / initiatives is key in assisting with communityawareness raising and for the promotion of a positive benefit on their local environment.Sponsorship of such events and programmes will increase the public’s focus on climate changeand adaptation strategies. Some examples of which are listed here:• Supporting the Green Flag environmental awareness programme for schools.• Developing and disseminating educational materials e.g. water conservation guides for

schools or factsheets, such as those developed by Sherkin Island Marine Station on waterprotection and biodiversity.

• Facilitating environmental award initiatives and local competitions, for example “Pride in theCommunity” by the Cork Federation of Muintir na Tire.

• Facilitating environmental talks and information seminars, directed at the general public.• Encouraging businesses to have environmental education inhouse action days for staff and

outreach initiatives with their local community.


(Photo Dr Mary Stack)

Many actions can

be employed to

educate and raise

environmental

awareness in the

community.


Award for Sustainable Trader in local foodfestival. (Photo Billy Magill)


Greening local village and town events will reduce our eco footprint and help with climate changeadaptation. (Photo Billy Magill)

Storytime in the Cork County Libraries, promotingenvironmental awareness. (Photo Billy Magill)

9 Appendix

Environmental information for all sectors – community, school, business and NGOs – maybe foundon the environment directorate’s website at www.corkcoco.ie/environment.

Additional information may be found on the sites listed below.

Domestic HouseholdsSouthern Waste Region http://southernwasteregion.ie/Environmental Protection Agency http:// epa.ie

Environmental Protection Agency – my local environmenthttp://gis.epa.ie/myenvironment#/search

Local Prevention.ie http://localprevention.ie/

Local projects and activities/events see Cork Environmental Forum on http://www.cef.ie/

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/citizens/eu/index_en.htm

Exchange of household goods www.GiveorGet.ie www.Recyclemore.ie

For copies of:i. Coolagown village case study on their households reduction of their waste,ii. Free Guide to managing your household waste and domestic water usage, visit corkcoco.ie > environment > environmentalawareness > publications

A full list of very helpful web sites from exchanging household goods and water conservation, toreduction in food waste is available in this free guide.

BusinessThe best site for SMEs is the EPA’s green business website: http://greenbusiness.ie

For small business check out the www.localprevention.ie/business website.Visit the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) websites. SEAI for Energy advice: http://www.seai.ie/

SMILE Waste Exchange Service for business http://www.smileexchange.ie/



SchoolsVisit the following websites:-Green Schools programme: http://www.greenschoolsireland.org/

ECO UNESCO: http://www.ecounesco.ie/

SEAI for Energy advice: http://www.seai.ie/

Europa website: http://europa.eu/quick-links/schools-universities/index_en.htm

Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/education/

Community Groups and NGOsFor Communities Initiatives see:Local Agenda 21 funding projects on http://www.environ.ie/en/

Europa: http://ec.europa.eu/clima/citizens/eu/index_en.htm

European Environment Agency: http://www.eea.europa.eu/

Case studies and initiatives on the Environmental Awareness Unit web page on:www.corkcoco.ie > A-Z Services > environment > environmental awareness

Local projects and activities/seminar see Cork Environmental Forum on www.cef.ie

Green Communities visit http://www.antaisce.org/environment

Agricultural and Marine Sector:

Environmental Protection Agency River Basin Management:

http://www.epa.ie/water/watmg/wfd/rbmp/#.VrOGymfcsiU

Bord Iascaigh Mhara: www.bim.ie

SMILE Waste Exchange Service for business:

http://www.smileexchange.ie/

Southern Waste Region: http://southernwasteregion.ie/

For Corporate Initiatives and ServicesVisit CorkCoCo.ie homepageBoomerang recycling: http://boomerangenterprises.ie/

Southern Waste Region: http://southernwasteregion.ie/

SMILE exchange for business: http://www.smileexchange.ie/

Give or Get Household Goods Exchange: http://www.giveorget.ie/

RecycleMore: www.Recyclemore.ie

Cork County Council Veterinary Services:

www.corkcoco.ie > A-Z Services > Veterinary

Cork County Council Planning Services:

www.corkcoco.ie > Planning > Biodiversity and Planning



Notes

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An increase in environmental awareness

can be achieved through a range of

communications and by supporting

community actions and behavioural

change programmes.

(Photo Dr Mary Stack)

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Published by the Environment DirectorateEnvironmental Awareness & Research UnitEnvironment DepartmentInniscarra WaterworksInniscarraCo. Corkwwww.corkcoco.ie/environment

Rethink · Reduce · Reuse · Repair · Recycle

(Pho

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ck)

Documents

Environmental Awareness Strategy 2016 – 2020 · 2018-08-20 · Environmental Awareness Strategy 2016 – 2020 1 Introduction The EU’s environment policy is termed The 7th Environment